My favorite new collector hasn't actually bought anything yet

Photo by Debbie Leavitt

In late August, we turned our garage into a gallery and studio for Flagstaff's Open Studios event. Well over a hundred people came through over the weekend. I talked with collectors who already own my paintings, people on my email list, friends, and lots of neighbors I've never met, since we've only lived in this part of town for a year.

I can't remember a time when I've been able to make art in front of people, and that turned out to be everyone's favorite part, including me. People really enjoyed seeing how the layers get built. I also did some gel printing demos, which people loved. It was so much fun.

Two of my friends from The Artists' Gallery joined me, Steve Halgrimson, a wood artist, and Joni Pevarnik, a ceramic artist. They set up in the driveway while I painted in the garage, and having two people just as passionate about their art right there with me kept the energy high all weekend.

My favorite moment was a little neighbor who came back several times just to hold my rabbit print. They were not one bit embarrassed to love it out loud, so much so that they dragged their dad over to look, and they agreed that perhaps it could be a birthday present someday. Toward the end of the day I sent them home with a little note card, because they just couldn't stop thinking about that rabbit. It was really sweet. Now I have a cute new friend in the neighborhood.

Good Morning Love, 6×6”

I'm really looking forward to next year already!