From my newsletter...(sign up is available on the home page).
Well everyone, this is not how I wanted to greet you with the second newsletter of the year, but alas, here we are. COVID-19 has thrown quite a wrench into our lives and we are all living pretty uncertainly right now. If you haven't been following me on my social media channels, you may not have heard but probably guessed that all of the spring art festivals have been cancelled or postponed. I am still waiting to hear from those scheduled for early summer, but I'm sure it will be quite some time before anything definitive is announced about those. Last year, sales made at art festivals constituted 80% of my income, so I've been trying to come up with new ways to recoup these big losses and keep my business healthy - some of them are listed below (after next image).
>The Out West Art Show in Great Falls, MT has been postponed, but no reschedule dates have been announced. >The Stevens Point Festival of Arts that was to be held on April 5th has been cancelled. >The Main Street Fort Worth Art Festival scheduled for April 16-19 has been tentatively rescheduled for September 3-6, 2020. >If the Edina Art Fair (June 5-7) is postponed, they have announced a rescheduled date of August 21-23, 2020.
I will keep you all posted on further updates about art festivals throughout the spring and summer. Hopefully, this health crisis will be under control soon and we will be able to enjoy some festivals later in the year. Please be sure to follow me on Instagram and/or Facebook ,if you don't already, for the most up to date information.
How I'm moving forward...
All of my original artwork and reproductions are available to browse and purchase on my website. I have brand new reproductions available and will continue to create new original scratchboards in a variety of sizes. Your favorite social media channel will be the best place to see the new work as it's finished, but I will post it all to the website frequently.
Now is a great time to contact me if you have been thinking about commissioning a pet portrait or custom wildlife piece. All of the information you need about commissioning a custom scratchboard piece of your pet is available on my website. Your reference image is the most important part of the process! I will also be offering payment plans for anyone who wants them.
I am very excited to be partnering with a brand new art gallery in Northeast Minneapolis in the Northrup King Building -A.M.F. Gallery(@galleryamf)! The opening was scheduled for March 28th, but that has also been postponed. When I have an official opening date, I will be sure to pass that on! But until then, head over and follow them on Instagram.
I was featured in a local news story about how COVID-19 is impacting artists across the country. Thank you to Kailin from Channel 7 WSAW for speaking with me!
Featured New Scratchboard Artwork
Bald Eagle - 9"x12" | Bengal Tiger - 14"x11" | Horse - 12"x16"
Thank you for your continued support during this trying time for all small businesses and artists everywhere! I wish you all the best and hope you stay safe and healthy.
Don't forget to find your joy while we navigate such a stressful time!
-M