Starting a 500-hr KMI class is always a bit of a palaver, and one always wonders how it is going to come together, but by this time I have lots of support: Tammy and George at the office at home, and in this case JoJean the local organizer has found us a great place - the Mesa Arts Center. While the room itself could be said to be a bit enclosed and scruffy - it is used as rehearsal space - the whole feel of the place is vibrant with creativity. we are surrounded by outdoor sculpture (including a tensegrity shade over our heads) pottery, glassblowing, children trying out for plays, people taking photos of pretty boys from artistic angles, and the sound of a piano behind singing in the distance.
The students have come from all over as usual - Canada, California, Florida, West Virginia, Germany, as well as New Mexico and Arizona itself - and have a good mix of backgrounds and talents. Larry is here to host and run the class, and Peter to give lectures and assist, and we have been joined at the beginning by Thadd Dudrey and Noemi Chabot, both recent grads who are back to taste some of the teaching flavor.
I’ll be able to tell better after a few days, but it seems like a strong group.