Clarity brings prosperity is how I would sum up 2023. New doors opening to opportunities I dream to manifest, while old doors closing. Feeling the embodiment of that which I know is mine by divine right. 2023 had a balance of growth and celebration, of ritual and ceremony. Every day has been a ceremony. Mindfulness with each breath in each step. Through frustrations and worry, into absolute faith in the great mystery.

2023 Intuitive Painting

This year I started facilitating intuitive painting sessions in the studio garage. The first month was July, and there were 6 participants. I offered it again in August, October, November and December. Each month people would come back, and new people would join us. By December we were up to 15 people every week. The community and creative space is so rich and powerful, shining light on our paths so that we might know ourselves deeper and more fully.

2023 was a great year for building community through creating!

Presentations

The universe heard my call when I asked for opportunities to share my stories, gifts and art with adults and teachers.

MAEA Healing Hands

I presented a Healing Hands workshop at the 2023 Maryland Art Education Association’s Conference for Central zone. I love doing this workshop with art teachers. It’s such a powerful time to release and redirect our energies into the energy we want to embody.

PechaKucha

I was invited to participate in the 2023 York PechaKucha Volume 21 night, and I presented about my life as an artist, educator and how the Anishinaabe teachings parallel to my life as a creator.

YWCA

The YWCA of Hanover invited me to share Indigenous teachings with their middle school students on Indigenous Peoples Day, and was interviewed by a local news station.

Kutztown University

A week later I was asked to participate in Kutztown University’s Indigenous Peoples Showcase. I live painted and sold my work during the event. The painting was purchased by Kutztown Multicultural Center and hangs there in the Union Center.

Spring Grove High

The same week I spoke at my son’s high school during their Indigenous peoples day, and shared my artwork and stories with 300 high school students. It was a huge success and I am excited to do it again next year!

PowWow Live Painting

I was also a live painter at The Baltimore American Indian Center PowWow at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. This was such an amazing experience for me. I felt my ancestors in the beat of the drum and the paint showed me many things. The piece I created there is called Follow the White Feather. The woman who won the highest bid on the painting had an incredible story about following the white feather. The universe always speaks through experiences with others.

Agent of Change

At the beginning of this year I was awarded Maryland Art Educations Agent of Change award. Such a really special award, as I work hard to make sure all of my students know who they are and how beautiful and important it is to respect the differences of all people.

Paintings Sold

This year I sold so many paintings, and really stepped into my artist journey. Creating more this year than ever! Meeting so many amazing people who share their love of art and life with me. It’s so beautiful to see someone resonate with the energy of my work.

Mindfulness

I was published in a new book by my friend Jane Dalton, called The Mindful Studio. Mindfulness is such an important part of life, I strive to practice it and to share it with others.

Gratitude

There are so many other beautiful experiences I had this year, it would take me forever to write about them all. One of the things I want to do more consistently next year is write. I love writing and have missed it this year. Even though I have LOVED being so active and doing so many things, I see how important it is for me to take time to sit and process those experiences. Writing helps me do that.

Through all of the amazing experiences, its been most beautiful when I find myself able to be grateful for the hard experiences. The tough deep diving into old patterns and thoughts.

I find that gratitude easily when I think of all the lives I’ve been able to touch with my art and sharing my gifts. I am so grateful for every being that has taken a chance and listened to their heart, because it lead them to me and I learned something about myself in a more complete way. I appreciate the love and support from all of those who give their time and energy to share their stories and remember we are all connected.

Migwetch to each of you, may you find peace and joy in this very moment. <3