These first few images are from my first gallery this year at CSPS Hall in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I was honored to be able to show where nationally regarded artists have displayed their artwork.
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About
I have been an artist for as long as I can remember, and it's hard for me to call myself an artist. I was painting logos on landscaping bricks, which only gave me so much fulfillment. Did a few craft shows and sold some things. But then I moved on to jewelry making. Nothing special, just making bracelets and necklaces. Did a few wire wrap pieces which are very enjoyable to make. Did some more shows adding jewelry to my brick painting. Then I saw a knitting machine, and thought, "That would be cool to try." So, I did, and very much enjoyed making different types of beanies, hats, gnomes, and scarves. So that was added to my craft shows as well. See where this is going? Lol. I then added resin and would love to do that more, but man, it's a bit expensive. And again, another medium was added to my shows I participated in.
But they don't give me the enjoyment that I get when I am drawing or painting. Enter TikTok September 30th, 2020. I thought it was just some goofy app, with goofy videos. And yes, there is that aspect of it. But then I met the art community and started watching more, and more people painting, sculpting, drawing. You name it, people are so cleaver and creative on how to make art. I am currently trying to find my place in the art world and that app gave me a good push. I have made so many very wonderful people that I can call my friends. I may not be able to physically see them in person, but the support that they provide me along with my family is immense.
I have participated in Chalk the Walk, which is based out of Mount Vernon, Iowa. Creating chalk art on 8 by 10 feet areas on the road along with over 150 other artists.
I did my first gallery showing this last year in 2022. It was an honor to be approached, but it was based off of what they saw in my Etsy store which did not include any art. I created 8 graphite pieces, all framed and showcased those. What a great event. I even sold a few items. Then a few months later I was approached by CSPS in Cedar Rapids to do a 6–8-week exhibit. That gallery ended up turning into a 2-month showing in late August through October of 2023. It was a wonderful experience and to be able to have an area that was all mine felt surreal.
2024 is bringing many new things to my life. I had one of my drawing auctioned at the Sioux City Art Center in April. I entered in the Art & Color 365 Magazine competition for Animals and received an Honorable Mention for my Panther painting. This fall I entered in the Artist Choice competition and received a Artistic Recognition.
In 2024 I participated in 3 art festivals including one at NewBo in Cedar Rapids, DBQFest in Dubuque, and art market at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. I am hoping to participate more in 2025.
I keep on creating. Even though it isn't a sold piece, I just keep creating. My art has improved since I have been drawing and painting pretty much every day for the last year and a half. I look forward to my road ahead. I hope you enjoy my journey with me.
But they don't give me the enjoyment that I get when I am drawing or painting. Enter TikTok September 30th, 2020. I thought it was just some goofy app, with goofy videos. And yes, there is that aspect of it. But then I met the art community and started watching more, and more people painting, sculpting, drawing. You name it, people are so cleaver and creative on how to make art. I am currently trying to find my place in the art world and that app gave me a good push. I have made so many very wonderful people that I can call my friends. I may not be able to physically see them in person, but the support that they provide me along with my family is immense.
I have participated in Chalk the Walk, which is based out of Mount Vernon, Iowa. Creating chalk art on 8 by 10 feet areas on the road along with over 150 other artists.
I did my first gallery showing this last year in 2022. It was an honor to be approached, but it was based off of what they saw in my Etsy store which did not include any art. I created 8 graphite pieces, all framed and showcased those. What a great event. I even sold a few items. Then a few months later I was approached by CSPS in Cedar Rapids to do a 6–8-week exhibit. That gallery ended up turning into a 2-month showing in late August through October of 2023. It was a wonderful experience and to be able to have an area that was all mine felt surreal.
2024 is bringing many new things to my life. I had one of my drawing auctioned at the Sioux City Art Center in April. I entered in the Art & Color 365 Magazine competition for Animals and received an Honorable Mention for my Panther painting. This fall I entered in the Artist Choice competition and received a Artistic Recognition.
In 2024 I participated in 3 art festivals including one at NewBo in Cedar Rapids, DBQFest in Dubuque, and art market at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. I am hoping to participate more in 2025.
I keep on creating. Even though it isn't a sold piece, I just keep creating. My art has improved since I have been drawing and painting pretty much every day for the last year and a half. I look forward to my road ahead. I hope you enjoy my journey with me.
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