My First Artist Talk/Solo Show

It’s almost here!

One week away!

This fabulous opportunity began when I was juried into one of Knoxville’s best art shows. The president of the Tellico Village Artist Guild spotted my work there in 2024 and reached out to me. As a result of ten years of hard work, a lot of courage, finally getting juried into the shows I wanted, never quitting in the face of impossible odds, and yet (paradoxically) nothing but the grace of God, I will soon be giving a talk on “The Art of Inquiry,” and I have been practicing it daily this week. It didn’t truly feel real until I completed my “disclosure form” a couple of weeks ago, outlining the premise of my talk and letting the guild know if I might need anything upon arrival.

As I glanced at the “roster” from past years and the upcoming one, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. I recognized several names, including well known artists like published author Jean Pederson, who teaches there at the guild regularly, it seems! Gulp.

It’s fine. I’m fine. Whew. I’ve taught the word of God, as well as taught artist workshops, all over the US and even in Europe. I can do this. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! When the Lord opens doors, the Lord walks through them right alongside. And while I won’t be overtly speaking about my faith per se (this isn’t church related), I still do expect to be an instrument of the Spirit.

And (perhaps most importantly) I expect to have fun!