There are two weeks left to see my art on view at The Wilton Library!

My friends at the Weir Farm Artist Collective and I are exhibiting through September 26. I have two pieces on display, one of which is my most recent large scale painting. The piece was given its own wall for display!

The photo above was taken during the gallery opening last Friday. This gallery feels like a big deal and a step into my new identity as a working artist. Monday of that same week, I landed my biggest commission yet. The week was bookended by two huge steps in my art career! I know I’ll have many more commissions and galleries to come. I feel an abundance of gratitude as I’m beginning to see the fruits of my labor.

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Now, for the daily prompt:

Do you see yourself as a leader?

I am a natural leader. I’m outspoken and well-read, so I have valuable insights and contributions to make and I have the courage to speak up. I’m warm, relatable, and connect with others easily, which leads to those around me feeling a sense of belonging. I love to listen, so people feel heard, and a group gets tighter. I have the type of energy that some find magnetic, charisma if you will.

However, I’m not a natural at executive function. Skills like organization, setting up events, and lengthy email correspondences are not my strong suit. Because of this, I rarely start groups, preferring instead to belong to one and benefit from the culture provided. I still find myself taking action to lead and inspiring others without a leadership position.

The one exception to this is when I started my local gift economy. It grew quickly and connected so many! I worked on it for a few years and I was even rewarded with a day designation from my town.

Ultimately, the day-to-day housekeeping and “customer service” type volunteer work hours were too plentiful and I wanted to reduce my social media time. So I let go of control.

I benefit from several local groups. The Weir Farm Artist Collective, Fairfield County Plein Air Painters, a women’s therapy group, my various repeat gym classes. Yesterday I sat for an info session at the Fairfield Library from the Fairfield County Writer’s Studio, and I can certainly see myself continuing to work with them.

One day, I would like to start a group for creative Fairfield moms. I think it’s important that mothers, working outside of the home or stay at home, take the time to enrich themselves regularly with creative work. Not to be professional artists or crafters, but to make for making’s sake. Because it’s natural.

I’ll have to gather a few good folks to handle the organization aspect alongside me. But before that, I have a big commission to fufill 😁.