2020 Vision Board

     Hi, friends!  Hope 2020 is treating you well so far.  Make any new resolutions?  If so, how are they holding up nearly a month in?  It can be easy to start the year off with ambitious new goals only to lose sight of them in the midst of everything else that comes along.  This year, I decided to try something different.  At our most recent meeting for the Rising Tide Society (Tuesdays Together,) we talked about vision boards and how they can help you visualize and keep your goals in mind.  There are plenty of articles and videos about vision boards that can probably explain better than I can, but I wanted to show you my (current) version. 
     First off, this digital vision board doubles as the desktop wallpaper on my laptop.  I've left some blank space on the right for my folders, etc. and some space along the bottom for my dock.  The great thing is I can easily go into Photoshop and change things around as necessary.  You can see my colors match my logo.  The images remind me why I do what I do (faith, family, and to hopefully fund future mission trips) and some goals I have.  Some of those goals include passing the CPP exam and becoming a PPA Certified Professional Photographer and traveling more.  This year, I also hope to produce more quality work for my portfolio instead of a bunch of smaller projects.  What about you?  Have you ever made a vision board?  If so, do you have any tips to share?

The Rest of the Year in Review

     So obviously, I haven't been keeping my blog up to date, but here's a quick summary of the rest of this year's shows.  Starting in July, I participated in Waterfire Sharon.  It was a beautiful day and I had a great location as well as some new equipment.  I got to see some of my Sharon artist friends and find some new homes for some of my art and crafts.  Here's a look at my setup for "Beach Bash."

The view down the street.

My teal bunny was all decked out and a big hit with the crowd.

Unlike past years when I've only done the July Waterfire, this year I did the September event as well.  The theme was "80s to the Max."

     In November, I had some holiday shows including one at the Zem Zem Temple in Erie and one at the East Erie Moose Club.  

     In December, I once again participated in the Holiday Art Market in Sharon and it was one of my best shows of the year!  My friend Christine was able to join me and we had a great time at the Landing.

                            

My Pittsburgh-themed ornaments were my best sellers!

     So as another year draws to a close, I'm thankful for everyone who's joined me on this journey.  I'm always experimenting and trying to find my niche and better ways to do things.  I still have a lot to learn about the creative industry, but with all the support from awesome people like you, it's bound to pay off soon.  Thank you and see you in 2020!

Hermitage Arts Festival 2019

    I spent all last weekend at one of my most favorite festivals, the Hermitage Arts Festival.  Held in Rodney White Park, this year's festival featured about 45 vendors as well as a 5K race, live music, fireworks, a dog costume contest, and kids crafts.  As usual, it was a wonderful atmosphere and the staff and volunteers did an awesome job! 

I have some of my bird wall ornaments back for the summer!

Saturday night features a fireworks display in the field by Hickory High School.

My teal bunny is a big hit with the crowd!

One of the great things about a two day festival is the the opportunity to try a couple different display arrangements!

Another view of my "gallery."

Here's a shot of me and my booth taken by some fellow guild members in the booth next door.

I spent part of Sunday working on some new butterfly ornaments.

This year, I was on the side of the park closer to the stage so I could hear the music a lot better which was nice!  This is a shot of the local community band.  

Here's a view of the entrance from the food court area.

Finally, here's where kids can come and paint and participate in some art activities.

Well, there could be some changes coming.  Word is the location may be changed to Buhl Park.  I don't know if that is good or bad, but I'm still excited for next year.  You can find me next at Waterfire in Sharon on July 27!

Locally Inspired: Corry Artists' Guild's Annual Art Show

    Mother's Day weekend, the Corry Artists' Guild held its annual art show at the Corry Hi-Ed building in Corry, PA.  The theme was "Locally Inspired" and featured artwork inspired by local landmarks, history, and culture.  Unlike past years, this exhibition was opened to non-members and students from a few local high schools.  On Friday night, we held our opening reception complete with refreshments and live music.  On Mother's Day Sunday, carnations were given out to all the mothers who stopped by.  As usual, it was a wonderful little show and I feel blessed to belong to this talented group!

For my "Locally Inspired" piece, I entered my photo, "Union City Veteran's Memorial."  It was a double exposure of a local war monument in town and a nearby flag.  

Some of the flower photos I took on my mission trip to Guatemala last November made their debut at the show.

I also showed two of my portrait paintings "Tiger 5" and "So Much More" along with a small mixed media project called "Painter's Prayer" which is a cross made from retired paint brushes painted with acrylic.

    You can see more photos from the show on the Corry Artists' Guild Facebook page!

MASH Spring into Mother's Day Craft Show

     On Saturday April 6, I spent the day at Meadville Middle School for the Spring into Mother's Day Craft Show which was a fundraiser for the Meadville Marching Band.  At least eighty vendors packed the gym and band members and family were on hand to help us load and unload which is always a big help.  I met some wonderful new people and got to hang out, make jewelry, and get some sandwiches from one of my new favorite BBQ restaurants in town so not a bad way to spend a Saturday.  Speaking of Saturdays, I can't wait for July and September when I'll be setting up shop for not one, but two Waterfire events in Sharon this year.  Usually there are three events: one in July, one in August, and one in September, but they've decided to only do July and September.  I hope to see you there!

Jay and Mona Kang Art Show

     Once again, I entered some artwork in the Jay and Mona Kang Art Show "Celebrating the Possibilities" at the Barber National Institute.  This is always a well put-together and well-attended show.  It's a wonderful mix of artists from all walks of life and abilities.  I stopped by after work one day for the wine and cheese reception and to check out all the amazing artwork.  

This year, I entered "Hamish (Squirrel of Good Fortune."  After "Murtagh" was so well received, I just had to enter this little guy as well.

I also entered my newest portrait painting "Tiger 5."  You can't tell from the photo, but it's actually situated below a painting of a lion that was the work of a fellow Corry Artists' Guild member.

     Speaking of the Guild, our annual show will be held Mother's Day weekend this year at the Corry Hi-Ed's Bracken Room.  Unlike past years, this year, we will be accepting entries from non-guild members and local high school students.  People's Choice awards will be given for each division.  Friday night will have live music and refreshments and at least the first 50 mothers will receive a flower so don't miss it!

For the Love of Art

     For the past week or so, I had a couple pieces at the "For the Love of Art' show in Edinboro, PA.  The wonderful ladies of Gallery 104 put on this cool little art show tucked inside Lakeside Commons.  There was also a pop up market where attendees could purchase some lower priced artwork.  I wasn't able to make it to the reception, but I heard it was pretty awesome and very well attended by over 300 people!  I also heard there are more shows to come so I better get busy!