Young Artists Workshop
Does your child show an interest in art? Instruction in fine art, including oil painting, charcoal drawings, color mixing and technique. All supplies are provided. For more info call
Gretchen Armbruster or go to www.armbrusterartworks.com
985-624-5604 Call to reserve your child's easel now. Limited spots available.
says, at other stores in Uptown New Orleans. “The store in Madisonville [the Shoppes at Coquille Cottage] does just great,” he says. “They do such a good job selling. Karen Redd is just tenacious and talks it up. She can say things about me that I can’t say about myself …” “Well, you do …,” says Francie. “I do, but it’s just a little braggadocio when I do it. It’s charming when Karen
Traveling The couple has an interesting side business—putting together European tours, which they’ve done for 31 years now, both for student and adult groups. Their last tour, whimsically christened “I see London, I see France” tour in conjunction with the royal wedding, was a sell-out. They had the idea because both had been to Europe before they met. “When we did meet, we were commiserating that we would probably never be able to afford to go again, so then we just said, ‘Let’s figure out a way to make that happen,’” recalls John. “Mostly, we decide where we want to go and see if 48
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we can’t find a bunch of people to go with us.” While the trips are naturally artoriented, Francie notes, “It’s not rammed down people’s throats. We don’t go to every museum; we don’t take binoculars to look at the details on the ceilings.” “We like to shop. We like to eat,” adds John. Some years, they’ve done as many as three tours. This fall, they’re doing their first tour—to Italy—with Corks n Canvas/Painting with a Twist owners (and their good friends) Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney. The couple, along with some other close friends, takes an annual trip to Mexico each summer for their own
photo: ABBY SANDS MILLER www.abbyphoto.com
does it. It’s amazing.”