My 12th Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon" (entitled "Feed Your Soul!") has come and gone- and what a wonderful experience it was! This was my second out-of-state event of this nature, and my first one in New York- which was extra-special for me, since it took place in my hometown of Bellport.
I'm grateful to everyone who made this event a joyful homecoming and a wonderful success. The entire staff at Cafe Castello was friendly, welcoming, and happy to be a part of this interesting little experiment of mine...plus, the food is fantastic! My oldest and dearest friend, Julia, also happens to be the best point-woman ever. Julia pounded the pavement to promote this event: she spoke to all the local merchants about my work, plus she printed up and handed out cards and posters, which ended up in windows and next to cash registers all over the place. Let me tell you, it was a real trip walking and driving down through downtown Bellport and seeing my artwork represented in the windows of so many shops!
a little surreal for me
Friends and family turned out in droves (thank you, Tim, Charles, Jen, Donna, Laura, Kathleen, Betty, and my awesome sister, Addie, who was with me pretty much all day, taking photos, videos, and being my all-around special helper), and so many others supported me via long-distance (just to name a few: Keith, Marc, Ellen, Amy, Chris, Lisa, Heather, and of course, the fabulous Schmoopie himself, my husband, Terry, who wasn't able to make the trip with me, but who got put to work unpacking my car moments after I pulled in the driveway on Sunday night). Also, I'd like to give a special shout-out to Trent Griffin of Monarch Massage who squeezed me into his schedule before my trip to New York so my arms and shoulders could be as loose and relaxed as possible for eight straight hours of painting!
inside
outside
I arrived in Bellport late Thursday evening. Julia and Addie helped me to set up the show late on Friday night, and on Saturday morning, I got right to work just after 9:30 am. The day went by quickly, and it was filled with a lot of hugs, laughter, and meaningful conversations with friends and strangers alike. I met a ton of new, friendly faces, including two different people who told me that I had inspired them to go home and paint- how cool is that? I sold 32 magnets (which I think is a record for me!), plus three prints, and a painting!
let's go, let's go, let's go
almost there...
I signed "Heart Beet" at 5:30 pm on the dot, and then the winning raffle ticket was pulled: here's the video!
signing "Heart Beet"
winning!
I will always hold a part of Bellport in my heart...and now, parts of Bellport hold my art! Thanks to everyone's support, together we were able to raise $286.50 for Long Island Cares, Inc.- The Harry Chapin Food Bank (what a coincidence: the telephone prefix for Bellport just happens to be "286")! In case you've been keeping track, that means that twelve months of Brushstrokes With Impact (tm) "Paint-a-Thon" events have resulted in over $2150 donated to local and national charities! Woo hoo!
"Mandala Fiasco": SOLD to a VERY good home!
No comments:
Post a Comment