It’s been amazing year for me. I started the year out with a full-time corporate job. I was struggling to balance work, motherhood, and my art. However, I was fortunate enough to have a job that allowed me some time to work on the business side of my art while still being able to support my son and myself.
I developed a lot of clarity on what needed to be done with my art as a business. I also started a new series of impressionistic textured landscapes. They made their debut at a 3 month exhibit at Suite 101 on Washington in KC. One of my paintings for the show was used as the cover art for ‘Evolve’ magazine. I had a great turnout at the reception, even though it was March and there was a blizzard outside.
In May I painted live on KCTV Live. I took the Art Attack challenge and created a painting in a one hour time frame throughout the live broadcast. My finished piece was donated to the Hope Lodge (free lodging for cancer patients going through treatment). I also had a collaborated show with photographer Tom Styrkowicz at the gallery in Roeland Park City Hall.
In June I participated in my first year at an outdoor art festival, Art in the Vines, in Louisburg, KS. I was so excited at the positive feedback I received. I sold several paintings and it helped reinforce wanting to spend more time doing my art. I also had an art reception at Iced Art with jewelry designer Erin Paige Stegman and cake artist Michelle Rice in Merriam, KS. I was part of the Kansas City Artists Coalition ‘Public Hanging’ exhibit.
I moved my studio to downtown Mission, KS. I was able to quit my full time job and concentrate on painting. I loved having the space to spread out and create. I had an exhibit at the Jones Gallery during First Friday in June. I sold 2 pieces and then showed my work for the next 3 months.
In September, I was asked to be an artist in resident for the St. Luke Hospital fundraiser ‘Paint the Town’. I painted live and showed my work during the Carnivale themed event. I sold every painting I displayed and received several commissions. I loved the entire experience and appreciated the opportunity to get to be part of such an amazing event.
In October I was accepted into the ‘Now Showing’ program through the ArtsKC Regional Arts Council. I immediately hung a show at Tavern in the Village in Prairie Village and at Burns and McDonnell in Overland Park. Again, I was overwhelmed with the excitement for my work. My showing at the Tavern was a huge success. I also participated in the Kansas City Artists Coalition ‘Public Hanging’ show. It was my first show as a new member.
My studio space in Mission closed due to leasing issues. I am currently looking for a new space and have my eye on a few spaces. Fortunately I am getting ready to hang shows at Matrix Fund Services and McCown Gordan Construction through the ‘Now Showing’ program, so I don’t have much work needing to take up space. I will also be displaying my work in the soon to open restaurant, Kansas Town, in Kansas City.
This year brought for me new focus and clarity. I have more determination than ever to live my dreams. I have loved being able to do what I love, inspire others, and be involved with my sons first year school programs. I am so appreciative to those that support me and to continue to believe in me. Thank you for being part of my journey. I already have an exciting year falling into place.
