Hello, my long lost friends! Wanna see what’s happening on Planet Bluebird? Here ya go!
October will be a busy one for me! See any classes that look like fun? If so, you can RSVP through the host listed on the ad, contact me, or prepay online.
FYI: The Jack Skellington class at Jenkies’ Joint is almost full!
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It’s exhilarating to be busy with the work I love again. The mural at the Three Springs Community Pool took up a huge chunk of my summer (and my sanity to be perfectly honest). The personalities & the pettiness I encountered behind-the-scenes of that project were appalling & tested me more than any job or experience ever has….. but they also provided a new appreciation for the GOOD things and GOOD people in my life. (and there are way more of them than there are mean ol CRABS!)
So instead of dwelling on the negative side of that ordeal, I’m choosing to focus on the POSITIVE result of it. Thanks to my amazingly generous sponsors, I was able to be compensated for my time, supplies, include the concession stand, AND donate $3,000 to the pool upon completion. Thank you to all who supported this project… whether it was financially or by simply offering kind words of encouragement as I worked. Both are appreciated more than you know.
It took me a while to bounce back from that soul-crushing, inspiration-killing, nightmare of an experience. It broke me a little. Luckily, Mama Bluebird arrived from Florida just in time! She swooped in at my lowest and got me all fixed up. Mom has a way of making things feel lighter and reminding me of my true, authentic self. I desperately needed those laughs and her comforting presence. She helped me seal the wall with protective finish too! (a task I was dreading) What was supposed to be a 2 week visit, turned into a 3 week visit, thanks to Hurricane Dorian extending her stay!
With most of my family living in Baltimore or Florida, I don’t get a lot of quality time with them. Luckily though, I also got to briefly see my niece, Brianna and her boyfriend, Josh while mom was here. Then my Aunt Donna and Uncle Steve (with their dog, Tucker!). I saw more of my people in that short time frame than I usually do all year! It was good for my soul.
With my perspective renewed and my inspiration revived, I’m determined now more than ever to use my artsy super powers to not only make a decent living, but HELP people as much as I can while I’m at it. Through fundraisers and community projects, I’m hoping to leave my tiny corner of the world a little better than I found it.
One of the projects I’m pumped to help coordinate is a “NO-K” with Real It In and Hippie Sunday School podcasts, assisted by the marketing expertise of Kammi “Sparkle” Booher. Its like a 5-k but with no b.s. running required! (let’s face it… running is the WORST!)
Instead, there will be food trucks, beer, wine, vendors and lots of fun activities! It will be geared towards moms and teachers but of course ALL are welcome! And the best part is, the event will benefit A.C.T. (Achieving Community Together) which is a nonprofit that works to unite Huntingdon County and provide opportunities and resources to youth across the county that they may not otherwise have access to. Mark your calendars (JUNE 6, 2020) and stay tuned for updates on this event!
Another project I’m happy to be a part of is a GINORMOUS mural the ladies at Stone Town Cafe & Gallery are coordinating. The mural is being funded by a grant acquired through ReInvision Huntingdon. It’s a collaborative effort that several artists and local volunteers are working together to accomplish. It will feature tributes to local landmarks and businesses, as well as the arts, dance, and music. I won’t be able to work on it as much as I’d like due to the distance and other daily responsibilities, but I plan to head up as much as I can. We’d LOVE to have MORE artists (or even NON-artists) join in! If you’re interested, please contact Deb Tumlin at Stone Town via facebook, email: dtumlin@gmail.com or phone: (814) 506-8356. (Oh! And stop by during Art Walk on the 17th to add your hand prints to the piece!)
Speaking of community projects…. This one just wrapped up and I was honored to be a part of it…
Painter and sculptor, Evgeny Krayushkin (ZheKa Art) invited locals to lend their creativity to this piece. I’m so grateful for the Daily New’s coverage and Charlie McClanahan’s beautifully edited video documenting the process! If you’re in need of a talented videographer, photographer, or advice on developing your brand, I urge you to consider ADAPT Creative Co. I wanted to post the video on here, but for some stupid reason it won’t show up. Here’s a link though…. check it out! **WATCH “Community Spirit”**
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I recently finished up a bunch of cool orders and requests with more lined up for the weeks/months ahead…
I very much enjoyed painting Danielle Lightner’s studio windows. It would be fun to do that more often, so if your business could use a little artsy-fartsiness to draw people in, I’d be more than happy to discuss some options! And of course it’s always a pleasure working for my buddy Eric at Jenkies’ Joint. March on over to Jenkies’ for delicious food, a quality cup of coffee, toss in a load of laundry, and to see my latest addition to the building! Valerie Thomas was kind enough to help me with the marching band painting. How lucky I am to have her in my life. She is such a blessing to me.
Anyway, if you’d like to place an order, attend a class, or host your own Bluebird Designs event, please contact me:
Home/studio: (814)448-3664 Email: BluebirdDesignsByBex@gmail.com
Thanks for taking the time to read this rambling update. My world feels more balanced now than it has been in a long long time. Work and personal life both seem to be on a positive track. It’s always been one or the other thriving for me. This might be what happiness feels like….. trippy, man.
Happy fall!
The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let the dead things go.