A Blustery Goodbye

I headed for home today after dropping Brent off at the airport. I left in the pouring rain. Little did I know I was going to be in for sleet, snow, then rain, then 40 mph winds! As I drove through Texas Canyon (in Arizona), the elevation increased and the temperature dropped from 48 degrees to 32 degrees. Then came the sleet and snow. It also was real foggy and mysterious driving past these huge boulders covered in snow. As I drove out of the snow, I stopped at a rest area. When I got out of the car, I couldn't believe the wind. I didn't feel it in the car, as it was blowing directly behind me. I found out later on there were gusts of 40 mph. With the wind, came the dark dramatic skies and the tumble weeds blowing across the highway. I never had such an entertaining drive! I decided to stop in Las Cruces, NM. When I took Moon Shadow for a walk at their State Park, there were crows flying everywhere. They would perch on the side of this dirt mound that ran along the road and then almost jump into the air to glide in the wind. After a while they would come back down to rest and then do it all over again. They looked like they were having such a good time.

Sabino Canyon

Yesterday, Brent and I went for a 4 mile hike at Sabino Canyon. It was a beautiful warm day. The water was high from all of the rain. The most exciting part was at the end of the hike. We had to cross a river that was up to our knees in some parts. I had to roll up my pants and of course our hiking boots got soaked! The water was very cold!

Today we are packing things up, cleaning our little rental house, and doing laundry. Brent flies home tomorrow and I start for home. We had a great time on this journey.

The Desert Museum and the Historic Downtown Walk

We had a very full day today. We went to the Desert Museum near the Saguaro National Park. It was a beautiful sunny day. They have live Predator Bird Demonstrations every day. We were able to see a raven, hawks, and a road runner fly above us and perched on trees. They fly back and forth to their keepers because of the easy food. They truly are amazing creatures.

Then I had an appointment at the Old Pueblo Frameworks and Gallery in Tucson. I met with the owner, Kathi. She ended up taking 6 of my shadow boxes. It felt so good being the artist having a gallery owner take my artwork, instead of the other way around, which I was very familiar with when I had my gallery. I really felt good about having my artwork in her beautiful gallery. Her website can be viewed at http://www.oldpueblogallery.com/

Then after this, Brent and I went for a walk with Moon Shadow along the old historic route in downtown Tucson. We saw some really amazing adobe buildings, St. Augustine Cathedral, old courthouses, etc. One really beautiful place was The Wishing Shrine. Many people come to burn candles and pray, asking for help with their problems. They say if you light a candle and it doesn't burn out over night, your wish will come true. Of course Brent and I each made a wish!

Saguaro National Park and DeGrazia's Studio

Yesterday Brent and I went through Ted DeGrazia's Museum of artwork. He had quite an impressive array of work. My favorites were his paintings of myths from Arizona. We also saw the paintings he did while studying with Diego Rivera. These paintings were in oil and were much heavier than his later pieces. He also worked in clay, bronze, watercolor and built his own gallery and studio. He was quite a man. I took one photo of his studio.

Today Brent and I were able to go out to Saguaro National Park. We went to both the East side and West side. We were more impressed with the views of the West side. They also have a little hiking trail on the West side that takes you to the petroglyphs. You can actually get close to them. The Saguaros are amazing. They grow all the way up the sides of mountains. How they hang on, I will never know. Native American Indians tell a creation story of how people came from Sagauros. They say that at dusk and dawn, the Saguaros look very similar to people. We had a great day, even though it rained on and off and was only in the 50's.

Savoring the last day

Yesterday was my last day at the Little Gallery. It was a beautiful sunny day. Brent went hiking at Finger Rock, while I stayed at the gallery. I savored the day and relished all that I accomplished. At the very end of the day, I sold my Shield of Abundance piece. I thought that was my best piece of the show. The couple that bought it, really liked its message and said they might not have bought it without having read the artist statement. The meaning behind it really spoke to them. Then I also sold my last book. I had to give people my card so that they could order it online. After 4pm, Brent and I took down the show. It only took us a couple hours. We had to go back today to pick up the few remaining things that didn't fit into the car.
I am very happy with the show and with all of the people I met. Now I am ready to relax a little and take the sights in. This is a really nice way to reflect on the last month and let it soak in. Tomorrow we are going back to DeGrazia in the Sun, so that I can actually see his museum of works. I wasn't able to do that while I was working at the Little Gallery.

Reflecting on the last two weeks

Well, tomorrow is my last full day at the Little Gallery. I feel so grateful for all of my experiences and all of the people I met. I sold three of my Shadow Boxes and they all seemed to go to just the right owner. One couple who bought one of my Dia de los Muertos boxes, were living in their camper trailer. They were in the process of selling their home so they could travel around the United States. They were very fun and lively. You could tell they were on an adventure. Come to find out, they would be traveling to Michigan in the summer to work on Mackinac Island. They wanted a smaller piece that would add a nice touch to their new traveling home. I gave them a little extra putty so that it wouldn't fall off the wall when they went over bumps!

Brent also arrived today. I think he was very impressed with DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, even though he had seen my pictures. Moon Shadow and I had fun showing him around and taking him to Moon Shadow's favorite parks. It is nice having someone to share my adventures with.

I am posting some images from DeGrazia's front altar in their little church. This is my way of showing gratitude for everything. Also, the photo of the couple is Paul and Candy who are traveling around the U.S.

Artwork in the Sun

It was a little slower today at the Gallery. Between visitors, I would take my art outside to photograph them. I thought they looked so good in a desert setting. They looked like they grew right out of the ground.

Wedding at DeGrazia's Chapel

Today was an exciting day at the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun. They had a wedding at the chapel. How appropriate for Valentines Day. It was a beautiful sunny day for a wedding. I had fun watching them all wait for the arrival of the bride. It looked like it was her mother that walked her down the aisle and they had a woman minister. Here are some photos of the event!

Grateful

It has been a real satisfying experience having my work on display at the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun. It gives me a lot of opportunity to share my story and to hear other people's stories. I never would have been able to have this many visitors or this kind of exposure in Grand Rapids. I am very thankful.

Yesterday I had a flurry of activity. Three tour buses came in at the same time. A whole group of people came in and were looking over everything. People started buying my cards and books. I was signing books, collecting money, and trying to put through a credit card transaction when a man came up to me and wanted to purchase one of my shadow boxes. The energy in the room was alive! Then as soon as it all came together, it was all over. It happened so fast. It was great fun while it lasted.

Today I went to this African Village that is set up for the Gem Show. I went immediately after I got out of the gallery, as it only lasts until 6pm. Because it is towards their final days, they had lowered their prices. I bought a lot of wonderful things for future shadow boxes. And my most prized possession was this amazing beaded African Headress that came from the Yoruba tribe. I love it! It must weigh ten pounds or more. This one is for me and is not going in a box!

So, needless to say I am very grateful. I feel like I have been very blessed. Here are some photos of the chapel on the grounds, of Moon Shadow laying among the shadows, and of the really awesome headress I bought.

Art is Healing

I have met a lot of wonderful people at the gallery. There are so many like-minded people. It amazes me. I have had a lot of people comment on my artist statements. It really doesn't take much to start a conversation with them. It seems that the art some how gives them permission to share their own personal stories as well. Yesterday an older gentleman shared with me that his daughter, "who was larger than life," died in the Twin Towers. She was a police officer and was rescuing people when the second tower collapsed. He loved his daughter so much. He said he still is hearing stories from people of how she changed their life. I think that a lot of us do not realize how we are making a difference in other people's lives. Another woman named Loretta shared with me her mystical experiences over the years. She was a teacher in New Jersey and lives in Tucson in the winter months. She seemed like a long lost friend to me. All of these experiences make this exhibit at DeGrazia Gallery so rich and rewarding.

The photo of the woman by the church is Loretta. I took the photo of the rainbow today. This was taken at a local park. It had rained most of the day and then as the sun was setting, it came out from under the clouds. A perfect way to end the day!

The Swan

As I was driving to DeGrazia Gallery this morning, I was thinking how interesting it is that DeGrazia's address is 6300 Swan. I really liked that name for a street. Then it dawned on me that I really feel like a swan here, as opposed to an ugly duckling. Many people that visit the gallery and see my work say, "Your work doesn't look like you're from Michigan. It looks like you live here." Then another woman said, "The South West must be your spiritual home." Everyone understands and appreciates my work here. I don't have to explain what Day of the Dead is and I don't have to tell them who Guadalupe is. So it almost feels like a homecoming. I have found my swans. Even though I would not want to move here permanently, it always is a spiritual journey for me when I visit Arizona or New Mexico. It is what inspires me and nourishes my soul.

I am hoping to find a gallery that fits for me and one that I can trust. I have really put a lot of faith in myself and in my work to take this risk. There is always the risk that I won't sell anything but greeting cards, that I won't find a gallery that will accept my work, and that people will not like my work. However, I have already overcome the last risk. People do like my work and do give me compliments. That has been such a blessing to me.

The photograph that I am posting today is the outside of the Little Gallery where I am exhibiting my work. I am the "Guest Artist" as it is posted on the door as you go into the gallery.

Opening Reception at the Little Gallery on DeGrazia's Property

Yesterday was my opening day at DeGrazia's Gallery in the Sun. My work is displayed in his adobe building called the Little Gallery. It took me 8 hours to hang my show on Saturday and then the reception was yesterday. My very first visitors were a bus load of people from Michigan! I couldn't believe it when I asked them where they were traveling from and they said Grand Rapids, Michigan. They thought it was very funny that I was from Grand Rapids. Word spread around to the others and everyone kept coming in asking where the artist from Michigan was. They were traveling with Shrine Tours. I sold 20 cards to that group. Very fun!

So, I am posting the photos I took from inside the Little Gallery. It also has a wonderful little fireplace. I had a very fun and successful day!

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

I went back to DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun today. I wanted to explore the land a little more to see how dog friendly it is. (Meaning, how many cacti are there on the land) Well, there are a lot of cacti on the property. However, there are some trails that are clear of prickers and cactus. I think we should be ok. I also took some pictures to show you back home what it looks like.

My humble Abode in Tucson

Well, I am settling into my new little house and into Tucson. I like the feel of Tucson. They have a lot of palm trees and it is surrounded by mountains. It was a beautiful sunny day today. I did some exploring of the Downtown area and 4th Avenue that has a lot of funky shops.

Yesterday I checked out the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun where I will be having my show. It truly is a beautiful setting. The litte adobe buildings were made by Ted DeGrazia and his helpers. There is also a little sanctuary where many people have gotten married. I met the current artist in residence and she said she did really well in sales. She said there has been many visitors. It is starting to sink in that I am really going to be showing my work there!

So, I only have one more day until I hang my show. I will be able to start hanging the show on Saturday at 10am!

The photos on this post are of my little house, a mural in my neighborhood, and of the courtyard at the Old Artistans Gallery in Downtown Tucson. The red fence is what surrounds my little house. I call it the funky fort because you can't see from the road that there is a house behind the fence. It looks a little strange.