A New Season

©Annette Bartlett-Golden, Winter Carol. Collage, 9 x 12 inches. $165

A New Season
by Annette Bartlett-Golden

As the New Year approaches, I have been reflecting on many things and my home studio shows have been prevalent in my thoughts. For nearly a decade it’s been my tradition to host an annual Holiday Art Show at my home studio and also, for the past three years, a Spring Studio Show. Because of the shows I have met wonderful new people, made new friends and enjoyed the support of old friends. Indeed connecting with people through my art in the intimate setting of my shows has been one of my great joys. The sales of my artwork and note cards during these events have also been very helpful.  I am so thankful for having had the opportunity to host these shows for the last nine years.

The studio shows first began as a once a year opportunity to share my art with friends, neighbors and the community during the holiday season and served as a major motivation to make art throughout the year. My son was much younger then and I was focused on educating him at home so I had little time for finding other venues or painting much. After he began college, I concentrated on art and have made it my practice ever since.  Then as I began to make more art, I added a yearly Spring Studio Show in May to further expand my exhibit options.

Over the past three years or so, I have painted hundreds of oils and watercolors. Now I show my work in many area venues, have begun teaching monthly art classes, belong to several arts organizations and am on the board of one. I also have bigger goals: I want to bring my art to a wider audience; have more time to pursue artistic endeavors and teach more art classes. Certainly, things have changed considerably from when I first began my home studio shows!

With this in mind, I recently took a hard look at the continued value of holding the studio shows. From the beginning, there have been many challenges ~ this year’s included snow and a power outage ~and overcoming some of them has led to much personal growth. A persistent concern throughout the years, however, has been the enormous amount of preparation time each show required combined with a small number of visitors. I’ve realized that in order to pursue my goals, it is time to explore different opportunities. And so the season for my studio shows has come to a close and a new season begins. It is with heartfelt gratitude for all who have attended my home studio shows throughout the years and supported me that I say Thank You!

~Visitors are still welcome to my studio by appointment throughout the year.  Please call 336-288-0307 or email me atmountaincanvas@gmail.com.