The Magic of Sharing New Art
There’s something magical, yet also deeply vulnerable, about unveiling new paintings to the public. It’s about exposing a part of your soul and eagerly anticipating the audience’s reactions. The opening reception for the Downtown Austin Space Activation (DASA) Residency was both heartwarming and uplifting. Witnessing the culmination of my and Megan’s artistic efforts over the past months filled me with immense pride.
Our Artistic Collaboration
Megan and I carefully planned the layout of the exhibition to ensure our works—my focus on places and her focus on people—complemented each other. This thoughtful arrangement enriched the overall experience for everyone attending, weaving together narratives of environment and humanity.
An Evening Filled with Energy
The reception on the evening of February 28th was buzzing with excitement. The space was filled with friends, supporters, collectors, and new viewers, all eager to engage with our creations for the first time. The energy was palpable, and both Megan and I were thrilled to finally share our Austin-inspired works.
Feedback from the Crowd
At shows, I often ask attendees, “Which piece resonates with you most?” I cherish learning about the individual connections people make with my art. This time, each of my paintings received personal accolades, which was incredibly affirming. Here are some snippets of the feedback from the night:
- “I’m completely drawn in by the wildflowers; they instantly transport me to spring in Texas.”
- “I love the vibrant colours you’ve used across these paintings!”
- “There’s just so much life in the paintings.”
- “What do you mean you painted these in 4-5 weeks? I expected you to say 4-5 months!” (Yes, there were a LOT of late nights!)
- “When you first look at the painting, you see it one way. Then you get closer, and there are so many unexpected details and layers to notice!”
Special Moments of Connection
It’s particularly special when someone forms a deep connection with a piece. On opening night, I was thrilled that one of my paintings found its forever home!
A huge thank you to my co-resident Megan Hildebrandt for making this experience so rich, and to the the team at Downtown Austin Alliance for making this opportunity available to local artists, plus for capturing some wonderful pictures at the opening!
Explore the Collection and Visit the Exhibition
I invite you to read more about the inspiration behind this collection and the stories behind each painting:
If you’re in Austin and would like to see the paintings in person, the exhibition is up through the end of March 2025 at 506 Congress, viewable by appointment. Please get in touch if you’d like to schedule a private viewing!
