ArtisTREE Festival - A Weekend Of Firsts
Earlier this year I decided to take the plunge and throw my hat back into the community events game. In a small way, hoping, one local event in the summer might be achievable. Well, this past weekend (July 27 & 28) was that event!
Following my 5-year hiatus I had the privilege to show at the inaugural instalment of the ArtisTREE Festival in Victoria. Needless to say, there were jitters and a small mountain of logistics to overcome, but thanks to our wonderful supports, it all came together.
Not only was ArtIsTree my first event after all the time away (which indeed feels like forever), but it was also my first time showing visual art in the community, at a highly attended venue, alongside many achieved & recognized participating artists. My first time having conversations about my visual art, about the changes to my creative practice, and my hiatus.
IN PICTURES, FROM LEFT: Booth set-up; Sending of “Second Sequence” to its home; Booth Sketch by Sketchbook Jake (!); & The very grateful ride home!
Emotional, as it was, it was also incredible. Amazing to have some of you come out just to see me back! I am still struck with gratitude for those who remember and continue to wear & share my work! Also, your warm welcome of the art… Oh, what I learned that weekend! Thank you, fellow grey weather lovers, storm-watchers, wave counters and birders for dropping by, sharing your sentiments and storm stories! I foresee an anthology book from the greater Victoria area on extraordinary storm-watching and remote expeditions that you have taken, intentionally or spontaneously published one day! Thank you for sharing those - and sharing the communal love for this coastal nature and its truly wild beauty.
To all those purchased - my heart is really full. Most accessories are gone, as are most of my brand new art-cards, along with a few originals. Art by donation section, raised $250 for ALS Society of BC.
A very special weekend - and a smash-hit inaugural event, that is destined to grow alongside this creative community. Huge thank-you to the organizers, the very eager attendees, the volunteers, my fellow artists and the folks holding the fort back home! You all made this weekend great - and full of firsts. Including a bee sting :) (yup, that’s right!). I hope to be back next year.