People look AWFULLY focused here

I've been at the Jacquard Center since Sunday. Christy is teaching a class; in attendance are me, Lia Cook (Christy's and my teacher), and Bailey Salisbury (Christy's student from SAIC). She has someone she studied under, someone she studied with, and someone she is currently teaching.
We've been having a really good time. My weaving is going well, which is the main thing giving me a good attitude. Christy and I are also working on getting me into school: we're going over recommendations, essays, and personal statements. We also drink a lot of wine while sitting around and talking. That component is key.
Barry and Johnny, the technicians who are working with us, seem interested in what I'm doing. It's the highest form of compliment to capture their attention--they don't bother with things they don't like. Bethanne, who's on the right side of the photo, is giving us her full expertise.
I began to realize at the conference just how special this arrangement is. You can do this in two other places in the world (one in Italy, one in Australia). It's a unique opportunity to work with industrial machines, and Bethanne is committed to helping artists this way. It's a good thing, because I'd be nowhere without this place.
I'm pushing myself through these next few days. I have to weave everything I need, finish the SAIC application, and get to France. After that, I'm going to absolutely crash.