PAYSON, Utah — A school teacher got a welcome surprise on Thursday when her military husband came home six months early from Afghanistan.  

Sgt. Ben Litster says he always gets flack from his wife for not being spontaneous so he orchestrated the ultimate surprise by unexpectedly dropping in on his whole family.  

Ben Litster’s wife Christy was in shock when her husband walked into her classroom.  Gasping and at a loss for words they embraced, tears flowing. 

“We’d talked about crazy things like that happening, if he’d got to come home early, but I never actually thought they would have him com home early,” said Christy Litster. “Very, very surprised, very, very happy.”

Ben Litster was halfway through a 12-month tour in Afghanistan. He serves as a Civil Affairs soldier, responsible for assisting governments with communication, budget and building infrastructure.

Ben Litster says it was tough keeping the secret and he even had to tell a few white lies along the way to throw his wife off track. But it was all worth it to see those tears of joy.

“The idea just kind of hit me,” said Ben Litster. “As soon as I found out, I said, ‘well she has no idea I’m coming home this early and she’s always giving me a hard time because I don’t surprise her enough’, so I figured, OK, I’ll give her the mother of all surprises.”

Christy Litster was not the only one getting surprised. The Litsters have three kids in elementary school, so they hopped in the car to drop in on each of their classes. Every time it was a joyful, tear-inducing reunion.

Ben Litster said he was expecting a more riotous reaction, but their children kept their celebrations quiet. He credits Christy for their children being so well-behaved.

“”It tells me they’re mom is outstanding,” Ben Litster said. “She’s doing a wonderful job as a single working mom, with me out of the picture for a while. It’s been rough for her I’m sure.”

Christy Litster said it is difficult at times. She says she has a great support system of friends and family to help them while Ben Litster is overseas.

The next event on our schedule is DEMO DAY:  Read all about it –

June 23 – Demo Day at the Back Room Gallery
10 am-6 pm, 4749 Wyandotte East.

You are warmly invited to stop by the Back Room Gallery and meet and greet some of the artists in the co-op, watch us demonstrate our craft and talk with us about the range of our work. Enjoy free demonstrations, and participate in inexpensive workshops with take-away crafts, including one of felt flowers. Learn how to make an earring and see a digital mandala be created.

You may even be moved to place an order for something totally unique made just for you.  You can design a piece of jewellery and have it make for you (prices vary), order a made-to-measure hat, or order any one of 100+ mandala designs and have it printed while you wait.($20)

The demonstrations are free, as are the light refreshments. Workshops with take-away items might have a small fee applied or a free-will donation requested to help cover the cost of materials.

Participating artists include Kathryn Tisdale, Chris Ford, Lori Moore (The Gilded Lily) and others TBA

Print this pdf of a mini-flyer to put on your fridge: DemoDayFlyer-colour

We went from THIS:

To the gorgeous space featured in the slideshow below,  and we’re not done yet.  Still more art and artists to install!  Come check us out.  Open Tuesday through Sunday 10-6 for December, January hours TBA.

Join us Friday, December 9 for our Holiday Open House. Food and food service generously provided by The Keg, wine provided by the artists and their generous friends, a fashion show by our in-house artists including Dilly Daisy Fashions, Chris Ford Jewellery, The Gilded Lily designs, and Nicola Ferguson.  The evening will capped with an acoustic performance by Den-igan

We went from THIS:

To the gorgeous space featured in the slideshow below,  and we’re not done yet.  Still more art and artists to install!  Come check us out.  Open Tuesday through Sunday 10-6 for December, January hours TBA.

Join us Friday, December 9 for our Holiday Open House. Food and food service generously provided by The Keg, wine provided by the artists and their generous friends, a fashion show by our in-house artists including Dilly Daisy Fashions, Chris Ford Jewellery, The Gilded Lily designs, and Nicola Ferguson.  The evening will capped with an acoustic performance by Den-igan

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Congrats to our models Sasha Smith,Lyuba Bondarenko,Ami Sangster ,Maryana Parfenyuk,Sara Fitzsimmon,Annabella Boschi ,Viktoriya Shabat,Christine Mao and Patrice Clayton.

The girls modeled designs by the Design Competition Finalists: Joobo Shim, Meghan Erin, Christy Litster, Rebecca Collins, Albert Yuen, Seema Patel, Katherine Laird & Jennifer Murtagh, Elissa Contino, Tiffany Briseno and Denise David. The public Voted for  their favourite designer on Oct 1st during nuit blanche!

There was also a terrific line-up of Designers at the Designer’s Boutique  such as Andromedii Designs, Dara Dot Designs, Elizabeth Victoria, Featherband, Fredrick Prince Jewelry & Accessories, LAG Concepts, Random Joy, Sparkling Bliss, Sui Generis, Twists and Facets, With Love Lingerie, Tetiana K. Clothing, Melissa’s Bowtique, LouLou Beads, Ashen Drift, BinarySoul, Covet Originals, Sweetie Box Studios, Laura Ford Designs, Krave, House of Eenah, Creation Jewelry, Kynk Naturals and Liana Marie Originals.

Have a look at some of the photos:

This year’s Art of Fashion event is just around the corner (October 1st, to be exact) and the finalists have just been announced. The ten designers will get the chance to showcase their designs for the public as well a panel of celebrity judges who will award one with the title of most promising designer, landing them a slew of amazing prizes.

Breeyn McCarney
Joobo Shim
Meghan Erin
Christy Litster
Rebecca Collins
Albert Yuen
Seema Patel
Katherine Laird & Jennifer Murtagh
Elissa Contino
Tiffany Briseno

Congrats to the finalists! And don’t forget to come see their wears Saturday, October 1st, 7pm-1am at the Pantages Hotel.

The difference between a seasoned artist, and a fledgeling one is the way in which you handle these situations. This has led me to an exciting new path in my journey as a freelance illustrator, part time artist.

“Hey there – it’s me!”

Well, who am I? I have a background in Fashion Design. I studied and received my Bachelor of Design, Specializing in Fashion from Ryerson University. Every job and freelance project from the time I moved to Toronto until recently has been fashion related. Making the switch over into exploring my own creativity without the boundaries of a client’s wishes hasn’t been smooth. I have had the opportunity to meet some great people by participating in shows throughout Windsor. However, as I am a full time illustrator,  I have never really had the opportunity to build that portfolio of work which allows one to pursue an independent show.

Fast track to my introduction and initial experiences in working with a co-op. I am not going to lie and say that joining a co-op brimming with remarkable talent isn’t intimidating. At first I questioned whether or not I was really up to par with my fellow artists. However, over the past few months and with having the opportunity to meet with new people I have found it an amazing experience which has been totally welcoming.

Starting a co-op with fellow artists in your area gives you an exciting edge over being independent. Here are just some great characteristics of participating in a co-op:

• opportunities to do more shows in different areas
•  sharing of tools and experience
•  stimulating conversations which helps one grow into a better artist
•  learning how to plan a dynamic show and promote your show to more people than your personal inner circle
•  meeting new people who are like-minded and inspiring
•  making lasting friendships
•  opening doors to retail opportunities

I really could go on and on, but I am sure you get the gist. So, I encourage all readers near or far off in internet-land to start networking! Put yourself out there, and meet people who will inspire you to be better and to love where you are at this time. Start a co-op today!

-CHRISTY

The difference between a seasoned artist, and a fledgeling one is the way in which you handle these situations. This has led me to an exciting new path in my journey as a freelance illustrator, part time artist.

“Hey there – it’s me!”

Well, who am I? I have a background in Fashion Design. I studied and received my Bachelor of Design, Specializing in Fashion from Ryerson University. Every job and freelance project from the time I moved to Toronto until recently has been fashion related. Making the switch over into exploring my own creativity without the boundaries of a client’s wishes hasn’t been smooth. I have had the opportunity to meet some great people by participating in shows throughout Windsor. However, as I am a full time illustrator,  I have never really had the opportunity to build that portfolio of work which allows one to pursue an independent show.

Fast track to my introduction and initial experiences in working with a co-op. I am not going to lie and say that joining a co-op brimming with remarkable talent isn’t intimidating. At first I questioned whether or not I was really up to par with my fellow artists. However, over the past few months and with having the opportunity to meet with new people I have found it an amazing experience which has been totally welcoming.

Starting a co-op with fellow artists in your area gives you an exciting edge over being independent. Here are just some great characteristics of participating in a co-op:

• opportunities to do more shows in different areas
•  sharing of tools and experience
•  stimulating conversations which helps one grow into a better artist
•  learning how to plan a dynamic show and promote your show to more people than your personal inner circle
•  meeting new people who are like-minded and inspiring
•  making lasting friendships
•  opening doors to retail opportunities

I really could go on and on, but I am sure you get the gist. So, I encourage all readers near or far off in internet-land to start networking! Put yourself out there, and meet people who will inspire you to be better and to love where you are at this time. Start a co-op today!

-CHRISTY

The full roster of participating artists is now:

Chris Ford
Irene Sekersky
Bev Fish
Sergio Mazzotta
Sandra Silva
Kathryn Tisdale
Nicola Ferguson
Sue Evoy-Oozeer
Gulnaz Turdalieva
Jodie Komsic
Samantha James
Mary Wheeler
Dayna Wagner
Heather Teahan
Lori Moore
Christy Lister
Christine Gold
Update:  Diane Morin

It will be an amazing show.  Will we see you there?

Click to enlarge

The full roster of participating artists is now:

Chris Ford
Irene Sekersky
Bev Fish
Sergio Mazzotta
Sandra Silva
Kathryn Tisdale
Nicola Ferguson
Sue Evoy-Oozeer
Gulnaz Turdalieva
Jodie Komsic
Samantha James
Mary Wheeler
Dayna Wagner
Heather Teahan
Lori Moore
Christy Lister
Christine Gold
Update:  Diane Morin

It will be an amazing show.  Will we see you there?

Click to enlarge

Art in the Park at Lighthouse Cove
Featuring the artists of the Back Room Artists’ Co-op -

More than a dozen artists from Windsor, Wallaceburg, Sarnia and Chatham, all members of an artist-led co-operative, are holding an outdoor show and sale, Art in the Park at Lighthouse Cove, on Saturday July 2 at the Cove Marina, Lighthouse Cove, Ontario.

Located in a grassy nook, nestled by a glistening marina, this low-key open-air event has been made possible through the generous support of the owners of the Cove Marina. The artists, building on a  theme of “Summer at the Marina”, will offer original paintings, fashion, jewellery, prints, fabric arts, belly dancing and more.

“The people of Lighthouse Cove are well respected for their arts community, and we’re thrilled to be part of their art scene for a day,” said Chris Ford, the founder of the Back Room Artists’ Co-op and the chief organizer of the event. “Naturally, we’re very grateful to the Cove Marina for providing a lovely, green spot to show our work. Artists’ co-ops never have a big bank account and we rely on this kind of support.”

Only two years old, the Back Room Artists’ Co-op was formed to give artists opportunities to show their work, share resources and support each other. It has already held shows in several locations including the recent popular Steampunk art exhibit in downtown Windsor.  The group will be showing at the Art House in Chatham in the fall.

“I’ve learned a lot about showing and selling my work from other members of the group,” said Kathryn Tisdale, a member of the co-op, “and I have made sales that I never would have made on my own. The people who come out to see our shows seem happy we’re a group, too, because our shows are fun and our members are creative, offering something unique.”

The Cove Marina sits on the shore of Lake St Clair at the mouth of the Thames River.  The address is 470 Tisdelle Drive, Lighthouse Cove. Art in the Park at Lighthouse Cove runs from 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday July 2. In addition, many artists will continue to display their work in the Cove Marina store during normal business hours.

-30-

For more information, contact:
Chris Ford – telephone (519) 944 1481 or e-mail svo85@sympatico.ca
Cove Marina – website http://www.covemarinaonline.com

Participating Artists

Chris Ford
Bev Fish
Sergio Mazzotta
Nicola Ferguson
Sandra LiLi
Kathryn Tisdale
Jodie Komsic
Gulnaz Turdalieva
Mary Wheeler
Diane Morin
Dayna Wagner
Shannon Lindsay
Margaret Dawson
Lori Moore

lighthousecovechathamdailynews

Art in the Park at Lighthouse Cove
Featuring the artists of the Back Room Artists’ Co-op -

More than a dozen artists from Windsor, Wallaceburg, Sarnia and Chatham, all members of an artist-led co-operative, are holding an outdoor show and sale, Art in the Park at Lighthouse Cove, on Saturday July 2 at the Cove Marina, Lighthouse Cove, Ontario.

Located in a grassy nook, nestled by a glistening marina, this low-key open-air event has been made possible through the generous support of the owners of the Cove Marina. The artists, building on a  theme of “Summer at the Marina”, will offer original paintings, fashion, jewellery, prints, fabric arts, belly dancing and more.

“The people of Lighthouse Cove are well respected for their arts community, and we’re thrilled to be part of their art scene for a day,” said Chris Ford, the founder of the Back Room Artists’ Co-op and the chief organizer of the event. “Naturally, we’re very grateful to the Cove Marina for providing a lovely, green spot to show our work. Artists’ co-ops never have a big bank account and we rely on this kind of support.”

Only two years old, the Back Room Artists’ Co-op was formed to give artists opportunities to show their work, share resources and support each other. It has already held shows in several locations including the recent popular Steampunk art exhibit in downtown Windsor.  The group will be showing at the Art House in Chatham in the fall.

“I’ve learned a lot about showing and selling my work from other members of the group,” said Kathryn Tisdale, a member of the co-op, “and I have made sales that I never would have made on my own. The people who come out to see our shows seem happy we’re a group, too, because our shows are fun and our members are creative, offering something unique.”

The Cove Marina sits on the shore of Lake St Clair at the mouth of the Thames River.  The address is 470 Tisdelle Drive, Lighthouse Cove. Art in the Park at Lighthouse Cove runs from 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday July 2. In addition, many artists will continue to display their work in the Cove Marina store during normal business hours.

-30-

For more information, contact:
Chris Ford – telephone (519) 944 1481 or e-mail svo85@sympatico.ca
Cove Marina – website http://www.covemarinaonline.com

Participating Artists

Chris Ford
Bev Fish
Sergio Mazzotta
Nicola Ferguson
Sandra LiLi
Kathryn Tisdale
Jodie Komsic
Gulnaz Turdalieva
Mary Wheeler
Diane Morin
Dayna Wagner
Shannon Lindsay
Margaret Dawson
Lori Moore

lighthousecovechathamdailynews