Painting Marathon

We started with breakfast, introductions and our agenda for the day. It was surely going to be a challenge to get all our wonderful plans in within our 12 hour day. But we did it! Students all painted six projects of their choice and worked furiously with Julie and/or Jan throughout the day.

The day will full of fun, prizes, painting, making new friends, laughs, music and more. Oh, and we had food, food, and more food! You can't imagine the great time that was had by all. Everyone ended up with something to take home. Along with prizes, they had loot bags filled with goodies, also notebooks, pencils, folders and bags to take everything home.

Special Thanks !!

Many, many thanks go out to those that helped make this day possible. First of all, the students that attended and made the day such fun. We could not have asked for a better mix of people to come together and make such a wonderful day. Second, Jan Aldrich, for helping with prepping our 78 projects, helping with creative ideas to make the day more fun, helping with the goodie bags, the prizes, set up, cooking deserts and for being at the marathon all day to help with many of the projects she wasn't prepared to work with. I could not have done it without her. Also, Janet and Lynn, who came over and helped with prepping of some of the projects as well. Janet for the beautiful hydrangeas for the day and all the moral support from everyone. Lastly, but certainly not least, is my heartfelt thanks to my husband Ben for all his help before and especially during the whole day of the event. He waited on us hand and foot, cooked, decorated and followed every direction and detail to the letter. I have never felt so supported or been more encouraged by anyone. He made the day possible for me.

So enjoy the pictures, Sandy Bryant was our grand prize winner of the table and I will have her picture with the table up soon. I can't believe I didn't get that taken the day of the marathon, but then there was just too much excitement that day!

Marathon Feedback

Here are some of the comments that were shared from the students that attended:

Everyone said they thought the marathon was a good experience and they would attend again in the future. They enjoyed all the projects.

What did you enjoy the most?
- all the little fun things, prizes, goodie bags
- all projects were very, very special to work on
What would you like to see us do different next year?
- more time, less # of projects
- nothing, it was awesome
- I'm happy, happy!
- This experience needs no improvement
- Nothing! It was all GREAT!

How can we make your painting marathon experience better:
- Can't think of a thing, you're a great host and hostess
- You can't! I loved it!
- You can't! It was perfect!
- You did an awesome job!
What was the most enjoyable part of the day for you?
- Painting! Painting! And more painting!
- Painting and meeting new people and winning the table!
- Meeting new people, good food and lots of fun
- Spending time with everyone
- All of it!
- To be with so many nice people having fun
- Everyone being together and letting go!
Additional comments:
- I think the planning and set up was great! I liked the surprises
- I had a great time. I met some nice people today. This jump-started my paint fever again! Thanks for inviting me.
- This was great. It's always great to paint with you. Ben was awesome!
- What a wonderful day! Friends, fun, festivities, WOW!
- Ben did great!
- I was very honored to be asked to participate in the marathon. Julie, Jan, Ben and Nicki. A special thank you to all of you!

2004 Painting Marathon Attendees

Ben's surprise apron Ben puts on the apron for the day Everyone joins for breakfast Everyone gets their days agenda Adorable Dayle, Cindy, Jan and Patti have breakfast Julie does introductions Julie talks about games and prizes More breakfast chatter Breakfast welcome. Jeannie and Lynn Class ready for everyone Classroom is ready Classroom ready for students Dayle wears the pout hat Time for dinner Dinner time Everyone's ready to go! Everyone getting organized Julie draws the door prize Julie talks about the day More introductions Janet wins prize Jan helps teach projects Julie teaches Toni - a first-time painter Julie is the first one of the day to wear the pout hat The bell rings for lunchtime Lunchtime Lunchtime conversation Lunchtime and friends Lunchtime jokes Lynn draws door prize ...and then there was dancing. Lynn and Patti having a good time. Julie passing out prizes Everyone hard at work Sis and Patti working hard Everyone listening carefully Everyone having a good time Time to listen Jan and Julie hard at work Sandy wins door prize table Welcome gifts