My first Artists Talk

On Friday, March 28th, 2025, I participated in my fist Artists Talk at the Oliver Center in Frankfort, Michigan. I was invited to be a featured artist there and had 21 pieces in the SHE exhibition for Women's History Month. It was a big day and I wanted to write some of my thoughts about it. I’m sitting on the far left in the group of featured artists in the pics below.

The funniest thing for me about this is that when Julie White Pierce (the curator there who invited me to be a featured artist there) initially told me about the “Artists Talk,” she mentioned we’d be sitting around a table. So, I figured small group of artists talking. OK then. Cool. I’ve got this.

It’s a 3 hour drive there for me. The weather on Friday was better than the whiteout snow conditions encountered when delivering the artwork a month ago. Friday was an overcast day with some rainy places, thankfully without the harrowing white knuckle experience.

Upon entering the Arts Center I noticed 5 chairs in the gallery. Behind those chairs up front, I could see six pieces of my art on the wall. There were chairs being unfolded and placed for an audience. I didn’t see a table, nor did I google what exactly an Artists Talk is.

Well, well. Suddenly, I had to face my fear of public speaking. My head spun and I swallowed the lump in my throat as I wondered how I’d wipe that deer-in-the-headlights look off my face. I had a few minutes to walk around, met some new artists and greeted a few familiar faces before it got underway. I met featured artist Judy Jashinsky before we sat down, I really resonated with her vibe! Sitting next to her was perfect given the situation, even though I had just met her, it felt as though I had my emotional support artist sitting next to me as I was in uncharted territory with a crowd.

Guess what? My unprepared self was in that chair in front of the audience for two full hours. Much to my surprise, I did it. And… I didn’t die.

Granted, I can’t remember everything I said due to the blur induced by my internal stressing, but I jumped that hurdle. It was meant to happen that way. I’m glad it did since I couldn't avoid it. I’m proud to have been sitting there with the amazing women featured artists as well as the mix of wonderful artists in the room.

Thank you for the experience, Julie!
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NOTE: in the photos featuring the artists, I'm on the far left. Next to me is artist, Judy Jashinsky, Shelley Stevens, Rebecca Mott and Melissa Jones. Check out their work!