Art+Me
Being barefoot + having a good laugh
are two of my favorite things.
FOR ESTHER - Sunflower Art Studios
A pencil drawing that my sister Esther had as a ‘center piece’ in her living room. I now keep it in my studio office as a daily reminder to never stop creating beautiful things for myself and others.
When I moved to the Hudson Valley, I was so happy and at peace; surrounded by nature and just incredibly excited to be barefoot as much as I wanted - a luxury I did not have in NYC.
My move came a few years after my sister Esther, a poet, lover of the arts and nature, and a New York Police Department officer, died in 2012. Trying to collect myself from the shock of her leaving this earth too soon, I found myself on a journey path towards my individual truth. How did I want to spend the rest of my days on earth?
A large part of that journey has not only reconnected me to my own love of art, but has put me on a path of supporting, cultivating and brining visibility to the arts.
In 2015, I gave birth to Sunflower Art Studios with the inagural Sunflower Art Festival in Gardiner, NY. The event outcome surprised me - attracting 2,500 visitors. It was a one-day event with live music, art, and fun – including a chance for folks to try hands-on art projects.
The event was a tribute to her sister. “Esther loved Gardiner, and always admired the sunflowers in the area, so the festival was named in her honor.”
“The Hudson Valley is saturated with so much beautiful art. I want to dig deeper in working with groups that use all types of art, including art therapy, music, dance, and more”
That is me holding Esther (or trying to) - 1975
