Every year, for the month of February, artists throughout the Seacoast area are challenged to create one piece of art within the 28 (sometimes 29) days of the otherwise very dull month. The idea came on the heels of the famous RPM Challenge in which musicians meet the task of writing and recording 10 songs in February. The results then culminate in a "worldwide" listening party in March. So, a beloved local artist, Jocelyn, decided to put forth the same idea for visual artists a few years back and with great success. Each year artists bring their creations to Buoy Gallery in Kittery, Maine and in mid-March there's an opening party.
I've been doing this challenge since it started in 2010. Most years I've done both the RPM and the ArtPM challenges, leaving the rest of my life in utter chaos but it made the shortest and most bitter month go faster and with a tad bit more excitement. But this year I stuck to just the one and I set out to do my largest piece to date- a 2'x4' mixed media called "Deity". I truly worked on it all month which sometimes meant drinking coffee and staring at the blank canvas for long hours. Sometimes days. That's a lot of coffee. I love coffee so that's ok. Coffee's the best.
Last night was the opening. The collection of art was as eclectic as ever and the wide variety of artistic background was humbling. It was a good turn out and people were generally just happy to emerge from whatever hibernation to which the challenge or the elements confined us. However, one of the best parts about it were the snacks. I love snacks. This smorgasbord included PB&J canapés! seriously- it's brilliant! But not as brilliant as coffee.
So, another challenge was met. I feel good about it and with that, I have a renewed sense of creative ambition and a wish list of art supplies to match!
I've been doing this challenge since it started in 2010. Most years I've done both the RPM and the ArtPM challenges, leaving the rest of my life in utter chaos but it made the shortest and most bitter month go faster and with a tad bit more excitement. But this year I stuck to just the one and I set out to do my largest piece to date- a 2'x4' mixed media called "Deity". I truly worked on it all month which sometimes meant drinking coffee and staring at the blank canvas for long hours. Sometimes days. That's a lot of coffee. I love coffee so that's ok. Coffee's the best.
Last night was the opening. The collection of art was as eclectic as ever and the wide variety of artistic background was humbling. It was a good turn out and people were generally just happy to emerge from whatever hibernation to which the challenge or the elements confined us. However, one of the best parts about it were the snacks. I love snacks. This smorgasbord included PB&J canapés! seriously- it's brilliant! But not as brilliant as coffee.
So, another challenge was met. I feel good about it and with that, I have a renewed sense of creative ambition and a wish list of art supplies to match!