Category: EVENTS With Rafi And Klee

Welcome to the official events blog for Rafi and Klee Studios! This is your insider pass to all the exciting happenings and upcoming events hosted by us or that we are a part of. From captivating art exhibitions and creative workshops to live demonstrations and community gatherings, our blog keeps you updated and involved. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, meet fellow creatives, or just enjoy a day filled with art and inspiration, our events are designed to enrich your artistic journey. Stay connected with Rafi and Klee Studios and never miss out on the opportunity to be part of something truly special. Join us and immerse yourself in the world of creativity!

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This Year Is Going To Be Insanely Awesome For Us

If 2025 was the year we hit the “slow-mo” button, 2026 is the year we accidentally sat on the “ludicrous speed” remote. We are back, we are ready, and we’ve added so many new things to the website and our calendar that my planner is currently a mess I can barely read.

There is a lot to cover, so grab a snack (and maybe a protective apron) because here is the breakdown of what’s happening in our world for 2026.

The “Social Butterfly” Tour: Markets & Shows

A couple stands behind a vendor booth at a craft fair, surrounded by colorful artwork and handcrafted jewelry. The booth features a display of paintings, photographs, and various jewelry items.

Klee and I love our studio time. It’s our sanctuary, our happy place, and frankly, the only place where it’s socially acceptable to have blue paint in my beard. But this year, we’re stepping out of the cave a little more!

  • The Curb Market: Starting in June, you can find us at the weekly Curb Market right here in Oil City. We’ll be there with art, smiles, and probably a very specific type of morning delirium that only exists at outdoor markets.
  • The Exchange Takeover: We are officially taking the reins on Art Night At The Exchange! We’ve had a total blast at every event there so far, so we decided to crank it up. Expect a fun Art Night every single month, plus… wait for it… a monthly open call art exhibition and reception. It’s going to be a revolving door of incredible local talent, and we can’t wait to see what the amazing artists in our area create.
  • Mural Fest? (Keep your fingers crossed!): We are currently in talks with Mainstreet and the Mural Board about bringing a brand-new event to town: Mural Fest. Imagine the town covered in fresh color and massive creativity. We are working hard to make this happen, so stay tuned for updates!
A group of people engaged in a painting class, with a male instructor assisting. Participants are holding their artworks featuring sunset scenes.

We’re Back on Your Screens (and in Your Ears!)

For those who have missed our faces (and our tangents), we have big news: We are officially back on YouTube! We’ve missed the camera, and we’ve missed you. We are jumping back in with both feet and relaunching our videos and the podcast. Whether you want to watch us navigate a disaster in the studio or listen to us talk shop about the creative life while you work on your own masterpieces, we’ll be there. Head over to the channel and make sure those notifications are on!

Community & Collaboration (The “Art Syndicate”?)

Speaking of talent, we’ve officially started a local art group called The Art Syndicate. It sounds very mysterious and “underground,” doesn’t it? In reality, it’s a gathering of creative minds joining forces to support one another, share resources, and make sure the local art scene stays weird and wonderful.

Three individuals smiling and holding drinks, standing in an art gallery with colorful paintings in the background.
An art teacher explains perspective drawing techniques on a chalkboard while students sit at desks, working on their assignments.

We’re also continuing our work at St. Stephen’s School. We absolutely love those kids! Their lack of “creative ego” and pure joy for making a mess is a constant reminder of why we started doing this in the first place. Teaching them isn’t just a job; it’s a bi-monthly recharge for our own creative batteries.

The Virtual World: Patreon & Beyond

For those of you who aren’t local to Oil City and have joined our online community don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten you! We are leaning into our Patreon more than ever this year.

A man with glasses and a bandana smiles while sitting next to a woman who is laughing, both engaged in a live podcast recording. The background includes wooden panels with string lights, and there are microphones and other podcasting equipment visible.
  • Weekly Hangouts: We’re doing weekly private livestreams and group meetings that range from deep-dive art talks to “what on earth are Rafi and Klee creating now?”
  • Virtual Art Show: This is the big one! We are organizing a virtual art show specifically for our Patreon collab challenges. This means we get to showcase incredible art from our community members all over the world. Global talent, zero travel lag.

The “Do Not Disturb” Sign

An artist stands in a colorful workshop with artwork on the walls, various supplies on shelves, and a bright blue door in the background.

Now, before you think we’ve become full-time event planners, let’s be clear: The Studio is Sacred. Klee and I have officially designated several “Don’t Bother Us” days throughout most of the week. These are the days we lock the doors, ignore the emails, and just create. It’s non-negotiable. Connecting with humans is great, but connecting a brush to a canvas or hammering on metal is what keeps us sane enough to do all the other stuff! Honestly, without it, we wouldn’t have anything to share.

Check Out the New Features!

We’ve been tinkering under the hood of the website to make it easier for you to find new pieces, sign up for events, and see what we’re up to. Head over to the homepage to see the shiny new updates and the latest gallery additions.

ART NIGHT AT THE EXCHANGE
THE ART SYNDICATE
COLLAB LAB ART SHOW (VIRTUAL)
GALLERY NIGHT AT THE EXCHANGE OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS (LOCAL)
OUR PATREON

2026 is about balance: Creating in private, celebrating in public, and making sure art stays at the center of it all. We can’t wait to see you at the market, at an exhibition, at an art syndicate meeting, at The Exchange, or on the livestream!

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Love, Jazz Hands, and the “Secret” to 16 Years of Magic

Valentine’s Day is coming up next month, and Klee and I are doing something we have never done before: we’re actually gearing up for it! Right now, both of us are hunkered down in the studio creating something truly special. The challenge we’ve set for ourselves is to create pieces that reflect our deepest values, art that is about loving someone else, practicing self-love, and honoring a love for the world around us. Although Valentine’s Day can often feel like a bit of a Hallmark holiday, I like to think of it more as an opportunity to reflect on love and gratitude. Honestly, with all the bullshit going on in the world right now, we could all use a moment to focus on the light.

A couple sharing a tender moment in front of art displayed on a wall, surrounded by vibrant paintings.

To be real with you, we usually drop the ball when it comes to February 14th. Every year, it sneaks up on us, and every year we say, “Oh yeah, that was today!” But I think I figured out why we always forget: when you’re living in a state of gratitude, every single day feels like Valentine’s Day.

I’ve been in plenty of relationships in my life, but I can honestly say that being with Klee is the first time I have ever experienced true love. We’ve been together for 16 years now, and somehow, it just keeps getting better and better. It’s a rare, beautiful thing to find a partner who makes you feel blessed just by waking up next to them, and I’m lucky enough to know that Klee feels the exact same way.

A colorful vehicle parked on the side of a road, decorated with various items and a website URL visible on the back.
This was our home for the first two years of our relationship as we traveled the country.

Because we’ve been feeling so much extra gratitude lately, we decided it was finally time to actually mark the calendar and celebrate that force with all of you!

You’re Invited To Our Open Studio Event!

LOVE AND JAZZ HANDS OPEN STUDIO JAN 30TH

On January 30th at 5:00 PM ET, we’re throwing a virtual party! We’re calling it Love and Jazz Hands, and it’s going to be a soulful, fun, and slightly chaotic celebration of the heart. We’ll be:

  • Showcasing New Art: We’ll be debuting those special Valentine’s-inspired jewelry and art pieces we’ve been working on in the studio.
  • Telling Our Story: Want to know the “how we met” saga? We’re finally spilling the beans on our 16-year journey together.
  • Playing Music: What’s a celebration without some tunes? We’ll be playing live to keep the vibes high.
  • Announcing the Winner! This is the big moment. We’ll be choosing the winner of our Koru Spiral Necklace giveaway! This solid, hammer-forged sterling silver piece represents growth and infinite expansion. The perfect symbol for a love that never stops evolving.

Haven’t entered the giveaway yet? Click on the link below If you want to celebrate the power of love, hear some music, and maybe snag a unique piece of art for yourself or a sweetheart, come hang out with us. Let’s make some jazz hands and celebrate the fact that love… real, messy, beautiful love, is the greatest force there is.

WIN JEWELRY BY KLEE ANGELIE!

See you on the 30th!

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When Your Entire House Explodes Into Art (A Holiday Tradition)

Every December, like clockwork, our home transforms from a peaceful, cozy sanctuary into… well… whatever happens when an art studio explodes into the rest of the house.

This year is no exception.

In fact, I walked through the house this morning and realized that every single room (including spaces that should, by all logic, be art-free) now contains at least three paintings and a stack of Artist Enhanced Prints threatening to avalanche at any moment. Even the rugs have joined the chaos, rolled up like they’re plotting an escape.

A cluttered living room filled with various paintings leaning against furniture, rolled-up rugs, and art supplies scattered around, showcasing a creative chaos in preparation for the holiday season.

Klee and I keep saying, “This is normal, right? Other people’s homes look like this before the holidays… right?”
Absolutely not. But here we are anyway, knee-deep in canvases, surrounded by stacks of art, packaging materials, jewelry trays, tiny easels, tape guns, and a work table that looks like a rainbow threw up all over it.

And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.

The living room couches are buried under framed originals, minis, prints, and a smiley pillow who has emotionally checked out.

A cluttered living room showcasing an array of paintings, art supplies, and framed artworks. A large canvas with a figure is prominently displayed, surrounded by stacks of smaller prints, notebooks, and colorful throws. Warm lighting enhances the creative chaos present in the space.

The dining table is currently functioning as the Shipping Command Center.
The studio looks like an Art Fairy sneezed paint supplies all over it.
The floor is a path of flattened boxes, packaging, and whatever project we promised we wouldn’t start until January.
Our desks are a pile of lists, notes, scribbles, and cups of cold tea and coffee.

Every corner whispers, “You’re not behind, you’re just… seasonally overwhelmed.”

And honestly? That feels accurate.

A cluttered dining table filled with stacks of paintings, packaging materials, reusable tote bags, and an open shipping box, creating a vibrant and chaotic creative workspace.

Because this week is our holiday marathon, the big creative hurrah, the final sprint to wrap up the year with art, music, chaos, laughter, and community.

And the schedule is a wild one.

This Week’s Holiday Madness

December 5th at 5pm EST
Virtual Holiday Open Studio (live stream).
Grab your cocoa, throw on your cozy socks, and come hang out with us from your couch. We’ll be sharing art, jewelry, music, stories, and we’re doing a giveaway.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/live/iEPTFHSQB3M

LOVE AND JAZZ HANDS OPEN STUDIO JAN 30TH

December 6th, 12pm–4pm
Opening Reception at The Manos Gallery for Whispers of the Artful Traveler.
Come see the work in person, chat, wander, soak in creativity, and explore what inspires artists on their journey.
200 Freeport Rd, New Kensington, PA 15068

Two smiling individuals standing in a brightly lit room with a staircase in the background. One person has short hair and is wearing a casual jacket, while the other has a bearded face, glasses, and a bandana, wearing a t-shirt and a jacket with paint stains.
Us Hanging Out At The Manos Gallery

December 13th, 10am–4pm
Holiday Makers Market Pop-Up at Clifford’s in Oil City.
Come say hi, sip something tasty, shop for gifts, and enjoy the creative magic.

And somewhere between all this, we’re teaching on Monday… and possibly holding an event at The Exchange on Wednesday. Because why not. It’s December. Chaos is the brand.

Here’s the thing that keeps hitting me as we run around trying not to drown in bubble wrap:

Last year, we didn’t get to do any of this.

Klee was sick.
We had to cancel everything.
The house stayed calm only because we never got the chance to do what we love.

This year, yeah, it’s chaos.
Yeah, we’re exhausted.
Yeah, the living room looks like an art-themed yard sale hosted by a hair band.

But we’re here.
Klee is feeling better.
We’re working together, side by side at our computers, in the studio, juggling listings, prepping tables, counting art, double-checking calendars, and laughing every time we remember I said “Easter Standard Time” in the video I posted on social media today.

A cluttered desk in an artist's studio, featuring stacks of books, art supplies, and paintings, creating a chaotic but lively creative workspace.

We get to do this. And that means everything.

People see the events, the live streams, the gallery receptions, and the pop-ups, but what they don’t see is:

Drying racks covered in fresh varnish.
Paintings stacked in every room like Tetris on expert mode.
Us trying to remember which bin the display stands went into.
Me losing the packing tape every 30 seconds.
Klee keeping the entire ship from sinking with spreadsheets and organization magic.
Calendars everywhere. So many calendars.
Three trips to Aldi for bags and snacks.
The “one more thing” that magically becomes twenty more things.

It’s messy.
It’s intense.
It’s overwhelming.
It’s also inspiring, hilarious, and deeply meaningful.

This is the backstage reality of being full-time creators.
It’s not tidy. It’s not glamorous.
But it’s alive.

A cozy living room cluttered with various paintings, framed art, and stacks of art supplies on the furniture and floor, depicting the vibrant chaos of a creative home during the holiday season.

To us, this is what the final chapter of the year looks like.

It’s hope.
It’s gratitude.
It’s celebration.
It’s the beautiful mess of doing what we love.

And after last year, we’re embracing every chaotic second of it.

So come join us for the final hurrah of 2025, online or in person. We love having you along for this wild, creative ride.

Here’s to art exploding everywhere.
Here’s to healing.
Here’s to community.
Here’s to ending the year full of color.

– Love Rafi and Klee

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Artist Sunday in Oil City. Your Ultimate Guide to Creative Shenanigans

HAPPY ARTIST’S SUNDAY!!

Artist Sunday in Oil City is basically the Super Bowl of local creativity minus the football, plus with more artsy, handmade things, and zero risk of being hit in the face with a cheese covered nacho. It is the cozy finale of the Thanksgiving weekend trifecta, and this year Oil City is showing up big.

The whole town turns into a walkable, art filled extravaganza with musicians, makers, demonstrations, book signings, ornament painting wizards, alpaca fiber geniuses, and of course your favorite rogue creative humans. That is us.

If you are wondering “Hey Rafi, where do I find you and Klee?” then keep reading, because we have the scoop.

Where You Can Find Us. Clifford’s Carpets (Southside)

Location 10 at 19 E 1st Street

This place transforms into one of the quirkiest, most unexpectedly perfect spots for artists to set up. We will be there with original art, jewelry, books, sculptures, prints, maybe a few wildcards, and generally being our usual creative, sleep deprived but happy selves.

And we remembered the calendars this time. Ok… technically we forgot to bring them on Saturday, but they are absolutely coming with us because I put a note on my phone, a note on my sketchbook, and a note taped to my face.

If you want to say hi, chat art, or watch me try not to spill coffee on anything, come hang out at location 10.

Map for Artists Sunday 2025 in Oil City, featuring event timings, locations, and activities on Southside and Northside.

What’s Happening Around Town. Northside!

Just hop across the Veterans Memorial Bridge and you will find a whole cluster of creative action.

National Transit Building

Handmade instruments, woodworking, encaustic painting, illustration, demos, textile art, book illustrations, wax melts, stickers, ceramics. It is basically an indoor labyrinth of artists and creative chaos.
You can also catch live medieval instruments and a Q and A with Daniel Yost and Pedro Sperb from 11 to 4.

Transit Arts Gallery and Gifts

Local and regional artists in all mediums. Think of it as a mini art marketplace with big gallery energy.

Woods and River Coffee (Northside)

Watercolor and mixed media paintings plus warm caffeinated beverages to keep your art hopping energy levels high.

The Exchange

Mixed media, collages, ornaments, stickers, digital work, and probably the best spot to people watch creative humans in the wild.

Downs Building

Edinboro art students, prints, potions, handcrafted goods, natural body care, oddities. A whole vibe.

Dlonak Barber Shop

Illustration plus vintage garage character.

Wye Bridge Hobbies

Crafty creations, shirts, tumblers, and children’s books.

A colorful flyer advertising local artists and creative events happening in Oil City, detailing various locations, activities, and participating artists for Artist Sunday.

Southside! This is where we will be hanging!

If you wander the Southside loop, you will encounter:

Woods and River Coffee (Southside)

More art plus the eternal promise of caffeine.

Core Goods

Ceramics, digital art, pins, stickers, jewelry, open mic readings, and handmade goods. A whole creative ecosystem.

Clifford’s Carpets

Home of Rafi and Klee for the day, plus other AMAZING creatives!

William’s Travel

Stained glass jewelry and unique finds.

Why Artist Sunday Matters

Artist Sunday is like a giant creative thank you note from the town. It celebrates the makers, musicians, dreamers, creators, and wonderfully weird humans who choose to spend their lives making things that add beauty to the world.

It is also a chance for you to:

  • Meet artists face to face
  • Support handmade work
  • Discover something you didn’t know you needed
  • Join in the community vibe
  • Wander around a walkable art map like you are on a side quest

And honestly, it is just a great way to spend a Sunday full of color, creativity, and connection.

Come Find Us

We will be at Clifford’s Carpets, location 10, from 11 AM to 4 PM with art, jewelry, books, calendars, and our usual creative chaos. If you are in the area, stop by, say hi, and hang out with us. We love seeing familiar faces, meeting new creative humans, and being part of the buzzing, artsy energy of this awesome town.

Same bat place, same bat channel.
See you on Artist Sunday.

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Small Business Saturday at Clifford’s Was Awesome! Next Up, Artist Sunday!

Small Business Saturday started exactly the way all heroic adventures begin.
With an alarm going off at 6:30 am.

Now, in theory, I set the alarm the night before. In practice, the noise that came out of my phone at 6:30 caused me to wonder why the heck would someone ever set an alarm that early. Klee and I sat up, bleary-eyed, attempting to understand the meaning of life, the universe, and why our bodies felt like we had been training for a marathon in our sleep.

Art display featuring a variety of paintings, jewelry, and small artworks set up for a pop-up show at a cozy venue.
This was our test set up at home. It had been a while since we’ve done a pop-up and wanted to see if we still had the chops to pull it off.

Step one: coffee and tea.
Because without caffeine, we would still be face-down on the floor wondering what day it is.

Once the magic bean potion kicked in, it was time for that classic pop-up scramble… grabbing all the last minute stuff we definitely didn’t forget about (but obviously forgot about). You know, the essentials:

  • Price tags
  • Tape
  • Zip ties
  • More zip ties
  • Even more zip ties
    Because you just never know when you’re going to need to fasten something to something in a way that makes no sense but absolutely works.

Then came the loading of the car: art, jewelry, displays, our traveling walls, and enough supplies to impress NASA. Klee stayed home for a bit to take care of a few things while I drove the first load over to Clifford’s.

Display of various pieces of artwork, including paintings and magnets, set up at an art event.

Anna, the owner of Clifford’s, is a legend. She had everything prepped, spots ready, energy high, and made the whole setup process actually feel doable at a time when no one should have to speak to another human without a second cup of coffee.

I unloaded, started building my walls (a workout that should absolutely count as CrossFit), and got our table started. Now, this is the part of being an artist most people never see… the lifting, hauling, balancing, troubleshooting, and trying not to stab yourself with a rogue hook. It’s a whole adventure. But if you don’t have fun with this part, you will quickly lose your mind, so I choose fun… mostly.

Artist pop-up event display featuring colorful artwork on panels and a jewelry table, with a vendor preparing in a brightly lit space decorated with string lights.

Once I grabbed Klee, we tag-teamed the finishing touches. Transforming a blank space into a mini art world is honestly one of my favorite things. It’s like a creative puzzle, except all the pieces are shaped weird and occasionally sharp. Then I noticed something.

I forgot the calendars. I only have 10 left… and I left them at home (face palm).
Yep. The calendars I literally made a whole collection for… sitting at home.
And while we’re at it, a bunch of tags for the art didn’t make it into the bags either.

Classic show day energy.

But that’s show life. Something always gets left behind, misplaced, or mysteriously disappears into the void. The trick is to roll with it, and luckily, Sunday is round two, which means I get redemption. And calendars.

And then… the show began.

So. Many. Incredible. Artists.
Seriously, the level of talent in that room was ridiculous in the best way possible.

A group of three people, including a woman with glasses and a child, stand together in front of a display of various handmade items and candles at a pop-up shop. The backdrop features rolls of textured fabric and signs promoting small business shopping.
Our awesome creative friends were set up right across from us!

People started trickling in, and every single person was amazing. Great conversations, great energy, great support. We met so many awesome humans who connected with the work, shared their stories, laughed with us, and took home art and jewelry that now gets to go and live its best life.

There’s something magical about watching your creations leave with someone who truly loves them. It’s one of those moments where you’re reminded why you do this whole wild artist-life thing in the first place.

By the end of the day, we were tired, happy, and full of gratitude for every person who came out, every artist who showed up with their heart and creativity, and everyone who supported this fun little pop-up that became a whole community moment.

A vendor at an art pop-up event showcasing various art pieces and jewelry on a table, with colorful paintings and decorative magnets displayed prominently.
I totally forgot to take pictures while the event was happening because it got so busy, but here is an awkward picture of Klee caught mid sentence to give you an idea of how awesome this event was.

And guess what? We’re doing it all again tomorrow for Artist Sunday!

Yup. Same bat place, same bat channel.

If you’re in the area, come out and say HI!

Artist Sunday Pop-Up at Clifford’s

November 30, 2025
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Clifford’s, 19 E 1st St, Oil City, PA 16301

Shop art, jewelry, and gifts, sip something tasty, and hang out with your favorite creative humans.

We’ll be there. Walls rebuilt. Coffee consumed. Zip ties ready.

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The Final Stretch… and I’m So Freakin Excited

I’m sitting here in the studio surrounded by little painted characters, scraps of paper with half written quotes, and a scanner that has definitely gotten a workout today, and I am thrilled to say this:

I am officially in the final stage of creating the 2026 “Love Is” calendar, and we are right on track for the big release party this Friday.

All the original art is finished.
All the paintings are scanned in.
And I’m at that magical point where everything finally feels real.

A colorful arrangement of various small paintings featuring whimsical characters engaged in joyful activities, with vibrant backgrounds and playful themes.

It’s been so much fun sharing this process with you as it’s unfolded, from sketches to paint splatters to those “okay this might actually work” moments. And honestly, I can’t wait to hang out with you at the release party. It’s going to be such a good time.

What’s Happening at the Release Party

There’s a lot going on during the stream, so here’s the quick rundown:

  • I’ll be showing you the full finished calendar every painting, every quote, and all the ridiculous funny holidays I snuck in.
  • The originals from the calendar will go live on the website that day. This is one of my favorite parts because every calendar piece starts as a painting with all the little textures and imperfections that make it… well… mine.
  • Prints and other goodies will also be available.
  • We’ll announce the giveaway winner live on the stream.
    If you haven’t entered yet, make sure you do, someone is walking away with a beautiful artist enhanced textured print mounted on wood of “Love Is All You Need”. And honestly, it’s one of my favorites.

WIN JEWELRY BY KLEE ANGELIE!

It’s going to be fun, chaotic in the best way, and full of art, laughs, and probably me trying not to spill coffee on my myself. Again.

An artist sketches a whimsical winter scene featuring snowmen and playful characters on paper, surrounded by art supplies and notes in a studio.

Why “Love Is” Means So Much to Me

This series is close to my heart in a way that’s hard to fully explain, but I’ll try.

Love Is started years ago as these tiny, simple sketches I would make just to express how I felt about the world, about connection, about Klee, about the funny little moments that make life good. They weren’t meant to be anything big, just honest, joyful snapshots of the human experience.

It was around a time when I needed to remind myself that, despite everything life throws your way, there is always something beautiful or silly or meaningful happening right in front of you. I didn’t want to make a series that was sappy or overly sentimental. I wanted to create something that was real.

So the characters became a reflection of that, simple, imperfect, sometimes goofy, but always rooted in the truth that love isn’t grand gestures. It’s the small stuff. The quiet stuff. The shared laughs. The creative chaos. The bizarre inside jokes. The tiny sparks of joy you don’t always see unless you’re paying attention.

And every time I revisit this series, it reminds me of that. It keeps me grounded. It reconnects me to why I create in the first place.

So yeah, working on this calendar every year is more than just designing a product. It’s like spending time with a part of myself I don’t always slow down long enough to see.

A joyful character in a purple snowsuit with a matching hat and gloves stands beside a cheerful snowman, both celebrating amid falling snowflakes.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A whimsical painting featuring two cheerful characters amidst colorful autumn leaves, with one character holding a heart while the other joyfully raises their arms.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A whimsical painted character wearing a blue outfit joyfully rolling on a bed of red autumn leaves against a warm yellow background.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A colorful painting featuring two whimsical characters: a girl with long hair wearing a purple dress and a boy performing a handstand, both showcasing joyful expressions against a vibrant turquoise background.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A whimsical painting of a joyful character with a round head and a heart on its chest, holding a red balloon while floating alongside a white bird, set against a turquoise background.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A joyful character in a purple dress with a heart, celebrating with sparklers against a bright turquoise background.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A cheerful painted character in a purple dress holds two turquoise butterflies, surrounded by additional butterflies and a green caterpillar on a grassy patch, against a textured yellow background.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
Two whimsical characters in winter clothing play in the snow, one joyfully dancing and the other smiling. The background features a snowy scene.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A whimsical painting of two characters in a snowy landscape. One character, wearing a teal puffy jacket and hat, holds a string attached to a large red heart. The other character, wearing a purple hat and gloves, peeks out from behind a snow fort. Snowflakes gently fall around them.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A whimsical illustration featuring a character with long dark hair and a purple dress kneeling beside a growing flower with a heart-shaped bloom, while a small blue bird observes from the left.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A playful illustration of a stick figure wearing a yellow raincoat, joyfully dancing in puddles under a red umbrella, set against a green splattered background.
2026 Calendar By Rafi
A cheerful character holding a lantern, surrounded by glowing orbs of light.
2026 Calendar By Rafi

I Can’t Wait to Share It With You

This calendar is full of love, creativity, joy, and a little bit of the absurd, in other words, it’s very me.

Thank you to everyone who has pre ordered, cheered me on, watched the process, sent messages, or just been part of this creative madness with us. I can’t wait for you to see the finished result.

Pre-Order Your Calendar Now For $16.00

See you Friday for the release party, it’s going to be a blast.

Love you, creative humans.

LOVE AND JAZZ HANDS OPEN STUDIO JAN 30TH

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Exploring Creative Awkwardness at Hatch Hollow Exhibition

Last night was our opening reception for a group exhibition at Hatch Hollow, and let me just say… this place is cool. Like actually bad ass. The art in this show is gorgeous, the space feels inspiring, and the energy is the perfect blend of creative buzz and “I wonder if anyone else here feels as socially awkward as I feel right now… because they all look so awesome!” Spoiler: Some did.

Exterior view of Hatch Hollow, an art space, at night with warm lighting, showing people inside looking out the window.
I got about this far before I started to feel my inner introvert come out and play… or stand in a corner.

We had a great time. We ran into people we knew, met some new creative humans, and did all the normal art-opening things. But our awkwardly introverted selves decided to flare up the moment before we walked through the door. You know that feeling where you suddenly forget how to greet another human? Yeah. That. I had to literally force myself to say hello to people. Like, mentally shove myself from behind. See if you can spot the fear in my eyes as I pose with my art.

A person wearing a green hat with animal ears stands in front of a colorful abstract painting depicting a silhouetted figure.
Someone was looking at my art as I posed and I didn’t know what to do with myself.
A person wearing a green beanie with eyes stands in front of an artistic painting of a figure with tree branches and colorful flowers.
I was a little more laid back for this one.
A man wearing a green hat and glasses stands in front of two colorful paintings, one depicting a blue figure and the other a woman with red and yellow elements, in an art exhibition setting.
You can’t see it, but I was trying NOT to look weird.

And people who know us always look surprised when we talk about being introverted. They see the workshops, the music gigs, the livestreams, the art events. They see me talking on camera like I’ve got it all figured out and Klee rocking a room like the calmest badass ever. But just because we’ve gotten used to doing things doesn’t mean the introvert circuitry doesn’t sometimes spark, fizzle, trip a breaker, and leave us standing in the middle of a gallery like “Uhhh… hi?”

A person with short hair and glasses looks around in an art gallery during an exhibition opening, featuring colorful artwork on the walls and plants in the space.

Thankfully, awkward attracts awkward, and we ended up running into friends who are just as introverted as we are. Before we knew it, we had formed a little roaming gang of awesomely shy creative weirdos. Strength in numbers. Safety in weirdness. It made the night even better.

Honestly, moments like that mean a lot to me. I try to push out of the comfort zone when I can, but I’ve also learned to embrace it when I can’t. Some days you’re a rogue social butterfly. Other days you’re a trembling mole person. Either way, it’s all part of the gig.

A person holding a small potted jade plant in a store filled with art supplies and tools.
Klee made a new friend! Yep, it’s a plant… that’s how introverted we are.

And awkward or not, we had a blast. Hatch Hollow is such a great place and this exhibit is worth seeing. If you happen to be in Meadville anytime before December 23rd, stop by and check it out. You won’t regret your life choices if you do.

In other news, today was officially Day One of painting the original art for the 2026 Love Is calendar. I’ve got designs laid out for each month, and something you might not know is that even though the Love Is series isn’t “us” specifically, when I’m designing the characters, I think of Klee and me. Truthfully, I do that with all my art, but this series really lets me lean into our little cartoon selves.

An artist sitting at a cluttered workbench, painting on a small canvas while sketching ideas on a nearby sheet of paper.

I showed the first sketches to Klee today and she cried, which (if you’ve been here awhile) you know is always a good sign. Happy tears mean the art is working.

A collection of colorful illustration sketches depicting various themes for each month in a calendar series, featuring whimsical characters engaged in seasonal activities.
The paintings for the calendar will not be us, but the sketches are… and they made Klee cry, so, SCORE!
A person holding a colorful painting featuring two cartoon characters with the text 'Love is all you need,' set against an artsy background in a gallery space.
This is what the love is series paintings actually look like.

Thank you to everyone who has pre-ordered the calendar so far. I’m excited to show you more as we get closer to the release party, and I can’t wait for you to see what I’ve been brewing up in the studio. If you haven’t yet, I’ve got a sweet pre-order deal going on:

PRE-ORDER YOUR 2026 CALENDAR (PRE-ORDER SALE PRICE $16)

For now, I’ve got paintings to paint and calendars to design.

Onward, awesome humans.

WIN JEWELRY BY KLEE ANGELIE!

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Why Connecting Matters (Especially as an Artist)

This year, Klee and I had a lot of downtime. Life kind of hit the pause button for us, and we had to step back from doing the things we normally do in the community. And you know what? I learned something important about being a creative human.

As artists, we love our hermit mode. There’s nothing quite like disappearing into the studio, spending hours creating, or just sitting quietly with our thoughts. It’s a beautiful part of the process, but if your only connection to the outside world becomes social media, you might be in trouble.

A group of people gathered in a bright, cozy room, engaging in conversation and activities, with two individuals taking a selfie in the foreground.
Klee and I connecting with amazing artists at the Creative Conference

When Klee got sick and we had to slow down, we made a rule: get off the screens. Disconnect from the endless scroll, the opinions, the algorithms, the illusion of connection. What I noticed during that time was how dark my perception of the world started to get. I was losing track of what really mattered, connecting one-on-one with people.

Listen, we have built a large online community of awesome people over the years, and we love connecting with you, but there’s a reason we communicate mostly through our blogs, YouTube, and Patreon. People have to actively be interested, and it doesn’t leave room for trolls or the unnecessary bull. It feels more real, more intentional, and closer to what true community is supposed to be. But, you can still feel isolated if you don’t get out there every once in a while.

A woman working on a project at a table in a creative workspace, surrounded by others engaged in various activities. She is holding a pen and focusing on her work while a box of materials sits nearby.
Hanging out with creative humans at the Makerspace

Over the years, I’ve probably repeated the same words in my videos, blogs, and anywhere else someone might listen:

  1. Create the art you want to create.
  2. Put yourself and your art out there in whatever way you can.
  3. Persist through the bullshit (from your mind and the outside world).

Rinse and repeat.

Recently, I came back to that simple doctrine. Somewhere along the way, I complicated things with too many steps, too many goals, and too many checklists. I was trying too hard, and I forgot that the most beautiful thing about being an artist is how organic it can be. Your art career can grow naturally when you allow it to.

A group of people participating in a painting class, seated at tables with easels and art supplies, engaged in creative expression.
Connecting with awesome people at a paint and sip we lead at The Exchange

Of course, the hardest step is always “persist through the bullshit.” You’ll face rejection, insecurity, fear, and some emotions that don’t even have labels. But if you keep going, it always leads you somewhere meaningful.

I’m so happy we’re out there in the community again, surrounded by creative humans and humans who support the arts. Sure, just like online, there might be some a-holes floating around, but our paths rarely cross when we’re doing awesome things with awesome people.

That’s why we’re really looking forward to our closing reception at The Red Brick Gallery. The opening reception was amazing. We met and talked to so many incredible people while surrounded by our art and Klee’s jewelry. Those moments, where we get to connect face-to-face with others and share what we love, are some of our favorites.

Four adults smiling together at an art exhibition, with colorful artwork displayed in the background and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
So many awesome humans at our opening reception (Redbrick Gallery)

Tomorrow, we’re taking a friend who’s visiting from out of town to see the exhibition, and then we’ll be back for the closing reception on Sunday, November 9th, from 4–6 PM. It’ll be the last day of the show before we pack everything up. If you are curious about what other events we are a part of, check out our EVENTS page.

Promotional image for the 'Interwoven' art exhibition at the Red Brick Gallery, featuring various artworks, jewelry, and sculptures by Rafi & Klee, with details of the closing reception on November 9th from 4-6 PM.

Right before the reception, ARCA is hosting a truly magical performance titled Rich and Wondrous Sounds: The Wurlitzer Theatre Organ Experience featuring Jonas Nordwall at 2 PM in Lincoln Hall. The newly restored 1928 McKissick Mighty Wurlitzer organ will fill the room with incredible sound: strings, winds, brass, and percussion all rolled into one magnificent experience.

Four individuals engaged in a creative art session, drawing and coloring with various art supplies, including colored pencils, on a table filled with papers and drinks. Pumpkins are displayed in the background, adding a seasonal touch.
The Exquisite Corpse game brings a lot of laughter and connection!

If you’re local, come out, enjoy the music, see some art, and connect with good people. And if you’re not nearby, I encourage you to do the same wherever you are. Go see a show, talk to the artists, laugh with strangers, and remember that real human connection is what keeps the creative spark alive.

Because at the end of the day, art is meant to be shared, and community is where it truly comes to life.

A man and a woman stand by a serene riverbank, gazing thoughtfully at the water surrounded by lush green hills under a partly cloudy sky.
Connecting to nature counts as well

LOVE AND JAZZ HANDS OPEN STUDIO JAN 30TH

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Ah November… The Month of Chill, Chaos, and Creativity! Here’s Our November Events Lineup!

There’s a chill in the air, the leaves are crunching under our boots, and you can practically smell the pumpkin spice from that one candle you light every year to feel festive. That can only mean one thing: it’s November, and we’re gearing up for the holiday season.

Before we all get buried under wrapping paper and peppermint hot chocolate, I just want to say we’re grateful to be back at it with events. It’s been a while since we were this busy, and it feels amazing to connect with you creative humans again in person and online.

So many things happened in October… it was a whirlwind of awesome. We started teaching art to the wonderful children of St. Stephen’s School, had our gallery opening at The Red Brick Gallery, released our newest book, and even hosted a couple of pumpkin painting parties (where, yes, some brushes were sacrificed in the name of creativity).

A group of people holding their creatively painted pumpkins during a pumpkin painting event inside a spacious venue, with tables and decorations visible in the background.

And now that we’ve caught our breath (sort of), we’re gearing up to return to YouTube this month or next with new videos, fun updates, and a healthy dose of rogue wisdom, humor, and chaos. It’s been a while since we’ve had the cameras rolling, but we’re excited to get back to sharing our thoughts, art, and random philosophical tangents with you.

Check out EVENTS page to stay updated on any changes or events we may add to the roster. We are crazy like that sometimes.

November 5 | Art Night at The Exchange: Exquisite Corpse (Yesterday)
We had an absolute blast at our Exquisite Corpse Night at The Exchange! The room was filled with laughter, creativity, and some truly bizarre artistic collaborations, exactly the kind of chaos we love. Watching everyone add their own twist to a drawing without knowing what came before was pure magic (and sometimes pure madness). From elegant anatomy gone wrong to hilariously strange creatures, every finished piece was a masterpiece of imagination. We can’t wait to do it again!

A group of four individuals engaged in a drawing activity at a table, surrounded by colorful art supplies. In the background, a row of pumpkins adds a festive touch to the scene.
A person joyfully holding up a colorful artwork featuring a cartoon-like character, surrounded by a festive atmosphere.
A table displaying colorful artwork featuring various imaginative characters, including a mermaid, a pumpkin, a skeleton, and a cat with large eyes, surrounded by art supplies.

November Events Lineup

November 9 | “Interwoven” Closing Reception at Red Brick Gallery
The final celebration of our Interwoven exhibition. Come mingle, enjoy the art, soak in some live music, and raise a glass with us before we take down the show.
Location: Red Brick Gallery, 17 Main St, Foxburg, PA
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Info: https://rafiandklee.com/getting-ready-for-our-red-brick-gallery-exhibition/

November 12 | “Self Expression” Opening Reception at Hatch Hollow
Join us for an inspiring night of creativity and connection as we kick off Self Expression in Meadville. Meet fellow creatives, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate showing up as yourself.
Location: 945 Market St, Meadville, PA
Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

November 16 | (Patreon Only) Artist Group Hangout: Getting Involved
Our private artist meet up on Google Meet. We will chat, share updates, and brainstorm ways to stay active and connected in our creative worlds.
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Join: https://www.patreon.com/Rafiwashere

November 23 | (Patreon Only) Live Podcast: Comparison and Imposter Syndrome
A real, raw, and rogue conversation about how comparison and self doubt sneak up on artists, and how to kick them to the curb. Hang out with us live and be part of the discussion.
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Join: https://www.patreon.com/c/rafiwashere

November 28 | 2026 Calendar Release Party, Public Livestream
Grab a drink and join us online as we reveal our brand new 2026 art calendar. We will share behind the scenes stories, sneak peeks, and probably a few accidental tangents.
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/live/yEGZ_4qj8CQ

November 29 | Small Business Saturday Pop Up at Clifford’s
Support local art and check a few gifts off your list. We will have art, jewelry, and all kinds of goodies ready for you.
Location: Clifford’s, 19 E 1st St, Oil City, PA
Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

November 30 | Artist Sunday Pop Up at Clifford’s
Round out your weekend of supporting small and artsy with another day of fun, shopping, and creative shenanigans.
Location: Clifford’s, 19 E 1st St, Oil City, PA
Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Bundle up, grab your favorite scarf, and let’s make some creative memories before the snow starts flying. November is shaping up to be a whirlwind of art, laughter, and gratitude. We cannot wait to share it with you.

Stay warm, stay weird, stay rogue.
Rafi and Klee

LOVE AND JAZZ HANDS OPEN STUDIO JAN 30TH

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What Is The Exquisite Corpse?

Oh, the surrealist, what a weird bunch. Ever heard of a game that started with serious artists, ended in laughter, and somehow produced drawings that looked like Salvador Dalí met Dr. Frankenstein at a dinner party? Welcome to Exquisite Corpse, the surrealist drawing game that proves creativity thrives on chaos and cocktails.

The game was born in Paris in the 1920s when a bunch of surrealist artists like André Breton, Marcel Duchamp (the urinal guy), and their equally eccentric friends decided to let their subconscious take the wheel. They’d fold a piece of paper, each person drawing a section of a figure without seeing the rest. When they unfolded it, pure, bizarre magic. Heads became flowers, torsos turned into fish, and legs—well, sometimes they were just legs. Other times they were typewriters. Don’t overthink it.

The name “Exquisite Corpse” actually came from one of the first sentences the group created during a similar word based version of the game: “The exquisite corpse shall drink the new wine.” Which, honestly, sounds like the kind of thing you’d say if you were being creepy. But, it stuck.

Now, fast forward a hundred years and surprise! We’re still doing it, because apparently humanity loves making weird things together.

Four surrealist drawings from the game Exquisite Corpse, showcasing bizarre creatures with mismatched features and intricate patterns.

How to Play Exquisite Corpse

It’s simple, hilarious, and slightly chaotic! just the way we like it!

  1. Fold a sheet of paper into three or four sections.
  2. The first person draws the head and neck of a creature (human, animal, or unidentifiable blob) and lets a few lines cross the fold so the next person knows where to continue.
  3. Fold it over so the next person can’t see what was drawn, just those tiny connecting lines.
  4. The next artist draws the torso and arms, folds it again, and passes it on.
  5. The next draws the legs, and so on until everyone’s added their part.
  6. Unfold the masterpiece and prepare for laughter, confusion, and maybe a little horror.

You’ll end up with creatures that look like they escaped from a dream. It’s ridiculous, collaborative, and strangely beautiful.

Promotional poster for an 'Exquisite Corpse' art night at The Exchange in Oil City, Pennsylvania. Features a surreal illustration including a muscular arm, a cat's face, an octopus, and cartoon legs, with text announcing 'Draw & Sip' on November 5th at 6 PM.

Join Us for the Mayhem

Event: Exquisite Corpse Night
When: Wednesday, 6 PM
Where: The Exchange, Oil City, PA
Hosted by: Rafi & Klee Studios

Join Klee and me for a night of artistic mayhem, laughter, and questionable anatomy as we play this classic surrealist game! Each round, you’ll add your creative twist to a collaborative drawing without seeing what the others drew.

The result?
Absolute weirdness. Unexpected brilliance. And a whole lot of fun.

No experience needed, just bring your sense of humor and your beverage-holding hand.

$30 per person includes all art materials and two drinks (because history proves creativity improves after the second one).

Reserve your spot now: art@exchangeoc.com

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/share/1BRHmHzRT4/

So come out, make some gloriously strange art with us, and embrace your inner surrealist. Because in this game, the only rule is: the weirder, the better.