ZNE ConvenZioNE!

A few weeks ago, I was randomly following a train of links, going from blog to blog, when my eyes fell across a reference to attending the ZNE Convenzione this August in Pleasanton , California. That stopped me in my tracks. What’s this? Something artsy going on in the Bay Area? So I followed that link to discover that, yes, an art retreat similar to Art & Soul or Artfest was finally appearing in my backyard. Finally!

So I registered for the event on the same day I first heard about it. Talk about your impulse purchase.

In order to register for Covenzione (anyone else feeling the urge to talk in a fake Italian accent?), I first had to sign up with ZNE, an organization for mixed media artists. This is the first year ZNE is hosting Covenzione, so it’s a smaller affair (and less expensive). Here’s the itinerary:

Friday, August 22

• Reception/lunch with live music and a showing of Claudine Hellmuth’s new work


• Gallery and boutique walk through downtown Pleasanton (with gift certificates and book signings)


• Evening show that includes a screening of the documentary “1,000 Journals.” (I was there when 1,000 Journals came to the Journaling Night at Artfest 2006. Who knows, maybe I’m in it.)

Saturday, August 23

• Workshops! The choice was either one full-day or two half-day workshops. I’ve found that I do better in classes that focus on technique, rather than trying to complete a project within a six-hour period. (There are some who can. Bitches.) I chose “Baby Got Back(grounds).” I was won over by the instructor’s enthusiasm (she created a website for the class!) and I really like that I’ll be able to bind all the pages I’ve painted at the end of the day.


• Group dinner

Sunday, August 24

• Vendor Fair! A whole day of shopping and Convenzione attendees get in an hour earlier than the public (and get a discount). Vendor Night was one of my favorite things about Artfest and it only lasts a few hours. I better start saving my pennies…

Next year, Convenzione is going to be a five-day event, including four days of workshops, a two-day Vendor Fair (oh rapturous bliss), and still located in Pleasanton. Yes!

UPDATE: I just found out that Michele Beschen will be hosting some of the ZNE Convenzione events. How exciting - I'll get to meet her!