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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
