2020: The Year of Changes

Hello, friends!

There is no doubt that 2020 has been a significant year, replete with changes! For many — myself among them — it has also brought forth considerable amount of self reflection, discovery, and hard decisions.

I never thought I would ever leave my adopted home of Philadelphia, PA, but frankly, the violence became overwhelming. I no longer felt safe. Pat, my children, and my grandchildren were all concerned for my safety as the unrest and straight out violence escalated. I found it more and more challenging to stay positive and be creative. From protests and looting and helicopters overhead, to robberies in my studio building and a shooting of a child in the park right next door, I finally had to face the reality that Philadelphia was no longer a good place for me to be. So, after a lot of self reflection and research, I traded the incredible sunrises over the Ben Franklin Bridge….

…for the very serene, gorgeous sunsets and shrimp boats in Oriental, NC!

Oriental is known as the Sailing Capital of North Carolina, as well as a thriving little artist community. All mediums are represented here: musicians (Pat’s been practicing so he can plug in!), thespians, writers (the writer of Dawson’s Creek pens from his home just five minutes over the bridge!), as well as classic watercolorists, oil painters, ceramicists , potters, people working in stained glass, wood, metal…. and now, a fiber artist joins their midst!

They say that folks come to Oriental for a visit, and come back for a lifetime. I guess you could say that is true for me as well! Sixteen years ago, Ed and I put an unsuccessful bid in on a house here. Today Pat and I are residents of this sweet little community of 900+ folks and 2000+ boats! LOL.

Pat continues to work remotely during this pandemic as an automation engineer, and I am relaunching my art career after the turmoil of the city and the move.

We’ve been reveling in our little seaside bungalow a month now, so it is time to get busy!!!

I am now on the board of Pamlico County Art Council, and I will be teaching a natural dye class for them later this month. What a fun way to make new friends!

Building upon my experiences at the Cherry Street Pier, I am also working on creating a nonprofit artist studio coop to bring even more of the incredible talents of these individuals to the public! I’ve already had discussions with an attorney, an accountant, and some potential venue landlords, so be on the lookout for news on this new chapter as it unveils!

So until the next time…. here’s wishing you relaxing moments that soothe your soul!

Carla

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