Reflections on the 2025 Outdoor Art Show: Gratitude, Community, and Connection

Reflections on the 2025 Outdoor Art Show: Gratitude, Community, and Connection

I am truly delighted to share this note of gratitude as I look back on another successful Outdoor Art Show. This marks my fourth year of participating, and each time I am reminded why I continue to return. Although it is physically demanding work to set up a tent and spend long hours outdoors, I do it gladly because I can meet art lovers face to face, share conversations, and see the sparkle in their eyes when they connect with my paintings. Every year brings a slightly different experience, and that change itself feels like a gift. These memories are priceless, and I treasure recording them year after year.

This year, my booth was located in the newly arranged section created by Gallery North, at space B54, right in front of a small pond. In previous years, I believe I was at B10. Of course, the most visible booths are along the main road, where visitors naturally pass through. Those located deeper in the corners are more easily overlooked, and even some visitors who came specifically to see me said they had a hard time finding my booth.
​
But in truth, the location does not matter. What matters most is that those who love my paintings always find their way to me. I am deeply grateful for that. Even during heavy rain, when many booths had already packed up, there were people who braved the storm to come and purchase a painting. I still vividly remember how we all cheered together with joy as they carried the artwork away in their arms. That memory remains close to my heart. In the end, such a hidden and intimate spot allowed for deeper stories to unfold—moments of connection that I will never forget.

My booth is always arranged with paintings both displayed on the walls and placed on the table. At the Outdoor Art Show, I hold to one principle: I do not raise my prices to gallery levels. Instead, I want visitors to feel comfortable, to come close, to look carefully, and to spend time sharing stories with me.
​
What stood out this year was how many people who had purchased my paintings in the past came back to share their impressions and experiences.

​These conversations left a deep impression on me. Whenever I sell a painting, my greatest hope is that it will bring joy and warmth to the home where it hangs. Hearing these personal stories of how my work has become part of someone’s daily life is always the most rewarding and happiest moment for me.

My children have grown up naturally surrounded by my paintings, and in many ways, they are growing inside the artwork with me. This year, my younger child joined me at the Outdoor Art Show, which made the experience especially meaningful. It was a wonderful opportunity to show my child how many people work together to create a beautiful and supportive community.
​
Right next to my booth were a couple of artists who create jewelry from sea glass collected along the beach. (Barefoot beach glass by Pat Obrien)

​They were so kind and generous, and they taught my child many things throughout the event. For that, I am truly grateful. Encounters like these remind me once again of the deep connections and shared learning that art can bring to our lives.

Although my booth was tucked away in a corner, I found myself truly loving the spot. A small tree provided cool shade throughout the day, and I was able to use the open space just behind the booth. I even brought in a picnic table there, which allowed me the rare luxury of enjoying lunch while looking out over the pond.

This year’s event was blessed with perfect weather—no strong winds, no rain, and neither too cold nor too hot. I am especially grateful to everyone who came to see me and my work. To me, my customers are truly my best friends, and I will always remember them with gratitude.