A Year Full of Surprises (and Painted Pumpkin Parties in Oil City)

This year has been one for the books. It’s been full of surprises, growth, and a whole lot of creativity. After our mandatory health hiatus, Klee and I are finally getting back into the swing of things, and it feels incredible.

We’ve got our gallery show running in Foxburg, we just wrapped up an awesome Paint and Sip, we’re helping bring the Venango County Makerspace to life, I finished a large mural, we’ll soon be teaching art in a school (Yes really!), and I’ll be releasing my book at the end of this month. Oh, and our event calendar is filling up!

And now… we’re leading a Pumpkin Painting Party!

(Oh—and if you can’t make it to this event, stick around until the end of this post because we’ve got something special planned for all our out-of-towners.)

Now, you might be thinking,
“Wait, Rafi, aren’t you guys award-winning artist with international collectors and a wall of accolades? What are you doing leading a pumpkin painting party?”

Yes. We are all those things.
But here’s the truth: taking yourself too seriously is the death of creativity. Fun brings it to life.

Klee and I love having fun, and honestly, there’s no better way to keep the creative energy flowing than by doing something lighthearted, messy, and festive! Like painting pumpkins while sipping on your favorite drink.

Besides, we love Halloween. And when you mix Halloween, art, and good company, you get the kind of party that reminds you why creating is supposed to be fun.

After the huge success of our last Paint & Sip at The Exchange, we’re back for another round—this time, with pumpkins!

Art Night at The Exchange! Pumpkin Painting Party!

📅 Wednesday, October 22 at 6:30 PM
📍 The Exchange, Oil City, PA
💲 $30 per person (includes your mini pumpkin, all supplies, and 2 drinks)

We’ve only got 20 seats, so once they’re gone, they’re gone!

👉 Reserve your spot now: art@exchangeoc.com

Bring your friends, sip, paint, and leave with your very own pumpkin masterpiece (and maybe a few great stories to tell).

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about being serious—it’s about being creative, connected, and a little bit ridiculous in the best way possible.

A Little Advice for Creative Humans

If there’s one thing this year has taught us, it’s that creativity thrives when you stop trying to control it.
Life will throw curveballs like health issues, deadlines, surprises… but the spark never truly goes out. It just waits for you to stop overthinking and start playing again.

So paint something ridiculous. Try a project that doesn’t “fit your brand.” Teach a kid’s art class. Paint a pumpkin. Write something silly. Dance around your studio.

Because creativity isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence.
When you stop chasing “important” and start chasing joy, that’s when the magic happens.

👻 For All Our Out-of-Towners

For all of our creative humans who can’t make it to Oil City. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
We’ll be going live on Halloween (October 31st) from 5:00–5:45 PM for a spooky stream, where we’ll be sharing our own real-life stories of running into the paranormal and strange happenings while on the road. Mark your calendar and keep an eye out for the link!

We’ll grab a favorite beverage, light a candle, and create a little Halloween mischief from afar.

See you soon,
– Rafi (and Klee)