Seaside Soiree 2012 was definitely a HUGE success with all
the arts, crafts, food, and unforgettable laughs. This three-day retreat had so
much going on that there was no way that any participant or volunteer could not
have fun. Since I have never attended a Seaside Soiree event before, I was
nervous about the sheer magnitude of working an event this large. However, with
amazing planning and awesome volunteers, this whole weekend came together
beautifully.
On day 1, we had set up all these decorations and tables
outside for the crafting to beginning. However right before the event started,
there was a slight problem that arose…it started raining. Yes, the hard work we
did on setup was lost, but did that put a damper on the night? Of course not!
We merely moved everything inside. Were we all snug inside the Martin Johnson
House? Yes, but that’s the point of a retreat right? Haha. As soon as the
ladies got to the house, we begin our first class with
Jennifer Priest and her
adorable altered dress forms! We also began to ice resin pieces of
JenCushman’s Fly With Your Hearts Desire Art Journal. After a crafty night like
that, you think it would stop there. But the party continued at the hotel where
we had an ice cream social and art swap. It was such a great time for everyone
to get to know each other, trade art, and enjoy some tasty sweets.
Day 2 was just as busy as some attended an early tour of the
Scripps Institute of Oceanography Pier tour with Jesse.
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This is our view! That is the pier at The Scripps Institute of
Oceanograph
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Then the day kicked off
with
Danita Art’s class where she showed all the women how to make their own
personalized mermaid! Soon after, they were able to finish completing their Art
Journals with Jen. Then the nightly activities began with “Dinner by the
Seaside”. It was extraordinary with all the Seaside Soiree attendees and
special guests. We were lucky to get amazing food from Villa Capri and Whole
Foods like Spaghetti alla Puntanesca, Gambero alla Senape, Thai Chicken
Skewers, and Spinach Savory Pastries to name a few. And what kind of dinner
would this be without alcohol and coffee! Roast Coach Coffee Bar was there to
serve coffee all night long with a huge assortment of beer from Wetten
Importers and wine from One Hope Wine. And if that wasn’t enough, we had a
rockin’ photobooth. If you want to check out the photos, click HERE.
However,
the best part of the dinner was definitely the silent auction that took place.
Thanks to everyone’s help, we were able to raise so much money for the
CharityWings Art Center and the Scripps Institute of Oceanography.
Unfortunately the fun had to end sometime, but Seaside
Soiree concluded with
Cheryl Waters’ class making a vintage wall hanging and a
fun Artist Faire. Sprinkles Cupcakes was nice enough to donate cute mini
cupcakes for everyone to enjoy as they shopped around the faire and buy some
amazing goodies to take home with them.
Seaside Soiree 2012 has come and gone,
but we’ve all built some wonderful memories with one another. So see you there
next time. But in the meantime, check out some photos from of the event
HERE.
Yours truly,
Paul Nguyen
