Very exciting things have happened over the past week or two...I don't want to sound pompous, but I do want to share the news with my fellow artists and friends because I'm ecstatic!

1) I was contacted this week and invited to do another local art exhibit. I will be taking art down from my most recent show (ends this week), and shifting it over - along with a few new pieces - to the new venue. My work will be on display for the duration of July, then I move to the third venue in August! My art has been well received locally and I even have to print more business cards, as there was a rush on them at the June venue. I'm so excited and inspired! If you notice more activity in the coming weeks, this is part of the reason why!

2) While I was honeymooning, I stayed in a high-end art hotel - HotelBLOOM in Brussels, Belgium. We stayed there specifically because the hotel supports the arts, each room has custom murals and they host art shows regularly. They make it their business to support international artists and promote art in the Brussels community. That said, the hotel manager saw my portfolio (iamcooley.com) and decided to forward my work to the branding coordinator. Shortly thereafter, the branding coordinator contacted me an extended me an art residency at the hotel! For one month, I get to stay in the penthouse suite for free, have free breakfast, host an art show, and in return I make an artistic contribution (such as painting a mural in one of their rooms) to the hotel. As you can imagine - I'm ecstatic! I'm still working out when I can go and other details, but I'm super excited!!! faint

Ok, again not trying to be pompous, I just need to let out the enthusiasm and say THANK YOU to people who have empowered me to become a better artist and inspire me to continue!