While I was searching for lodging in the Gloucester area to stay in during my portrait workshop, I was presented with three opportunities to lease a complete private residence from June 25 through July 8. This period covers my workshop and gives me 8 or 9 extra days of painting in the Cape Ann area (Gloucester, Rockport, Pigeon Cove, Rocky Neck Art Colony, etc.)

While I do not have details of which residence I will be staying at and will not have them for another week or so, I can talk in general terms about what I am trying to put together at the last minute. This is not a money maker for us, I am trying to somehow pull this together and break even.

Anybody that has an interest in art or photography is welcome to stay with my husband and me at any time during the two week period. One day, two days, 14 days, whatever. It is on a first come, first accepted basis with Participants in my Portrait Workshop at the North Shore Arts Association (June 25 - 29th) given first priority. Here are some of the details:

1. You can stay as many days as you wish with priority given to those who agree to longer stays. (This is going to be like herding cats, I know. However, that problem is assigned to my husband.)

2. In each case their are four private bedrooms, which will be on a first come, first served basis. There is plenty of other space for "couch surfers" - bring your own sleeping bag or blanket, etc.

3. The costs to be a part of this great painting adventure are:

- For participants in my portrait workshop and their non-workshop partners, $40 per room per night. (Yes, you can stuff more than 2 people in the room)

- For non-participants in the Portrait Workshop, $60 per room per night.

- For couch surfers, $25 per night - fight for the best space and bathroom time. ($20 for workshop participants)

4. There will be a $15 per person per day for the food kitty. My husband has been volunteered to cook and prepare any take out lunches necessary. Actually, he is a pretty good cook. If there is any surplus left in the kitty, it will be returned under some formula that my husband says he can calculate. Eat here, eat there, don't eat, don't care.

5. My husband is the go-to person (go-fer) for any issues or problems. He will also pick up and deliver people from Logan, Manchester, Providence, and Hartford Airports

6. During the five days of my Portrait Workshop, I will be virtually incognito and incommunicado. I need my quiet time. However, once the workshop is over I will be available to participate in any artistic activities (no instruction). I plan to do an extensive amount of plein air painting throughout the Cape Ann area; visit my artist friends' galleries; and generally take in the Cape Ann area. Might even be convinced to do side trips to Boston Museums or other attractions.

My husband and I are going to Gloucester - Rockport on Wednesday, June 1st to take a look at each residence. Hope to make a decision about which one within a week.

I believe that we will need about eight people per night to make this work. Obviously, we trying to get commitments before we have to put our money at risk. If this wild last minute attempt does not work out, any money that has been put up will be returned and we will attempt to alleviate any inconveniences occurred.

This is a go, no go opportunity. If I can't pull this together, I have the option of staying with a friend in Rockport. There is space for two other workshop participants.