Keeping Dreams Alive

Happy Winter Evening Friends & Loved Ones,

I'm making time for my midmonth blog post on this busy and most important day. There will not be as many back links to our fellow artists and community members today, but I am able to share many photos from this last couple of weeks AND I promise to make it up next time.

Naturally, I've been creating art. This small work is called Blow Away. It was inspired by the feeling I have while listening to one of my favorite George Harrison songs of the same title. If you have been feeling a little down, I want to offer you some encouragement with this artwork and a link to the original music video followed by the lyrics to Mr. Harrison's uplifting ballad. (See below.) Let's remember that sad feelings don't last for long and we can all move forward in Life on a positive note!

Blow Away by George Harrison

Day turned black, sky ripped apart
Rained for a year 'til it dampened my heart
Cracks and leaks
The floorboards caught rot
About to go down
I had almost forgot.

All I got to do is to love you
All I got to be is, be happy
All it's got to take is some warmth to make it
Blow Away, Blow Away, Blow Away.

Sky cleared up, day turned to bright
Closing both eyes now the head filled with light
Hard to remember what a state I was in
Instant amnesia
Yang to the Yin.

All I got to do is to love you
All I got to be is, be happy
All it's got to take is some warmth to make it
Blow Away, Blow Away, Blow Away.

Wind blew in, cloud was dispersed
Rainbows appearing, the pressures were burst
Breezes a-singing, now feeling good
The moment had passed
Like I knew that it should.

All I got to do is to love you
All I got to be is, be happy
All it's got to take is some warmth to make it
Blow Away, Blow Away, Blow Away.

Full disclosure. Before I sat down to draw Blow Away I had been rocking out and dancing wildly in my studio for about half an hour. Haha! Head tosses and the whole thing. I probably shouldn't do that. It could cause a brain injury. Hahaha!!!  ;-D

​When I was ready to settle down and draw, I sat down and played some George Harrison. So, now you know...

Anyway, I hope the drawing and song made you smile. Feel free to pass it along to your friends and loved ones that may need it. Onward!

Saturday 1/11 I met some friends that I haven't seen in many, many years at one of my favorite Houston art haunts: Silos at Sawyer Yards. Since my day was spent visiting and catching up with long lost buddies, I didn't network with as many artists as I might have ordinarily. But, I sure got a lot of photos of some artists works (with labels w/ info when possible), studios and some amazing outdoor murals. (See below.)

On Monday 1/13 I spent a fun filled day swapping out artists' works @ the Brazosport Art League's Art Shop. It was a joy to help the artists, some of them brand new members, and get to see the work of their hands before anyone else. Deepest Gratitude to each of them and for the privilege of managing the Art Shop. Stop by if you get the chance. I'll be there in person on these dates if you want to chat and let me share a little bit about each artist and what makes there particular artwork special:

Sunday 1/26 2p. - 5p.
Sunday 2/2 2p. - 5p.
Sunday 2/9 2p. - 5p.
Sunday 2/16 2p. - 5p.
Sunday 2/23 2p. - 5p.
Friday 2/28 6:30p. - 9:30p.

Art changes out frequently. As our guests buy artwork, the artis will bring a new piece to replace it. The Art Shop carries small, handmade artworks that make perfect gifts any time of year. Please, consider us when you are shopping for that special someone. I'll post a sneak peek below, but keep in mind that if you see something you want, you'll need to reach out to me right away before it's gone!

The very next day, and on the opposite side of the Brazosport Art League Gallery, the Main Gallery hosted a show of children's rodeo art. The place was PACKED as parents and families of the talented kiddos crowded around to see these southwest themed artworks. Twelve schools from Brazoria County were represented in grades from 1st through 12th. The pictures with teal blue rosettes went on to be judged at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. There were cookies, punch and other goodies to snack on while enjoying the variety of paintings and drawings. Personally, I think they were ALL winners. I took a ton of photos and tried to get the name tags alongside each piece. My personal favorite was called Potato's Pasture. I mean, a Chihuahua wearing a cowboy hat, how could I not LOVE that?! (See below.)

Check out the slideshow below with a couple dozen more photos from hundreds that participated in the Rodeo Show.

While most of the art was representational and pretty much what one might expect from a Rodeo Show, I wanted to highlight a few of my own "honorable mentions" for young artists that were thinking outside-of-the-box.

I picked Plum Plume because a kid that can create a 3D purple chicken on an abstract background is going places, IMO.

I'm Not Bacon got my vote because compassion for pigs is highly unexpected and appreciated.

Both my son and I thought Wisdom Goat was awesome because just...YES! Why not? A goat can be wise.

For my out-of-town readers and those that enjoy a good road trip to go look at art, you'll definitely want to check out Camo Fest in Bay City, Texas on Saturday, January 25th from 12p. - 6p. It's billed as a day to celebrate wild game and wine. This year they are bringing back their well regarded Camo & Canvas Art Walk. Only 14 artists were chosen and I am one of them. Yay! It's been a long, long time since I have participated in an outdoor festival with my artwork, so I'm excited to try this venue out. If this goes well, I will dive back into the outdoor festival circuit again.

How will wine fancying folks dressed in camo receive my stream-of-consciousness drawings and abstract work? We'll find out! You can learn more about the event by clicking HERE.

I'm told that cooking “guides” will provide locally caught samples of wild game, fish and fowl and food inspired by Texas wines. Festival goers will enjoy samples of wine from local wineries, live entertainment, shopping with festival specialty vendors and artists, and activities for the kids. Sounds like fun for foodies and art lovers alike. Come on out!

Before I wrap up this edition of my blog, I'd like to mention that the time I spend here once or twice a month (hours and hours of downloading photos and adding links) is truly a labor of love. I do it because I love art. I do it because I love people and I think that just by doing the things we love and spreading joy, we make this world a better place. It is my mission to connect artists with art lovers and other small businesses. To support those trying to live their dreams while sharing a bit of my own story and what brings me joy, too.

Tonight I ask that you consider reaching out to someone you know and offer them encouragement when they are feeling down or don't think their dreams are possible. It's easy to love the people that we agree with. How about the people we disagree with? They deserve love and encouragement, too.

This evening I want to dedicate this blog post to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A braver man there never was. A nobler vision has never existed. Picture in your mind Dr. King walking arm in arm with other spiritual leaders on a peaceful mission to unite people.  Can you envision yourself in the crowd walking along with him?

There are many ways to promote peace in the world. One way to peace is to spread love and joy without asking for the same in return. All I've got to be is, be happy. 

Peace,
  S.