Artist - SUZANNE C. GIBSON

And Now for PACKING THE BAGS.... TWO TEENAGERS TWO DANCE KITS (Dresses, Shoes, Track Suits, Socks - lots of socks) and the amenities for traveling for 3 weeks. ARTIST KIT I HAVE MORE ART STUFF THAN PERSONAL ITEMS THIS TRIP... NOT INCLUDED IN THE PICTURES are the canvases, art panels and sketchbooks that are going with me.

How does one prepare for an extended trip that involves art, dance, music, family, and managing it all. 1. Practice.  I've spent much of the past year working with my oils, quick painting, smaller canvas, compact tools, and equipment to carry it in.  2. Research. New materials, how to travel internationally, safely, and with two teens. 3. Location and lodging. Where am I going to be? 4. Passports and Paperwork... Up to date. Tickets, travel, air ground transportation. 5. Ground Buddies.... Ok, so the first 4 are obvious, but Ground Buddies are so important. Whether you are traveling alone or in a group, who are your LOCAL ground buddies.  It could be knowing the CONCIERGE at the hotel, or the B&B owner. It could be a family member who meets or texts when you are on the ground... Or it could be your coach and team... This trip is exciting because we have so many ground buddies!!! Anna (my cousin), Rachael & Devalis, the Wexford Artists, and then the McNulty D

ART & DANCE A PLEIN AIR - DANCE - ADVENTURE This has been a long time in the planning, and a dream in the making... In a few weeks, Fiona, Tanner and I will be heading out for an exciting journey... Plein Air Travel.... and a bonus is that it began as just a dance tour trip for Fiona and her Irish Dance team... The McNulty School of Irish Dance, Ireland Tour 2019,  But lo-and-behold, the calendar of her dance team trip and "Art in the Open" in Wexford, Ireland just aligned perfectly. So... in just a few weeks we will have packed bags and be embarking on our first (of many more) art and dance travel journeys. The planning for each day is a mix of Business and Pleasure along with learning (me) and practice (her) and exploring (both) and visiting with friend and family along the way. In the recent weeks, Fiona has been to workshops, dance classes, festivals and feis.... she is stage ready and prepared as much as any 13 year old would be.... What is