First Piece's First.

  This is my very first blog post. I want to talk about the eventful week and weekend I had, which includes my first of many things. This list includes my artist grant proposal submission, entering a design contest successfully, and my first meet ups with new friends.

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  I am excited to say that I submitted my very first application for an artist grant with the Durham Arts Council. The deadline was the night of last Wednesday, the 12th and I am so glad the process of writing and rewriting is over. I hope I am selected to be a recipient. It would be a huge honor to be a part of the Ella Fountain Pratt Emerging Artists Program,  I heard about the grant program this time last year, and of course, I anticipated applying since then.
  Next, a website known as CreativeAllies.com hosts contests for artists to design art for popular musicians and win money or prizes (sometimes both). Normally, I see these contests, but don't get around to submitting my work in time or correctly.  This image above is a design I entered to create J. Holiday's next tee shirt in his merchandise line. I finally got around to submitting and though I had some issues with formatting it and editing the image without Photoshop or typical digital art programs, I managed to get this accomplished this weekend! This too would be an honor if selected. This particular contest ends October 7th (if you'd like to submit your work as well). If not, VOTE for me please!  
 Lastly, I had a blast meeting some cool, new people this weekend. I attended my very first meet up with a local group of artists. We met at 9am at the Chapel Hill Farmer's Market at University Mall and sketched and chatted for a few hours. I am not a morning person, so I almost decided not to go at the last minute. Ha! I made myself not miss the chance carpe diem, even if I would be a little tardy. The photo below is a shot I took of my sketchbook after leaving. I didn't get to go into much detail due to my lack of time or to draw more than on picture, as many of the other group members did.  However, the weather was beautiful and it was a great experience, even through hauling my sketchbox easel to and fro. I can't wait until my next one! I also attended a reception in celebration of a friend's 10-Year Anniversary of her catering company, C'est Ma Joie.
  All in all, this weekend was eventful. I tried my best to seize the days. Afterall, how can you be inspired daily if you refuse to seize the days given to you?