I set an intention to begin 2024 with a slow down. I spent time researching “slow living” on the internet, and scaled back on commitments in both my personal and professional life.

About two into that plan- the Art opportunities began pouring it. Life is ebb and flow- feast and famine- Every time to each season. I am wrapping up a very busy portion of it.

To begin, I was invited to participate in an Artist of Faith Care Day at Gallery840 in Allentown. I worked with local artist Laura Brady to hold a discussion with 20 local artists regarding Art De and Reconstruction. It was a challenging discussion of how to critically approach the work to get thru roadblocks to completing pieces, as well as when to just let the work go and start again. I enjoyed participating in the demonstration as much as presenting- and am looking forward to further sessions.

Laura was also very kind to introduce me to Nick, the Front of House manager at Twisted Olive in Bethlehem for a One- Person Pop up Show in the restaurant. Not only were they generous to give me ample space to showcase my work (even with 15 pieces, there was still room to add more!) They also hosted an Artist Meet and Greet Event where I was able to demonstrate my acrylic painting techinque. The show runs thru the end of April, so there is still some time to stop by for a delicious meal or drink and view the show.

Bryanna Joy, accomplished poet and artist- invited me to create and submit a piece of work inspired by the events of Holy Week to be displayed at the Nativity Cathedral, Bethlehem, beginning Palm Sunday and running thru April. My piece “New Mercies” depicts a sunrise and is based on the Bible verse from Lamentations 3:22-23

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;[a]
    his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.”

It was a great honor to have Bryanna invite me to participate in the show. As a Christian, I don’t often mix art and religion- and it was a wonderful way to express my faith thru my paints.

The upcoming months I have several group shows I will be applying to- The first is the ACE Artists’ Small Works Show at the Sigal Museum in Easton PA. Easton was the first place I began entering shows at when I rebooted my art career 7 years ago. The Sigal is a fantastic venue, and the Small Works Show always features some of the top artists in the Lehigh Valley.

I will also be submitting to shows at Gallery840 for the “Creatures Great and Small” display; as well as the upcoming Lehigh Art Alliance Spring Show. Juried shows are a challenge for me to attempt, and allow me to stretch my skill set as an artist.

If things fall into place, July will be a huge month for me as well. More details to come.

Thank you for walking with me on my artistic journey- Art can be a lonely road to travel alone, and I appreciate all the encouragement along the way.

-Brenda