2021 Holiday PopUps!
I’m planning to do two in-person pop-up events in Buffalo this holiday season. I’ll have happy, sparkly ornaments, postcards-a-plenty, hand painted rainbow cards and a selection of original artwork for sale.
Pop-up one takes place at Moriarty Meat’s new cafe on Friday, November 12 from 5-9 PM and Saturday, November 13 from 10-5 PM. In addition to myself, Alison Kurek will be showcasing her fun art and Rebecca Calvetti will have beautiful jewelry. There are 7 other artists and crafters bringing holiday cheer across the street in the Firehouse located at the corner of Elmwood and Great Arrow as well! More info on this event can be found on the Holiday Cheers at Firehouse Engine 36 facebook event page.
Pop-up two will take place Saturday, December 18 from 12-6PM at the Eat Off Art Retail PopUp at 431 Ellicott Street. I will be sharing details via facebook and instagram as they become available. Stay tuned!
Rainbow Connection Mural Update
The day after I sent my last newsletter, I found out that a mural design I submitted was open for public voting. I got an outpouring of love (and votes!) from you all… Thank you so much!!
The building owners ultimately decided to go with another artist. I really appreciate your support and encouragement – It means the world to me! I really love creating artwork in public spaces and finally added some examples of these projects to my website. You can check out my mural page on my website.
In case you missed it, the design is below… The site specific piece was titled Rainbow Connection, and filled a passageway between two buildings leading to a parking lot. The artwork shows a network of playful designs inspired by nature including flowers, paths and raindrops, flowing around the Erie canal and waterways that surround the area. I had hoped the design bringing a sense of optimism and wonder to the business district and spark a sense of joy for all ages. I had fun with the concept and will keep playing with it until it finds a home :)
Year One of My LLC
We just wrapped up an end of summer getaway and I snapped a pic of this sweetest heart in the sky... I wanted to share it with you, along with a rainbow doodle made during a recent studio session.
In other news, August 20th marked the one year anniversary of my LLC. This year has not gone how I would have dreamed it would go (I know I am not alone there!). However, I was able to paint 3+ murals this summer, I started journaling and sending regular newsletters. I took the Making Art Work class – giving me tools to level up across the creative board, and also met a group of lovely women through the course who inspire, support and encourage me. I joined the Art Brand Alliance – another amazing resource helping and supporting me as I work to bring my creativity into the world in a sustainable way. I started carving out time for the studio weekly and have a foundation from which I can grow... so lots of good things! I'm excited to see how the rest of this year will unfold.
Thanks so much for following along with my journey. Big virtual hugs from me to you. Stay well!
Hallwalls A Mid Summer Night's Draw
Last night, I participated in my third A Mid Summer Night's Draw – Live Drawing Rally to benefit Hallwalls. 36 artists create a 12"x18" piece of art in their style in 45 minutes... so fun! Practicing for the event spawned two new colorful series that I hope to share on my website soon. This year, bidding is happening via silent auction and you can bid on the piece I created at the event (below, right) through tonight at 9PM EST. Bidding starts at $39 and there are 35 other awesome works available as well! I hope you will check out this link to bid.
So fun! Here is an in progress photo from the Winter 2017 event.
Yay for Birthdays
In 2013, I started to make art again after a 12 year hiatus. I started small, with 5 small pieces of art, every week for one year — and that became The 5/52 Project. Later that year, I purchased my domain name. It was a birthday gift to myself and an investment in my creative future. So, today I turn 42 and my website turns 8! (cue the confetti!)
week 40 colored pencil and acrylic on vintage photographs, 2014
It is amazing to look back and see how many of these elements that started my practice are still rooted in the work that I make now. I am still in love with color and its ability to conjure emotion and heart. I am still fascinated by photography and all the ways it shows us a point in time from a unique perspective. I still love projects and parameters to help shape my creative energy, and also enjoy a sense of playful experimentation in my practice. I am in awe of the creativity and endless beauty in nature and often seek its guidance in trusting the cycles of the earth.
Pick Me Up, mural Buffalo, NY, 2019
This past year, I have been tending to my literal and figurative garden – planting things, tending the soil, watering, and patiently waiting. I would never have imagined that the brushes I bought to learn painting and color theory in college would be used to paint giant murals 20 years later. Or that I would be following in the steps of many of my family members, embracing entrepreneurship and learning about the business that makes the art I love work.
I spend a lot of time thinking about an art filled future and planning what technique or strategy I want to learn next... What can I do better? I rarely take the time to look back at how far I have come. I've taken the scenic route or been detoured many times along this creative path, but have always found my way back to the road that calls me to create and share the wonders that I see.
Sending lots of love from me to you. I hope that the work I create brightens your days and offers a sense of optimism in this crazy world. I'm feeling so grateful for another trip around the sun and the ability to watch the seeds I am planting bloom in due time.
Thank you for supporting me in this artistic adventure – it is a gift and means so much to me!