wow! my first open studio was so special & heartening & sweet 🥺 for quite a while ive been wanting to invite people into my studio to see my beloved studio space, view what ive been working on, connect with others, & relax a bit with snacks & music. but the time never felt right, or i didn’t feel ready, or i got in my head about details, or my insecurity ramped up & i worried no one would come or that people would think it was annoying or weird. it is vulnerable to say ‘hey come into my space & take a look at what i made with my hands & heart, oh & that is my desk & those are my inspirational books & that is my sketchbook’. anyway i decided to face my little fear & commit to trying it & seeing how it goes without many expectations. over the last weeks it’s become even more abundantly clear to me that we need as many opportunities for artful, peaceful, easy, silly, delicious, & joyful gatherings as we can. & we must cultivate the community we crave. this was my first test into that - a midday chunk of time to come & visit & relax & connect. i plan to do 3-4 open studios next year, likely with art workshops. today i framed my door with frames & paintings & safely roped off my studiomates areas with tulle fabric & ribbons & magenta cellophane. i filled the areas with my trinket jars & prints & collages & paintings & zines & more. im filled with gratitude for those who helped, supported, showed up, sent me sweet messages of support, & hung out in my little space today. & my beloved partner helped set up the food table & made mocktails & cocktails & helped run up & down to let folks in when they arrived. it was relaxed, fun, & easy. also, earlier this year i invested in a tabletop art vending machine (@theartvendmachine) for upcoming markets & everyone who came today got to use it for the first time! it brings me so very much joy. i can’t wait to use it in shows in 2025. i wont be doing any holiday markets this year because my parents will be in town for their annual holiday visit to chicago. if you’re interested in snagging some ornaments or want to check out any pieces, send a dm or an email so we can connect about it in the lead-up to the holidays💕 xoxo