Notification 2019 Expo

When I was notified that ay application had been accepted as a favored "locally made" booth as a local artist, I was shocked and surprised. With all the special booth and benefits that come with the designation, it was a bit of a dream come true.

The reality that I could join America's Largest Christmas Bazaar with over 1000 booths & vendors in the Portland Expo Center over six (6) days ---- it was daunting & exciting.

None of my art was done. $8 Admission adults, $3 children. Who would come? Weeks later I found myself enjoying new booth visitor and customer's reactions to my first 200 2x2 inch pieces - 2019 Series.  5,000 attendees. Amazing stories.

Yet during the size and scope of this venue, I could not find one product sold by any vendor that had the word "Jesus" on it.  Even mine.  As I packed up the success, it became a solid gnawing concern that "the Reason for the Season" from my family traditions and heritage and the world over, was not part of the festivities.  What was wrong with us?  Why Not?

Driving away, I made a promise.  When I come back with my art, I'd find a way to honor the source of the blessings I receive year round if just to share my own story of hope.

Thank you Portland Expo Center and the crew at America's Largest Christmas Bazaar!    Learn more: http://expochristmasbazaar.com/

Winter 2025. Portland Holiday Market booth reserved, showcases custom designs & art creations.

Fall 2025. Initialed mentorship with Samuel Earp, New Zealand based artist. Established BLESSED ARTIST BLUEPRINT SKOOL channel. Website, Instagram, SKOOL, and Shopify gift shop initiated.

Summer 2025. Awarded scholarship award to attend Grand Marais, Minnesota Artist Colony. Traveled to Minnesota, Australia, Wyoming inspiring "Fishers of Men" Canoe expression series.

Spring 2025. Identified multi-use property for retail store & private residence. Storage warehouse space secured for growing equipment and collections.

Fall 2024 - Traffic accident and recovery through Winter 2025.

Summer 2024. Outdoor shed built to accommodate frame wood.

Spring 2024. Purchase of studio apartment.

Fall 2023 - Purchase of potential home/studio property falls through.

Summer 2023 - Digital inventory begins. Online ArtPlacer gallery initiated.

Spring 2023 - Celebrate 50th Birthday. Recognition & acceptance that 50 Psalms Art Series will not be completed in time.

Fall 2022 - Deliver to Hawaii, two 16x20 black canvas designs commemorating the Hawaiian names of family members. First personal commission art completed.

Summer 2022 - First individual commission requested.

Spring 2022 - First commission delivered Easter Weekend. Installed at Bridgeport Church, Tualatin Oregon.

Winter 2021 - First large format canvas oil painting commission request from a faith based organization. Beaverton Studio completed. Insurance increases to cover art series and frame equipment.

Fall 2021 - Find and move to Beaverton property. Permitted construction is ordered to renovate garage stairs, electrical and attic space to accommodate studio & storage needs.

Summer 2021 - Notice of impending employment change requiring a move. New property to identify. Psalms of the Heart art series initiated, more than 50 target pieces.

Fall 2020 - Large canvas art series start in Newberg garage space. Targeted completion of 50 works of art to commemorate blessing of 50th Birthday in 2023.

Summer 2020 - COVID shuts down businesses in Oregon and worldwide.

Spring 2020 - Accepted into first Giftshop & Gallary in January. First patron proposed exchanging a professional rolling easel for large canvas oil work in exchange for miniature artwork.

Launch 2019 First 200 Miniature Original Artwork Created. Application and acceptance as a local art marker at first Expo & Presentation of art.