Hectic Pace

The last few months have been extremely hectic for me. But, I can only blame myself for over scheduling. I have a problem saying no, like many of you, which causes me to obligate myself to more than time will allow so I scramble to get it all done. Luckily I have an understanding husband, who after 44 years of marriage, puts up with me until the storm blows over.

I started the summer re-inventing my gallery, changing the name to Sabal Palm Art Gallery and Studio, taking on 2 new wonderful partners and throwing a fabulous opening party with champagne flowing throughout the evening. All the time and work that went into publicity paid off with several articles and photos in the newspaper as well as each of the Ocala magazines. The gallery was packed and a number of paintings found new homes.

Six Artists Six Prairies is a super project that I have been working on with 5 other professional artists. We are visiting and painting six prairies in the area with the goal of using our art to draw attention to Florida's unique prairies and the need to preserve them and to the importance of encouraging and supporting art and artists in the community. Look for our first show November 12 sponsored by Alachua Conservation Trust at Tuscawilla Cabin in Micanopy. A portion of the painting sales goes to non-profit conservation groups.

Then came painting "Horse Feathers" for Marion Cultural Alliance's Horse Fever fund raiser. Painting a life-sized horse and learning to use acrylics at the same time was no easy task. MCA also invited me to participate in another fund raiser for the arts called Artist Within. I am paired with a super lady and have been working with her as she creates a painting for the final auction.

One would think that was enough but nooooo, while all this was going on I was gathering paintings from several patrons around the state and creating new ones for my solo exhibition at the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala. I had no idea that putting together a collection of over 35 paintings was such a big job.

Thornebrook Gallery in Gainesville invited me to participate in a group show this month, of course I said yes. The Thornebrook Village Art Festival is coming up and Fine Arts for Ocala Art Festival is in October. Yes, you will find me at both shows.

And that brings me to the holidays! I have plans for new Christmas Ornaments similar to the ones I made last year with Roseate Spoonbills on them. And, of course, all the other things planned for the gallery...you will hear more about that later.

Don't get me wrong....I am not complaining just explaining.