Back from Art on the Border
Wow—what a week!
The show in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is officially in the books, and I’m feeling both elated and exhausted from the experience. I’m here to give this event a full 5-star rating! From setup to tear-down, everything was top-notch. Artists must reapply each year to be invited back, and I certainly hope to return.
The Art on the Border committee and volunteers were absolutely stellar. They thought of everything a vendor might want or need. They fed us, checked on us, and treated us like royalty. I even had the chance to meet some of the event organizers, and they were the most gracious, welcoming people. If you love art and want to see it in person, this is the show to attend. The quality and variety of the artwork on display were outstanding—everything from jewelry and pottery to wood sculpture and, of course, paintings on canvas, wood, and paper.
The collectors were incredibly responsive to my work—so kind and complimentary. As an artist, I spend much of my time creating in solitude. While social media and newsletter responses are wonderful, there is truly nothing like hearing people rave about your work face-to-face. Painting is a labor of love and inspiration for me, and when people told me how much my use of color, line, brushwork, and subject matter moved them, I absorbed it all.
One man said, “I grew up on the prairie, and that’s exactly how I remember the sky and land.” Another person told me, “Those flowers are gorgeous. I could sit and look at them for hours.” And more than one visitor shared, “That is my favorite painting in the entire show.”
Several fellow artists also expressed their admiration, and their encouragement meant the world to me. My florals were especially well-received, and I was blessed to have collectors invest in both originals and prints. Living the dream over here!
Making New Friends
I was also lucky to be placed next to some incredible artists. If you know me, you know how much I love meeting new people and making new friends. We exchanged cards, took photos together, and plan to stay in touch. Community is such a gift—and in the art world, we sometimes have to work a little harder to find it. We spend a lot of time alone in our studios or focusing on the business side of things. These fellow artists inspired me deeply, and I hope I was able to do the same for them.
As for New York, I expect to be inspired by everyday people living what they might think are ordinary lives—but to me, those lives are extraordinary. I truly believe one of the artist’s callings is to see beauty and wonder where others might not—and to help people embrace the joy and awe God has placed in this world for us.
Off to my next adventure!
Blessings,
Tammie O’Neal
(A very happy and contented ARTIST)
Check out Art on the Border in Fort Smith, Arkansas
