LaFete in New Orleans

Pashur's class was an "extra" class, not part of the basic lineup of events.
He will be issuing refunds to those who already paid for his class.

sorry for being a complete noob, this is my first convention, but is this how it was done in the past?
Are other conventions set-up the same way with an additional fee for some classes?

Honestly - When I registered, it was before I even knew that Pashur's class and Mark Reid's class were extra.
the website stats " Registration fee is $125 for any painting participants - which includes all activities and cost of meals that are provided by hosts. "
So I was really surprised when I found out it was extra.

I think it's still a pretty good deal, but I guess I'm kind of bitter that Pashur wont be there - was hoping to soak up some of his knowledge. (

And yep - called Bethanie and she said he was going to send a mass e-mail to all that registered and paid for his class tomorrow.

BTW - do you have the link to the LaFete forum you were talking about?
Can you PM it to me?

Curious to find out if there is a separate forum for LaFete. As far as I know it is just the website. Inquiring minds.....

http://groups.google.com/group/lafete

No, LaFete is not organized like other conventions....we call it the anti-convention for that reason. Most conventions have extra classes that you pay for separate from the registration. Registrations usually include all classes in the convention lineup plus access to the vendor room and daily jams, etc. The extra classes are put on by individual instructors outside of the regular schedule lineup of classes and events. That is why you pay those artists directly. They are sometimes called pre-classes or post-classes because they are usually either the day before or the day after the convention.
The LaFete paid classes this year are called "early-bird" classes because they are being held in the morning during what is usually "free time" at LaFete. This allows people who want to take special classes the opportunity to take them, but those who may have already taken the class before get to enjoy free time and not have to pay extra for a class they don't want to take. Does that make sense.
In the way of the extra classes, LaFete is like other conventions. But, that is really all that is like a convention.
LaFete is much more of a 4 day face and body art jam and party session.
The registration includes tons of instruction, but it also includes meals for the 4 days. The registration costs are basically "at cost" for the organizers, and any money that is left over after paying for the convention space, the photographer, the food, and the models, gets donated to a children's charity. LaFete also tries to do a community event each year (we were rained out last year) where everyone who want to participate paints together (usually at the Audubon Zoo) and collects donations for their work. All of that money gets donated to a children's charity. I think last time it went to a local children's hospital.
It really is a friendly "family" atmosphere. That is why it is intentionally kept small.
Hope that helps. Mind you, I am not one of the hosts of LaFete, just one of the veteran attendees, and the honorary dessert provider.
BTW...this year we are having Red Velvet Cake, Southern Pecan Pie, Chocolate Chip pie, Mississippi Mud Meltdown cake, Amish Friendship Bread, and Cherry Mash candy (I JUST got done baking). I have also been told that there will be Bread Pudding and fudge also.

Getting excited! Packing up my kit as we speak. I won't be participating in the Zombie Crawl or any other night time activites, as I have to be back home in the evenings, but looking forward to all the day time classes and especially to meeting all of you who are going!!

I'm bringing some henna if anyone wants to get some mehndi done!

Had a great time at LaFete! I finally met Melisa and her mom- we carpooled together and they are THE sweetest people in the world! Was able to meet Wyndy and Ashley and Lisa- all FANTASTIC artists and super- nice to boot! Ashley even went so far as to patiently sit with me and correct my swirls and teardrops which have always been horrendous- thanks, girl!!
Learned a ton with Mark Reid's beginners class- now I think I can finally do a half-way decent tribal

I wasn't able to attend on Saturday or Sunday, but I switched on the local news tonight and just who did I see dancing on my tv screen? They were all painting at the Audubon Zoo today and evidently the news crew was there and caught Laryssa, Z, Bethany and I think Susie (her back was to the camera but it looked like her) dancing around with their painted faces (and Z had on Marx Brothers glasses/mustache). This bunch is hilarious and fun!

Oh my gosh yes! it was lots of fun!! a wonderful experience to say the least!

Hi Vi! I wanted to get to talk to you and never had the chance- they kept us busy! I wanted to tell you how much your youtube video on focal points on the face helped me... I wondered why my masks never quite looked right and your video showed me why!

I know! barely got a chance to breathe! next time I'm coming a day early and staying a day later just to visit New Orleans.

yay! So glad that I went to La Fete! I had a ton of fun, an met so many people! I'm glad that I was able to help you with your strokes! And Vi makes a great monkey! lol... You're an amazing painter Vi, I was uber impressed!!!!

lol.... thank you so much - no I'm still learning, trying to lose some of the bad habits I picked up along the way.

Ashley's monkey design on me!!!

I love it, Vi. It looks like the monkies from Tarzan Disney movie... Now I have "trashin the camp" in my head! What's that monkey's name? Tek? Now I have to look it up.

I was close, it's Terk!

Hey all of you guys that went to La Fete....where are the photos for the ones of us who couldn't go???........hhhmmmmmmm????

Vi, you do look good as a pink monkey!!; )