5 art shows in 10 days!

What was I thinking! I overbooked myself…but I hate to miss a fun art show. Sorry if I haven’t been up to date with my phone calls, email and website, but here is what I have been up to.

May 8, Show 1 –Maysville Art Walk, Tromp + Trolley

I was responsible for much of the organization for this show…and was busy for at least a solid month getting everything ready. We did our best to organize the artists, market the show, and encourage people to come.

Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side. Promptly, when the show started at 5pm, the skies turned a dark grey, bringing a heavy downpour. Regardless, the art loving public came out to enjoy a soaking wet evening of art.

I was surprised how much work is involved in organizing an art show…and I have a whole new appreciation for the hard work that goes into these events.

May 9, Show 2 – Burlington Sidewalk Chalk Festival

I packed my art, and took it to Burlington, KY for their Sidewalk Chalk Festival the very next day. I don’t have experience with chalk, but thought it would be fun…it was.
Instead of arriving with a plan of what I would draw, I arrived early to walk around Burlington and get a feel for the charming historical town. I did a few sketches of its old federal buildings (including the Tousey House Tavern, on the left) and magnificent courthouse. With the sketches as my guide, I blindly created my chalk painting.

Afterwards, I enjoyed an amazing dinner at the Tousey House Tavern with my wonderful hosts, Butch and Mary Ann Wainscott. (Notice the fine artwork hanging behind me)

May 10, Show 3 – Duveneck Art Show In Covington

The next day was the Duveneck Art show in Covington. I was surprised by my good friends Greg+Mica Darley-Emerson who showed up early with breakfast.
It was a beautiful show, I was lucky to have setup with a riverside view.

May 16, Show 4 – Mayslick Asparagus Festival

I painted frantically in the night to finish my painting for Mayslick’s Asparagus Festival. The festival has an indoor art show/competition inside a beautiful church, and then artists also have outdoor displays to accompany the “All Things Asparagus” festival.

The rain was off and on, but nothing got damaged, and the food was awesome. I had asparagus quiche, asparagus salad, asparagus cornbread, and an asparagus brownie for dessert.

It turns out I have a lot of friends in Mayslick! My painting won the “People’s Choice Award” in the Art contest.

May 17, Show 5 – Wyoming Art Show

My final show was the Wyoming Art Show. Located in a vibrant community that love the arts…I was impressed with the organization for the show. As an artist, it was a pleasure to participate. The weather was perfect, and the attendance was great.

Epilogue

The next day, I packed my kayak, and enjoyed a trip with Jim Lally and friends down the Elkhorn creek…a fast moving and exciting ride with great rapids and riffles. After a few days rest, I took some time on my bicycle for sketching and sunshine. It feels great to have some time to be an artist again.

Thank you to all the kind folks who organized, helped,participated and attended these fun shows. Especially Mike Cowden, who is as crazy as me, and helped me setup/breakdown all 5 shows! I owe you big time