Last week I spent an awesome day in Phoenix with an old friend from California. We had it planned for a couple of weeks, and I was really excited to spend time with Natasha Papousek. Getting there was an adventure in itself.

I drove through mist, light rain, blinding rain that slowed traffic to a crawl, and big fat rain with sunny skies above. Lucky for us, the rain in Phoenix was light while we traveled through town.

We went to the Phoenix Art Museum, and I am already looking forward to another visit. We saw Yayoi Kusama’s Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room. That was very cool, but intense. We only took a few steps in before returning to the calm light of day. Whew!

Moving on, we found Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan. The sculptures were bold and mesmerizing. Some were impossibly delicate and refined.

The Flowers of the Punjab textile exhibit captivated me with its intriguing and opulent patterns. Silk floss and cotton thread in floral motifs with geometrical borders and textures. All in rich golds, wines, and pops of vivid neon hues.

We sat for a bit, watched passersby, and talked about our plans for the year and other art business. Over the holidays, I spent some time organizing my art and photos of Mingus. I put together a small collection for Natasha. She treated me to some of her newer postcards. How awesome! We have been exchanging art postcards since at least 2016. (According to my blog posts.)

A cruise around the museum store was a must. We had a blast flipping through the exhibit books. Their call was loud and clear: take me home. We each snagged delightful loot, including gorgeous postcards and some artsy doodads—because really, who doesn’t need a desert-inspired eraser or a set of teeny colored pencils fit for a Lilliputian?

We hadn’t picked a lunch spot, but the aroma from the museum’s Alden restaurant was too savory to resist. Delightfully delicious!

On our way out, we spent more time with the Carlos Amorales: Black Cloud exhibit. We spoke with a guide and he was very excited to talk about the display. He told us it is a traveling show. And that everyone on staff volunteers to help install the butterflies. I hope you will follow the link, it is a very sweet story, the inspiration.

The drive home was thankfully, uneventful. I made a quick stop north of the city, and found out, I had missed a quick blizzard at home. I was able to catch some snow falling. And I made it home in time to catch the final moments of the sunset.

There were still thick clouds over Mingus, but there was no sign of snow to be found. The next morning, was bright and clear, and Mingus was lightly powdered.

This weekend my folks and I drove to Prescott the see the courthouse decked out in blue. The 90+ Courthouse Plaza trees that are decorated with lights for the holidays were switched to blue for three nights in honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. The tree tops were lit with white lights that mimicked snow fall or rain. The sidewalks and cafes were bustling with activity. But somehow, I managed to get photos that made the plaza look like a ghost town.

The February Creative Gathering

The gathering is just over two weeks away. I have decided I am going to explore and try to learn gouache. I have wanted to learn for years, but I guess I’ve just been chicken. I am hoping I will find time to play before February first. Fingers crossed. I am curious, and hopeful, and slightly afraid. Cue the Jaws theme music.

This will be our 1st event of 2026, our 8th year, and our 14th gathering. We officially surpassed Leslie Saeta’s 30 in 30! She hosted for 5 or 6 years. I am so surprised; I thought it ran much longer. High five to the Creative Gatherers!

The countdown begins soon!
Let me know if you plan on participating, and what you think you will work on.
I hope to see you there!

Happy New January to you!