Note: I wrote this on 12/13/24 on pen and paper and just had the chance to type it now and share it on my blog. The two pictures above are from the deinstallation day of my art exhibit, and this being my first time and not knowing what to do after a solo art exhibit, I did what I thought was proper, I took a bow when I got out of the library’s door!
It’s been a month and two weeks since my art show. There have also been many changes in my life because of it. First, now I can say I have had a solo art exhibition which I have never had before. It took 45 years for me to get here, and who knows, it might take that long again to have another one.
Here are some of the things I have learned. When I was in the midst of it, I was glad that I visited the library to interact more with the people there. The conversations I had with them were meaningful. I learned about the books they were reading, things they had been doing or had done. I do wish I would have gone there more times, especially at the beginning of my exhibition.
I also learned I should not have made big decisions while my art show was still up, like signing up for something I don’t completely understand. My art show brought a lot of emotions to me and being able to just be with them without any added things would have helped me understand better where my emotions were coming from. I should have been more selective in moving around outside of it.
I do like that I was able to have poetry along with the visual artworks that I exhibited in my art show. The spoken language and poetry gave another dimension to it. I am grateful for my friends who also shared their own poems during my artist reception. I imagine those words sticking to the walls of the library and though invisible, they joined the visual elements of the exhibit.
Another thing I learned is that when I meet with someone to show my art show privately to bring some refreshments in my bag, like water for my special guest, in case they need water.
It is also significant to know that I can do this kind of thing! I had previously thought that something like this was beyond my reach, but it seems like my own artworks had their own plans for me. Because certainly many of the pieces in the show I have created without the thought of them ever going public in that kind of way.
Additionally, I believe what also made my art show a success was the continuous support I received throughout the duration of the show and not just during the main artist reception. I have received huge support from family, friends, colleagues, teachers/mentors, library patrons/art show attendees and total strangers! I am beyond grateful to everyone who supported me.
Being organized was also key and continuing to believe that what I produced was worthwhile, and my artworks have their own values, and letting go of the idea that I completely understand them and accepting that now they belong to a bigger cause.
If there is a next time, I would like to enjoy more of my little accomplishments and be gentler to myself and those who are closest to me. It’s certainly been a life-changing experience in which it makes me more comfortable to call myself an artist, a person who perseveres in life and loves making art along the way.
In closing, I am very grateful and feel blessed by God to have had the experience of having my first solo art exhibition!
Maria’s Expressive Arts 