Summer with Elizabeth Van Tassel Studios

Art fairs, lavender fields, Shimmers of Light, and the joy of gathering in person. There is something very special about meeting people in person around art.

Online, a painting can be seen quickly — a beautiful image, a passing moment, a small glimpse of color and light. But in person, the experience changes. People step closer. They ask questions. They notice the shimmer. They tell stories. They bring friends over. They point to a lake, a flower, a mountain, a butterfly, or a color that reminds them of somewhere they love. That is one of the greatest gifts of this summer season.

After the Caldwell Artisan Fair, I found myself feeling deeply grateful. It was such a joy to stand in the booth, meet families, talk with collectors, watch children notice little details, and see people respond to the artwork in real time. A booth is more than a display. It becomes a little room of wonder — open on all sides, filled with conversation, sunlight, color, and unexpected moments of connection.

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Caldwell was a beautiful reminder that art belongs in community. It belongs in parks, restaurants, galleries, lavender fields, homes, classrooms, conversations, and ordinary days. It belongs wherever people are willing to pause and notice something beautiful. This summer has already been full of those moments, and I’m so excited for what is still ahead.

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Red Chair Lavender
Then in July, I’ll be painting in one of the dreamiest settings of the summer: the lavender fields at Red Chair Lavender.

On July 11, I’ll be part of An Evening in Provence, a special ticketed evening with music, food, and live artists painting throughout the lavender fields. This event will be more intimate than the large lavender gatherings of the past, and it sounds absolutely beautiful.
On July 12, I’ll return for Jazz in the Lavender, a daytime family event with lavender picking, music, games, and activities. I’ll be live painting at both lavender events, and we will also have a special line of floral and lavender-themed gifts available.

Nampa Festival of the Arts
In August, I’ll return to the Nampa Festival of the Arts at Lakeview Park on August 8 and 9. This beloved event features around 200 artisans and draws thousands of community members each year. Last year’s Nampa Festival became an important milestone for me, so returning again feels especially meaningful.

Art by the River in Star
In September, I’ll be part of Art by the River in Star on September 19 and 20. This event is more than a market — it is a full weekend of art, craft, music, and connection in the heart of Star. I’m looking forward to bringing artwork, gifts, and Shimmers of Light to another beautiful Idaho community.

Alongside these summer and early fall events, you can also find my work in a few ongoing locations. My jewelry from Treasured Gems Jewelry continues to be featured in a long-term installation at Create Gallery & Frames in Garden City. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and created with the eye of a Graduate Gemologist — full of color, gemstones, pearls, rarity, and story.

Custom artwork by Elizabeth Van Tassel Studios is also on display at the Idaho Women’s Business Center in Nampa, a meaningful setting that supports women, creativity, business, and community.

As I look at this summer calendar, I feel thankful and a little amazed. So much of this journey has grown one step at a time: one painting, one booth, one class, one conversation, one customer, one prayer, one open door. And now the season ahead is full of places to gather around beauty. Thank you for walking this journey with me. Your encouragement, prayers, purchases, visits, and kind words have helped make this growing studio life possible.

With gratitude,
Elizabeth Van Tassel
Elizabeth Van Tassel Studios
Treasured Gems Jewelry