Last Friday

Last Friday night was the opening for my Studio Blowout Sale at Marshall Springs at Gayton West in Short Pump. I've blogged about that sale about a million times now but what I never blogged about was how that night came together! It was just about 3 weeks ago, I sent at email to one of the leasing agents at Marshall Springs, asking if I could show my work in their club house. They said they were excited at the idea, and that it would cost $200 + $50 an hour OR I could volunteer to teach a painting class to the residents in exchange for using the space for an art show afterwards. I very happily took the second option and had so much fun teaching the residents how to make this beginners painting that I made up: 

So my advice to you artists is - this is DEFINITELY a compromise to consider! Offering a simple painting lesson in exchange for using a beautiful venue is really a win-win! I knew I wanted to take advantage of the space and the lesson as much as possible, so I gave out postcards with all my information listed to the adults in the class along with a coupon to use on my website. I've had requests for custom paintings and was asked by multiple people if I would teach another class to their group of friends, their coworkers, & even their children! 

So while doing the painting class was 100% worth every minute of planning, the actual art show was a bigger success than any show I've had so far! I had the biggest turnout, the most sales, and the most requests for custom paintings. I got to say goodbye to a lot of paintings I've loved but haven't had a place to hang in our small apartment. Knowing they're going to a new home feels so great! Below are just a few of the many paintings that sold that night:

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I am so grateful to everyone who took my painting class, who came to the show afterwards, who purchased my work and said nice things, and for those helped me load and unload the show. It was such a fun night and I hope for many more like this in the future! I also want to express how thankful I am for every single one of you who voted to nominate me to win the RAWawards! I am proud to say that I made it to the next level which means I am currently being judged against two other Richmond-based artists, whoever wins that level goes on to compete nationally! To take a look at the artists I'm competing with or to see my profile again, click HERE! Thank you!!!