Past Shows
Art San Diego 2023 was another event full of talented artists and exceptional artwork. Of course it was, I had a booth there! I showed my largest work yet, a 4ft x 4ft abstract painting called Autumns Stage. The colors are common of the Autumn season, and I started the painting wanting it to resemble more “earthly tones.” I was partially successful in that regard. I just can’t help using spontaneous additions of vibrant color to really "pizzazz" a painting up. Speaking of which, my outfits for the event were sensational. I had custom made shirts from my own shop (feel free to check it out after you read this), specially for the show. I am a man who prides himself on being able to pull off anything, or at least I will attempt too. For one, I am joyful just to be alive, so what’s there to be embarrassed of? And secondly, the artwork is pristine. It’s a winning combination. As always, I met many kind art lovers and fellow artists. I sold a few smaller works, and that is always a plus.
My first experience showing at the La Jolla Art + Wine Festival was fantastic. It was an event I was happy just to be at. When you're part of such a large art show it comes to mind that you are just one of many different artists. But each artist is unique and there is so much to benefit from having your art on display among others. Your style becomes more distinct to the viewer. And you can bet when someone buys a piece from you they had a real connection with it, since there were so many others for them to consider. I was able to secure my confidence in participating next year, if I have the privilege. I once again sold at least one of each of my products on display, from small magnet paintings, to cellphone cases, shirts, greeting cards, and a couple larger paintings. Some of these products have gone completely unnoticed at previous events, while others have always been popular. It just goes to show, you cannot give up on something when you believe it is worth it!
Doing my 2nd Adams Avenue Street Fair felt like I just got done doing my first. Where did the time go? It's always a big workload when you're setting up your booth by yourself. I chose the same lot I had the previous year, imagining it was lucky for me. But it turned out to be quite the opposite. A couple hours after setting up, my entire booth blew over in the wind. My paintings crashed to the ground. I thought I was going to pack up and go home, feeling dejected. But the kind people who were near at the time helped me lift the tent back onto its feet, and after assessing the damage I resolved I was still in good enough shape. After setting up my paintings for a second time, the show went on. For the first time I sold one of each of the products I had on display, including a shirt, prints (a first), and even a bag. That was my happiest achievement. Overall I'm very grateful for everyone who helped me in my time of distress. The day prior I was subbing a 4th grade class at John Adams Elementary school, where the carnival was hosted. I taught a lesson on perseverance. Who would have thought I would have to personally demonstrate it the very next day.
I was part of the first annual Coronado Art & Wine Festival in 2023. The experience was welcoming and felt as if the event was being handled by seasoned organizers. I was pleased with my booth display and much of my art had previously never been shown before. In the weeks prior, the festival gave me the motivation to craft frames for many paintings I always wanted framed. I did not sell many paintings aside from two small magnet paintings. But I do not regret the experience I had at the show, and now some of my classic bird paintings are hanging in beautiful frames because of it.
I always knew I would visit New York City one day. But I didn't know my first time would be to show my art. The whole experience became such an meaning lesson. I felt so close to the city as soon as I stepped foot out of Grand-Central station. It was a surreal feeling seeing the old buildings alongside the new; it was like seeing history with my own eyes. Visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island added to the pride I already have for being an American. After seeing the sights, eating the pizza, and taking the pictures, Artexpo NY came with a record number in attendance for opening night. The show itself was much of what I have come to expect with these types of art shows, and I was fortunate enough to leave a couple paintings behind with a happy collector. I can't wait to return.
The Kava Collective is a kava bar in Hillcrest, San Diego that uses half its space as an art gallery and lounge. It was a pleasant surprise to learn about the gallery after wandering inside to try kava for the first time. When I inquired about showing my paintings there, the owner suggested I go to an opening that weekend and talk with the curator. So I attended the show, enjoyed the festivities and introduced myself to Matt Drey. Over the next six months I popped inside the gallery to see its walls always being updated with new artists' work. I had just about given up on being one myself when Matt Drey reached out and offered to include me in a group show to start 2023. Together we chose six of my paintings that best fit with the collective theme. Opening night was forecasted to be raining, but it turned out to be as popular as I could imagine, with crowds enjoying the art, accordion music, kava, and the warmth of each other while staying dry. The show lasted two months, and the artwork has had many viewers from the different activities and gatherings that happen in the gallery throughout the week. It was a fantastic way to start the new year.
Art Scene West is an online art gallery that once had a physical location at the heart of the design district on Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach, California. From my previous shows at Art San Diego and The Adams Avenue Street Fair, I met an art enthusiast by the name Doc Eddy, who included me in a group show he was arranging at the gallery for the owner. Myself along with two other artists occupied the gallery for two weeks with our artwork gleaming from the walls. I became a resident artist shortly after and helped operate the gallery on Saturdays. I hung new exhibitions, interacted with customers, and shared my ideas to help the gallery succeed. The experience was simply wonderful, even if it only lasted a few months. After 2 years of business the owner finally decided to close the doors while still keeping the online gallery open. When new opportunities arise I look forward to future endeavors with Art Scene West.
The 2022 Adams Avenue Street Fair was a pleasant event and my first street show in San Diego. I had done similiar shows in the past when I lived in San Jose, so I felt right at home in this enviroment. I was able to put many paintings into homes, which knowing, is a reward in its own. It was a last minute happening for me, as I secured my booth space only a week before the event, and worked each day on designing and making my display booth when I got home from work. My concept met my needs, I wanted to present my artwork in the most gallery-like space as possible. While doable, it wasn't exactly as easy to assemble as I had hoped, and I will be working on this booth design before the next show. I look forward to future street fairs and participating in this one again next year.
Artbox San Deigo was a small wharehouse artshow made up of local San Diego artists. The venue was spacious and perfect for the event. I networked with many other artists and enjoyed myself very much. Maybe that was thanks to the complimentary champagne and wine.
Art San Diego 2022 was my first large scale, gallery style art show. It was a 3-day event and was hosted in the San Diego Convention Center. It was a big success for me in terms of experience and future opportunities made by some of the wonderful people I met. I sold a total of four works, all very small original paintings. Right away I knew I wanted to particpate in Art Expo New York, also put on by Redwood Art Group, March 30- Apil 2nd.
The Candy Pushers is a candy store in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego. It is run by two wonderful people who are dedicated to their community and their craft. I had this place in mind for a specific piece of mine that I thought would fit right in with the colorful store. So I approached the owner one day and asked if they would be interested in displaying some of my artwork. She more than welcomed the idea, saying she was waiting for artists to come in and ask her that. It was my first installation in San Diego. August 2nd, 2022.