My heart breaks as I read the headlines about the devastating flash floods in Texas. According to the New York Times, July 6, 2025 edition, dozens have died and up to 25 girls from a summer camp are still missing. Families have been torn apart in an instant, swept into chaos by nature’s fury. I can’t imagine the fear, grief, and heartbreak the local communities are experiencing right now.

I pray with all my heart that the missing children will be found and reunited with their families. I also offer my deepest condolences to the victims who tragically lost their lives. May they rest in peace, and may their loved ones find strength and comfort in the days ahead.

This story hits close to home for me. In our own neighborhood, a powerful rainstorm once struck without warning. Within just a few hours, a beautiful local pond vanished before our eyes—overwhelmed by flash flooding. The sky opened up and the rain came down so violently, it felt as if the heavens themselves had burst. The memory of that moment—the fear, the helplessness—still lingers. Even now, that pond has not fully recovered.

When I think about the scale of what’s happening in Texas, I can only imagine how terrifying it must be. The uncertainty, the destruction, and the fear of the unknown. Nature’s power can be awe-inspiring, but at times, it is also deeply humbling and devastating.

Let us all keep the people of Texas in our thoughts and prayers. May the rescue efforts be swift and successful, and may the road to recovery be paved with community support, resilience, and hope. And above all, may we work toward a future where communities are better protected from the worsening patterns of extreme weather.

Once, I had my students create artwork on the theme of peace. I simply gave them the topic, but what followed was an outpouring of imagination and hope. The children filled their canvases with symbols—hands hugging the Earth, people of different races holding hands, peace signs, bubble tea, hamburgers, Taipei 101, flags, hearts. Each piece was overflowing with warmth and dreams of a better world.

As I quietly observed their work, I could feel how deeply children long for peace. To adults, their drawings might look playful or whimsical, but inside each image was something far more profound: a silent message that says, “We need peace.” A plea that asks, “Please protect our world.”

War always casts the darkest shadow over children. It's not just the bombs or ruins—it’s the loss of the everyday joys: going to school, playing with friends, eating with family, dreaming freely. We saw this in the war between Ukraine and Russia, and now, once again, new tensions are rising, and the fear of conflict looms.

At times like this, we need to listen more carefully to our children. Their drawings, words, laughter, and even their silences speak volumes. Peace isn’t an abstract ideal—it’s a daily necessity. And someone, somewhere, is always dreaming of it. It’s up to us to receive those dreams with care and work toward leaving a better world for the next generation.

Art moves the heart beyond ideologies and borders. That is why I continue creating with my students and reading the messages hidden in their drawings. The children tell us,
"We want peace, too. We want to live together in harmony."
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And maybe that simple sentence is the greatest truth we must never forget.

Participating in the KidWind National Wind Energy Art Challenge was a wonderful experience. It wasn’t just about making art—it was about learning something meaningful and expressing it creatively. As a parent and educator, I appreciated how the contest encouraged kids to think about clean energy and environmental responsibility while exploring their artistic talents.

The theme of wind energy sparked so many imaginative ideas. My child learned about turbines, sustainability, and how energy affects our planet—all through drawing and creating. The process of brainstorming, sketching, and finalizing the artwork was fun and educational.
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What I loved most was how inclusive and encouraging the contest was. It gave young artists a real purpose behind their work, showing them how art can be a voice for change. I highly recommend this challenge to families and schools looking for meaningful art opportunities that connect with science and environmental awareness.

Every spring, I look forward to the outdoor art show hosted by Gallery North. For me, it’s more than just a chance to display and sell my artwork—it's an opportunity to reconnect with the heartbeat of art itself.

As artists, we often spend long stretches in the solitude of our studios. While this can be creatively productive, it can also create a sense of disconnect. We lose touch with what people are drawn to, how they respond to visual stories, and what emotions our work stirs in real time.

That’s why outdoor art shows like this one are so meaningful to me. I get to talk to art lovers face-to-face, observe their reactions, learn about what styles and themes resonate these days, and most importantly, feel the pulse of human connection through art.

And yes—let’s not forget, there's also the joy of making sales.
There’s a unique satisfaction in knowing that something I created will hang in someone’s home, becoming part of their daily life.
Recently, though, I was offered the chance to participate in a very different kind of event.

On May 10, 2025, the town of St. James will host the 5 Mile Challenge and 5K Fun Run/Walk—a community fundraiser supporting the creation of a Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.
This event isn’t centered around art. It’s a run, not an art fair.

So at first, I hesitated.
I thought, “Will my art booth really fit in at a race?”
But the more I thought about it, the more I felt that art belongs everywhere, especially in unexpected places.
Art can become a pause button in a fast-paced space. While runners catch their breath or families stroll through the vendor area, maybe they’ll pause at my booth. Maybe a painting will speak to them, or even just brighten their day.
Participating in this event isn’t just about exposure—it’s about contributing to a bigger cause.

It’s about being present as an artist in the community, showing that creativity and care go hand in hand.
There are other meaningful benefits, too:

• Connecting with a broader audience beyond typical art-goers
• Offering a moment of beauty and reflection in a lively space
• Supporting a cause that helps families and children in our region
• Opening new doors to connections, commissions, and collaborations
  
  

Art doesn’t have to stay in the gallery.
It can run beside the runners.
It can sit beneath a balloon arch at a fun run.
It can live in moments of joy, rest, and giving back.
So if you're an artist wondering whether a local event “fits” your work—consider this your sign.
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Your art may just be the most memorable thing someone experiences that day.

These days, the news is filled with stories of division, prejudice, and conflict. People take sides, argue, and fight endlessly. I can’t help but wonder—when will we create a world as peaceful as a painting?

When I look at a painting, I see harmony in colors, balance in composition, and a quiet stillness that soothes the soul. The world inside the frame is calm, untouched by chaos. I envy that serenity. Perhaps, if we approached life as an artist approaches a canvas—with care, patience, and a heart full of color—we could paint a more beautiful world together.