Fifteen Springs: Reflecting on Chain of Parks Art Festival in Tallahassee, Florida

As the azaleas begin to bloom and the air in Tallahassee turns that familiar shade of spring gold, my studio hums with a very specific kind of energy. I am currently deep in preparation for my 15th year at the Chain of Parks Art Festival.

Looking back over more than a decade of participating in this show, I’m struck by how much has changed—and how much remains beautifully the same.

A Journey of Evolution

Fifteen years ago, I was a different artist. Each year since, I’ve grown more experienced in the "dance" of a major festival—from the logistics of the booth to the way I layer thickened acrylics on the wood panels Todd makes for me.

A personal highlight was serving as the 2023 Featured Artist. Seeing my pileated woodpeckers on the festival t-shirts and marketing materials was an incredible honor that I still carry with me. It served as a reminder of how far this journey has taken me, from those first few shows to becoming a staple of this local tradition.

The Heart of the Show: Connection

While the goal is always to find homes for my paintings (I typically see about a dozen or so pieces head off to new collectors!), the true magic of Chain of Parks is the reunion.

My booth often feels like a living scrapbook. I get to hug old high school friends and teachers, chat with neighbors, and catch up with my Dad’s former patients from his many years in family practice. These connections are the "roots" of my work, much like the Tallahassee landscapes that inspire my canvases.

A Tradition of My Own

I have a little ritual to celebrate the hard work: on the second day of the festival, after the whirlwind of sales, I treat myself. I make it a point to purchase a piece of art from a fellow creator. It’s my way of keeping the creative cycle moving and honoring the community that supports me. Learn more: http://chainofparks.org/

See the cash in my hand? This young man saved his money, got out his wallet, counted it carefully in front of me, and handed it over to purchase his first piece of art! It made my day!

Me getting my booth set up for 2024! Every April, I look forward to this one of kind art festival in my home town!