I know, I know. 2020 will go down as one of the worst years in our
lives. What with COVID, combative politics, and racial issues in this
country just about everyone is worn out and ready for 2021 for a fresh
start. I agree with all that, but 2020 was a great year for my art.
I had three exhibits. The first was at the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, WI. This was a great show
in a beautiful large gallery space. It showed off my large landscapes
well and led to two sales. My next exhibit was at Gallery 360. It was
the first regular art exhibit they had since the lockdowns began. The
opening was attended by a good number of people - not too many at any
one time but people throughout the entire time. There were numerous
paintings sold during the exhibit and one after the fact. My third
exhibit was at the Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul. Although
sparsely attended due to the building having limited access, the exhibit
was well received and I had a great experience of creating a video of the exhibit.
This spring I sold the painting Grassy Island Rocks which won
last year's State Fair competition. It is a great story of how the
painting sold, maybe to be told at a later date. There were some
additional sales of art and prints throughout the year and some
calendars (a new item) sold. I feel extremely blessed to be able to do
what I love.
There are many people to thank for this year's success. Of course, there
are the people who purchased art, fine art prints and calendars. I have
much appreciation for your support of me and my vision. But there are
also many other people who help in other ways. A big thank you goes out
to my sister, Sharon, who has been helping me with the new studio
renovation - and is just always there to lend a hand. Many thanks go to
Anastasia Shartin, Merry Beck and Judy Brooks and staff and volunteers
who helped with set up of each of the exhibits. After years of hanging
my own work, it is so enjoyable to have someone help in these
situations. A shout out to my friends at Wet Paint who have the latest
scoop on art materials when I have questions and who also are artists
who I talk to about making art, not just about buying supplies. A thank
you especially to Greg Graham who came out to look at my work and
discuss. A special thank you to Dania, my first Patron. A thank you goes out to my daughter, Maddie, who is inspiring me as she is just starting her own creative career, And of course, a thank you to Delilah, my dog, who is my companion in the studio - which can get pretty lonely at times.
I wish the life of an artist was just about painting, but I spend much
time doing social media, running my website and applying to galleries
and exhibit spaces. Even in these endeavors there are people behind the
scenes helping. I have a website host, Art Storefronts, that provides
great promotional help and there are other artists with who I consult,
write grants and collaborate. And of course, there are those people who
follow me on social media and interact with me about my art and
activities.
It is a rich life and although it has been the worst of times, it has also been the best of times.
May your holidays be filled with family, friends (at a safe distance)
and good food. May your 2021 bring you love, peace and enough
prosperity. May you be blessed. Happy New Year and see you on the other
side.
