Category: Events

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Unlock Your Creative Entrepreneurial Potential at the Creative Entrepreneur Conference!

I can’t even explain how excited we are to be a part of this event. In all my time as a working artist, I have never seen such an authentic demonstration of wanting to help our local creative community. Not only will this conference be extremely valuable to creatives, but it will also be fun.

Creative Entrepreneur Conference
An Opportunity for Creatives – Artists, Performers, Writers, and Artisans – to Learn How to be Better Entrepreneurs.
May 20, 2023

REGISTER ONLINE BY MAY 18, 2023
Pleasantville Camp
260 Third St., Pleasantville, PA 16341

Video About The Event



Calling all artists, performers, writers, and artisans in Northwestern Pennsylvania! Are you ready to take your creative business to new heights? We are thrilled to share an incredible opportunity with you. The Creative Entrepreneur Conference, scheduled for May 20, 2023, at Pleasantville Camp, is designed to empower and equip creatives with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive as entrepreneurs. With a diverse lineup of sessions and esteemed presenters, this conference promises to be a game-changer for your artistic ventures.

Expanding Horizons:
The Creative Entrepreneur Conference aims to bring together professionals, organizations, agencies, service providers, and practicing artists under one roof. This convergence of expertise and passion creates a unique platform for learning and growth. Whether you’re just starting or looking to elevate your existing business, this event offers invaluable insights and best practices for success.

The Power of Knowledge:
The conference agenda is packed with concurrent sessions led by experts in their respective fields. These sessions cover a wide range of topics that are essential for creative entrepreneurs. From understanding intellectual property and copyright to mastering bookkeeping and taxes, branding, marketing, online sales, and participating in fairs and festivals, you’ll find guidance on every aspect of running a successful creative business.

Prominent Presenters:
Among the remarkable presenters, we’re particularly excited about the sessions hosted by us – Rafi and Klee Studios. However, this conference brings together many creative business owners and organizations. As owners of their own successful creative studio, and creative organizations, they will share their expertise on marketing, social media, and pricing art, as well as opportunities for creative growth. Their insights will undoubtedly inspire you to find the perfect balance between profitability and creative fulfillment.

Rafi Perez Live Seminar

Opportunities Galore:
One of the highlights of the conference is the exploration of various opportunities available to creatives in Northwestern Pennsylvania and beyond. From residencies and teaching opportunities to co-ops, exhibits, festivals, and organizations seeking performers, you’ll discover a wealth of prospects to showcase your talent and expand your network. The session will be led by Ashley Fosbrink, Kylee Mader, and Barbara Pierce, who will guide you through the numerous avenues waiting to be explored.

Networking and Exhibitors:
The Creative Entrepreneur Conference offers the ideal setting to network with like-minded individuals and potential collaborators. In addition, the event features several exhibitors, including the Allegheny National Forest Artist in Residence Program, Elk County Council on the Arts, Erie Arts and Culture, and the Wilds Cooperative of PA. Engaging with these exhibitors will open doors to even more opportunities and resources tailored to support your creative endeavors.

Registration Details:
We understand the importance of making this opportunity accessible to as many individuals as possible. Thanks to a grant secured by the Forest County Business Alliance from the USDA – Rural Development Rural Business Development Grant Program, the cost to attend the entire conference, including meals, is just $75 per person. However, space is limited, so we urge you to secure your spot promptly.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE REGISTRATION PAGE

To register, simply visit the online registration form and complete the process by May 18, 2023. Payment can be conveniently made via credit card. Don’t miss out on this chance to unlock your creative potential and take your business to new heights!

The Creative Entrepreneur Conference is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together creatives from across Northwestern Pennsylvania for a day filled with knowledge-sharing, networking, and inspiration. With a wide range of sessions and esteemed presenters, this conference provides a golden opportunity to learn how to thrive as a creative entrepreneur. Take the leap, register today, and embark on a transformative journey to elevate your artistic business to new heights!

For anyone who cannot make it, I will be recording the Rafi and Klee workshops and releasing them to our rogue community site members. More details on that soon.

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Hold On To Your Underwear!

We are super excited to announce something for our music lovers! We are set to drop our latest musical creation on April 28th, 2023. Titled “Fools (I Fold My Underwear),” the song promises to be a playful and introspective journey that showcases how weird we all are… Especially Klee… She’s super weird.

Here is a 20-second preview of the song:

Klee and I have been creating music together for several years and have been looking forward to having our music room set up and releasing new music. We are finally set up and ready and will be putting more focus on releasing new songs more often. Some of you know this, but this is a passion that Klee has had since she was a little girl singing into a hairbrush and rocking out to a hot pink boom box.

We are told that we have a unique sound that creates an experience that is both familiar and fun. With “Fools (I Fold My Underwear)”, Klee pushes the boundaries and explores new sounds and ways of expressing herself.

On April 28th the song will release on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon Music, And other platforms. We will also be premiering our music video (yes, I said music video!) on Youtube at 6 pm Eastern, where we will join you in the live comment section. Click below to join us.

The song reflects on the self-imposed tasks that come with trying to find oneself in a world that can often feel short on time. The lyrics are introspective, touching on themes of time, love, and enjoying life. The song is infused with a playful energy that will leave listeners feeling uplifted, happy, and laughing.

Klee has always been known for her attention to detail, and “Fools (I Fold My Underwear)” is no exception. Every aspect of the song has been carefully crafted to create a cohesive and immersive experience.

The song opens with a catchy bassline that sets the tone for the rest of the track. Klee’s smooth vocals enter soon after, painting a picture of a person wondering if folding their underwear is poor time management. The song is infused with a sense of playfulness and self-awareness.

Admittedly, this song is an infectious earworm, and we hope you absolutely enjoy and love it!

Some of our music fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of this song ever since we played it during one of our live streams. We think “Fools (I Fold My Underwear)” promises to be worth the wait. The song is a perfect example of Klee’s ability to create thought-provoking and uplifting music that remains lighthearted and fun. It is a celebration of the human experience, flaws and all. Hope you join us in that celebration.

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Time To Open The Art Studio! Sunday!

It’s that crazy time of year again where everywhere you go you are inundated with joyful music and surrounded by ugly sweater colors. If there is anything we all want to do a little less of is deal with holiday shopping. I don’t know about you, but I have never been a big fan of Black Friday. I’m not knocking it, I know some people who look forward to it as if it were some kind of treasured holiday. However, I don’t like traffic, crowds, lines, and fighting over parking spots. I prefer to be in the warmth and calm of my own home and enjoying a little spiked eggnog and relaxation.

To be honest with you, this whole year has been crazy. We moved a year ago and we are just now starting to catch up and get the art studio fully open and organized. We’ve had our ups and downs this year, and we have had some rough patches. We have also had amazing wins and new adventures. What we have accomplished blows my mind, but I am looking forward to hibernating a bit during the winter months.

After our move (which was nightmarish since the moment of the leak that ruined the old studio) we did not slow down. We moved an entire art studio and our few personal belongings, made repairs and dealt with a large plumbing issue, released new music for distribution, fixed the electrical in the house, built our media studio, furnished the house, hung a track system for art throughout the house, released new books, setup the art studio, set up the writing room, and held a two month long exhibition at graffiti gallery. Needless to say, we are REALLY looking forward to some relaxing (and spiked eggnog).

However. We want to do something special and share our home with you. We wanted to open the studio up to you guys again. Last year on December 11th, we had our first and only virtual open studio from the sunflower house. I remember announcing so many awesome creative plans for 2022. Instead of everything taking place in one catch-all room, we actually expanded our creative spaces. The art studio itself was not up and running yet when we went live so there was no tour. This year we want to show you where we are. There still a lot to do, but we want to share it with our online Rogue family!

So, this Sun December 11th 2022 at 5 PM EST we are inviting you to tune in to our second LIVE STUDIO EVENT in our new home. This is a casual affair where we will show some art and jewelry, tell some stories, give a tour, answer some questions, and play some music. We are also giving away $200 worth of prizes and also some ridiculous discounts as a big “thank you” for being there and supporting us through this craziness. Click on this banner to go to the page and enter the giveaway, we’ll announce winners during the stream.

This is going to be so much fun! I hope you can make it!

WHAT: Rafi & Klee Virtual Open Studio
WHEN: December 11th at 5 PM EST- 7ish
WHERE: ONLINE HERE- https://rafiandklee.com/live/ And chat with us on YouTube.
WHY: Because we are going to have a blast!

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HI! We’re STILL Here! You Can’t Get Rid Of Us!

Klee and I are still at it! We have taken over Graffiti Gallery and we are not ready to let it go! That’s right! We are extending our show through September in Oil City at 210 Seneca St, Oil City, PA 16301.

Rafi and Klee are both extending their shenanigans at Graffiti Gallery in Oil City PA. They are showcasing all the art they love to create. This includes paintings, jewelry, sculptures, books, music, and more. They also want to invite creatives and forward thinkers to come out the first weekend in September and discuss where we are all heading in this amazing town and ways to get there. Come and find a retrospective of Rafi Perez’s paintings, sculptures, and Klee Angelie’s jewelry and creations. Come hang out and talk about life, listen to music, look at some art, and have a blast. The show runs through the month of September on Fridays from 4-7 and Saturdays from 11am-2pm. The gallery will also be open for private appointments, contact Rafi and Klee to schedule your private tour.

The show will run through September and each day will feature art creations and fun. The show is meant to inspire and delight and we plan to have a lot of fun while we are there. We look forward to meeting the amazing people of this community!

Sept 2nd (4pm-7pm) and 3rd (11am-2pm) – The Rogue Artist Book Readings And Discussions About Revitalization.

Come and meet Rafi and Klee at their first two month long art exhibition in their new town. Enjoy art, jewelry, music, and more at the exhibition’s extended run. Drinks and a fun atmosphere will be provided. Come ready to have a good time and talk about being a rogue! Rafi will read his favorite passages from his books throughout the day, he will also talk about their efforts in the revitalization and plans for their beloved town of Oil City and the region. If you are a rogue and are excited about this area please be there. The biggest enemy of innovation and progress is apathy, but there is a way to combat it and move forward despite the challenges. They will also hold a question and answer and brainstorm session throughout the talk. He will also sign books if asked throughout the day.

FACEBOOK EVENT – https://fb.me/e/3BxjPi2hk

Sept 9th (4pm-7pm) and 10th (11am-2pm) – Live Paintings And Creations Throughout The Day.

Come out and spend some time with Rafi and Klee and experience art experimentations and creations. Including but not limited to live painting, jewelry, and music writing. Enjoy conversations about their travels, art, and why they moved to this amazing area and their plans moving forward. Also, Rafi will be demonstrating painting on his spinning easel throughout the days and creating something special for his new home town that will be given away to a lucky winner at the end of the exhibition run. Come in and get a free raffle ticket.

FACEBOOK EVENT – https://fb.me/e/4BZjM1CSH

Sept 16th (4pm-7pm) and 17th (11am-2pm) – Music Concert – RAFI’S REDEMPTION TOUR!

Our Band Is Called Better On The Drums

Enjoy some art and some great conversation and some music practice during the day. Rafi experienced his first live performance and botched it the whole way through (well, that’s how he feels) and is hoping to make a strong comeback and blow the minds of anyone there brave enough to listen. The concert will start on Friday at 5pm and Saturday at 12pm. This laid back concert will be like hanging out with two friends while they sing and play guitar. 

This will be the second time ever that we perform as “Better On The Drums” our new band. Witness Rafi be nervous again on stage… or will he be?

FACEBOOK EVENT – https://fb.me/e/24wcIoMrY

Sept 23rd (3pm-8pm) and 24th (11am-2pm) – Let’s Get Uncorked! And Finally Say Goodbye.

Enjoy some art and great conversation during the day and come downtown for the wine walk. They say people love buying art when they enjoy wine so we are hoping to capitalize on the phenomenon. Well maybe. However, you know what else works with wine? Great conversation! This will also be the final weekend of the show (we promise) and we’ll be saying goodbye.

FACEBOOK EVENT – https://fb.me/e/2AqXKuGFP

Download And Print Out Show ScheduleDownload
Download And Print Out Of Black And White Show PosterDownload

More About Oil City Uncorked

Oil City Uncorked Happens on Friday, September 22, 4:30 – 8:30 pm in downtown Oil City (north side business district). Sample from 10 regional wineries (plus a sprinkle of spirits & brews) located at various host businesses within walking distance! Participating vendors: Allegheny Cellars Winery, Black Dog Wine Company, Cart/Horse Distilling, Country Hammer Moonshine, Deer Creek Winery, Emlenton Brew Haus, Fat Chad’s Brewing, Fractured Grape/Novosell LLC, Groundhog Winery, Happy Hour Winery, Starr Hill Vineyard & Winery, Twisted Vine, Two Birch Winery, Webb Winery, and The Winery at Wilcox. 

Light refreshments will be available at host businesses, plus downtown restaurants will be open for regular dining. Souvenir tasting glass included with ticket. Oil City Uncorked is for ages 21 & over, valid ID required on event day. Tickets are available online through this link (processing fees apply), at the Oil City Library, 2 Central Avenue, and at Core Goods (starting 8/31/22), 219 Seneca Street. Proceeds benefit the downtown revitalization efforts of the Oil City Main Street Program.

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HI! We’re New Here! Rafi And Klee Exhibition

Klee and I are doing something we have never done before and are so excited. Mark your calendars and prepare for an Art-stravaganza that will knock your socks off. The kick-off will be on August 5th, with the reception from 6 pm – 8 pm EDT at Graffiti Gallery in Oil City at 210 Seneca St, Oil City, PA 16301.

Rafi and Klee will both be showcasing the art that they love to create. Come and find a retrospective of Rafi Perez’s paintings, sculptures, and Klee Angelie’s jewelry and creations. You will also experience never before seen art from Rafi and Klee’s stash of works that have never been displayed anywhere.

The show will run through August and each day will feature art creations and new facets of us that we have never performed live. The show is meant to inspire and delight and we plan to have a lot of fun while we are there. We look forward to meeting the amazing people of this community! We will also live stream certain parts of the event for our online family of Rogue Artists!

Facebook Main Event Page https://fb.me/e/4WljdSFfG

Facebook Music Event (See Below For Date) https://fb.me/e/3LajhQU4i

Facebook Author Meeting Rogue Event (See Below For Date) https://fb.me/e/20Wqbx08t

Show Dates And Events Are As Follows:

We have special things planned for each week of the month of August at Graffiti Gallery in Oil City and also online.

August 5th, 6PM – 8PM EDT – Exhibition Reception (Food and Drinks Will Be Provided)

Come and meet Rafi and Klee at their first art exhibition in their new town. Enjoy art, jewelry, music, and more at the exhibition’s opening reception. Delicious food, drinks, and a fun atmosphere will be provided. Come ready to have a good time. They will be holding the exhibition in August. Visit their event page for more information on the dates and times of the event for concerts, book readings, and art talks. Official Event Page https://wp.me/p1XVFv-qqd

Facebook Main Event Page https://fb.me/e/4WljdSFfG

August 6th, 12PM – 6PM EDT – Meet Rafi And Klee. Music And Art Creation Throughout The Day.

Come out and spend some time with Rafi and Klee and experience art experimentations and creations. Including but not limited to painting, jewelry, and music writing. Enjoy conversations about their travels, art, and why they moved to this amazing area. 

Live Stream On YouTube Of Show August 6th, 1PM – 2PM EDT (Will post link and announce across all social media)

August 12th, 3PM – 7PM EDT – Meet Rafi And Klee. Music Concert At 5PM – 6PM (New Never Before Heard Songs)

Our Band Is Called Better On The Drums

Enjoy some art and some great conversation during the day and enjoy some never before performed music in the evening. This laid back concert will be like hanging out with two friends while they sing and play guitar. 

This will be the first time ever that we perform as “Better On The Drums” our new band. Witness Rafi be nervous on stage lol. 

Live Stream On YouTube Of Music August 12th, 5PM – 6PM EDT (Will post link and announce across all social media)

Facebook Music Event https://fb.me/e/3LajhQU4i

August 13th, 12PM – 6PM EDT – Meet Rafi And Klee. Meet The Author Book Readings And Signings At 4PM – 5PM.

Enjoy some art and great conversation during the day and some book readings in the evening. Rafi will read his favorite passages from his books and hold a question and answer. He will also sign books if asked.

Live Stream On YouTube Of Book Reading And Q&A August 13th, 4PM – 5PM EDT (Will post link and announce across all social media)

Facebook Author Meeting Rogue Event https://fb.me/e/20Wqbx08t

August 19th, 4PM – 8PM EDT & August 20th, 12PM – 6PM EDT – Meet Rafi And Klee. Bridge Fest Weekend.

Come out and enjoy the two day event of Bridgefest in Oil City! Meet Rafi And Klee and a bunch of other amazing artists. Bridge Fest Weekend. Bridge Fest is Friday, August 19 (4-9 pm, Center Street Bridge, sponsored by the Oil City Main Street Program): live entertainment, DJ, food vendors; face painting & other kid’s activities, artisan vendors & more. Saturday August 20 (4-9 pm, Veterans Memorial Bridge, sponsored by the Oil City Arts Council): live music; food and artisan vendors; beer & wine tent. Each bridge will be pedestrian-only, closed to vehicles prior to and during its respective event… park downtown and stroll freely! Come and see us inside Graffiti Gallery.

Live Stream On YouTube Of Show August 20th, 5PM – 7PM EDT We’ll Walk Around With You. (Will post link and announce across all social media)

August 27th, 12PM – 6PM EDT – Meet Rafi And Klee. Final Day Of Show And Giveaways.

This is the final day of our exhibition! We will be hanging out talking about art, life, and anywhere else the conversations take us. We will also be doing some giveaways that day as a big thank you to everyone that came to our exhibition.

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FAM JAM CELEBRATION IN OIL CITY

As the warm weather approaches and I look out at the beautiful new views that surround me, I am excited for the warm weather and all the fun that is to be had this year. Sure, as artists, we can go weeks locked up in our art studio creating and only emerge when the pantry is down to one can of random beans. However, there really is nothing like creating out in the sunshine and surrounded by amazing folks.

I am proud to announce that Klee and I will be two of the amazing artists that will be creating awesomeness at FAM JAM. You may be wondering, “What the heck is FAM JAM Rafi?”

Well, let me enlighten you to the awesomeness that is about to hit the scene in Oil City.

FAM JAM is an epic extravaganza of creativity, bringing you something unique and fun to kick off the warm weather that is about to grace us all. Enjoy the waterside views, the delectable food, the rare sight of live artists in the midst of creating, and live music artists bringing immense joy to your eardrums.

Come and be part of the first event of its kind in the area, and don’t miss the awesomeness. You will get to see Klee and I awkwardly trying to get back into our creative groove and other fantastic artists creating things that will make you gasp in astonishment. To say that we are excited is an understatement.

Glow In The Dark Live Painting At Vinyl 2016

Oh wait, there is more.

So, not only will your eardrums and eyeballs be tickled with phenomenal joy, but your tastebuds will explode with pleasure. Oh yes my friends, there will be food trucks.

Beautiful views, amazing art, wonderful music, great food, and magical people… what a superb way to bring in the warmth!

WHAT: FAM JAM

WHEN: May 14th, 2022 2PM – 8PM (We will be there between 2-5ish)

WHERE: Justus Park, 1 Seneca Street, Oil City, PA 16301

WHY: Because it is going to be AMAZING!

Check out the event poster below for more information:

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Untangle The Web With Us At TAGG – April 29th

I am honored and excited to announce that I will be talking with some amazing creatives at TAGG (Transit Art Gallery And Gifts) on Friday, April 29th starting at 7pm. You are invited to this laid back discussion about the importance of having a personal web presence, making it awesome, and how to demystify the entire process of putting yourself out there online using a simple approach and mindset.

What Will Happen At This Discussion?

We will begin with a little about us, who we are, what we have (online presence), and how we got there. We will talk about our amazing online community (The Rogues), and why we believe they follow two artistic dorks.

This is a very laid-back meeting where we will discuss:

Why Would You Want A Website?

What If You Don’t Know Technology?

Easy Ways To Get Started?

The Basics Of An Artist Website?

The Rogue Mindset And Approach To The Interwebs.

How To Get People To Visit Your Site.

How To Avoid Internet Antarctica.

What Is Mutual Excitement?

How Artists Are Powerful At Online Presence.

Throw Marketing Away And Create. (Marketing Book) 

What Will It All Cost?

We will then be opening the floor to questions and discussions of experiences of having a website and overall badassery of being an artist. My goal with this discussion is to empower people to simplify the process of opening and running their own website without a bunch of needless jargon. Hope to see you there!

WHAT: UNTANGLING THE WEB, A CASUAL CONVERSATION ABOUT WEBSITES.

WHY: Because it is going to be freakin amazing!

WHERE: At Transit Art Gallery & Gifts – 206 Seneca Street, Oil City,PA 16301 – (814) 676-1509

HOW: Tickets are $5 and you can purchase at the gallery, call number above, or email taggocac@gmail.com.

WHEN: Friday, April 29th starting at 7pm

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Artist Leaves 100 Sculptures Around Pensacola FL

On June 8th, in the early morning hours, I left something special around the beautiful town of Pensacola, FL, in the form of 100 sculptures.

I was inspired by the recent sale of a sculpture by artist Salvatore Garau. His sculpture auctioned off for $18K, but I wanted my sculptures to be displayed prominently around town for everyone to enjoy.

This particular project required days of planning and plotting to pull it off, after all, 100 sculptures are a lot of works of art. Luckily, I made them small enough to handle in one trip in my vehicle, and Klee helped me move them into place. I wanted them to be small enough for people to take home. I only ask that they do not take home multiples.

Artist Rafi Perez With Some Of His Sculptures

Because the sculptures are small, I estimate the value of each at about $500.

Salvatore Garau said of his sculpture, “It is a work that asks you to activate the power of the imagination.”

In February of this year, at the Piazza Della Scala in Milan, Salvatore Garau exhibited BUDDHA IN CONTEMPLATION. As seen in the picture, this sculpture is marked out by square tape on the cobble-stone.

BUDDHA IN CONTEMPLATION

I determined that the tape would eventually fade and fall apart, so it was unnecessary. In fact, I believe it is damaging to the sculptures, and thus, none of my sculptures are marked out by tape.

The 100 sculptures have been left in prominent areas around downtown Pensacola and displayed by some of my favorite businesses.

My sculpture series is called “No hay nada aquí,” and I hope they will bring much joy to the beautiful people of Pensacola. I also hope this inspires other artists around the world to share their art with their favorite places. I plan on expanding on this series and displaying them around New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami. My ultimate plan is to eventually display the series in cities and towns around the world.

Salvatore Garau said, “The vacuum is nothing more than a space full of energy, and even if we empty it and there is nothing left, according to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, that nothing has a weight. Therefore, it has an energy that is condensed and transformed into particles, that is, into us.”

However, my sculptures are made up of the evaporated tears of a captured chupacabra who cries when tickled with a fiery Pheonix feather. Since the artist mentions the Heisenberg uncertainty principle in the wrong context, I would like to say that my pieces are explained by the theory of relativity. So there is your explanation with some physics thrown in.

Close Up Of Sculptures “No hay nada aquí.”

I also have a painting that is part of this series for sale in my store. Please check it out by clicking on the image below. Once you see the listing make sure to click on the “find out how to purchase” button for some additional info.

“Esto Es Aire” Invisible Painting Original Wall Art by Artist Rafi Perez Unseeable Medium on Intangible Canvas 48X48

To hear more about our thoughts on this particular art style, you can watch the video below.

Also if you happen to be in the Pensacola Beach area Rafi will be having a solo exhibition at Luna Fine Art Gallery at the Hilton On Pensacola Beach (12 Via De Luna Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561) from June 29th – September 9th. By the way, this show will have tangible paintings you can see and touch, although I may bring some of my invisible sculptures.

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A Birthday Art Party Bash On February 1st?

I am now turning some age in February where I have been deemed an old fart. I’m not being elusive about my age, I simply can never remember how old I am. However, I do remember that it happens every year on February 5th and for the most part, I like to relax with Klee and do nothing that day. No fanfare, no parties, no big todo, just a relaxed day, doing everything I do on just about every other day. I celebrate “me” a lot whether it is my birthday or not. This has led to the disappointment of some very good friends who love to celebrate birthdays and me.

Rafi And Klee On YouTube… He’s SO OLD!

This year is going to be slightly different. I’m having a party.

Well, February 1st will be my birthday bash… February 5th, I’ll be relaxing and doing nothing, so it’s a win-win for everyone.

I decided that the birthday party would be a fun art-stravaganza thing where Klee and I could show our latest art and jewelry, and have some really cool art reveals. We also picked a location that is eclectic and just plain awesome! Dolce & Gelato is such an amazing place full of unique personality and fun.

GO TO FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Klee and I got working on an awesome jewelry display steamer trunk for her and I created a sculpture for our big reveal which I am hoping will blow you away.

Awesome showcase for bash
Sculpture for bash

There will be music by Greg Bond, drinks can be purchased at Dolce & Gelato along with tasty snacks, and right next store is East Hill Pizza for amazing pizza!

I do not require any gifts, just you, your smile, and be prepared to have a good time! Klee and I will mostly be hanging out, listening to good music, and having amazing conversations with you.

What: Rafi’s Artstravaganza Birthday Bash

Where: Dolce And Gelato – 2050 N 12th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32503

When: February 1st, 4pm-8pm

Why: Because it’s going to be AWESOME!

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The Happy Art Tour – Pensacola Nov 1st

As a lot of you know, Klee and I recently have been working on a large scale art installation project. This was a huge endeavor in which we created our own rooms to be an interactive full sensory experience.

The Happy Art Tour THAT

We were working for about 6 months in total secrecy and couldn’t share anything with you guys, which for me personally was a struggle. I apparently can’t keep a secret to save my life. I secretly told a bunch of people about the secret installation.

Luckily for me, now that the soft opening has happened, I get to reveal some of the exciting details.

The Happy Art Tour THAT

A few months ago we were approached by Gabrielle (she’s awesome), who wanted us to create large interactive art installations as a part of something that was going to be called The Happy Art Tour (THAT), and immediately Klee and I got excited. This was something that each one of us wanted to do in our own special way for a long time now.

The Happy Art Tour THAT

I’ve wanted to create a fantasy world installation where the viewer would become immersed into the art of the installation and become part of the experience.

The Dream Forest – Designed By Rafi Perez

The Dream Forest was conceptualized and designed to allow the observer to explore the nature of happiness itself, through an immersive interaction with whimsical ancient beings that come to life as you meander through their magical realms. Each one explores a different facet of the “gem” that is happiness, asking thought provoking questions and offering words of ancient wisdom.

I’m also pretty sure Klee has always wanted to create a Firefly experience.

The Happy Art Tour THAT

The Firefly Room – Designed By Klee Angelie

The Firefly Room was conceptualized and designed with one simple desire in mind – to capture and share the whimsy and magic of an early summer evening at dusk, when the day’s work is done, time seems to stand still, all seems right with the world, and all that needs to be done is to sit back and experience the childlike joy of watching hundreds of fireflies dance around you. The firefly room simply asks you to breathe deeply… take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature, and revel in the experience.

A special thanks to Monica, James, and Gabby, whom helped us finish the rooms in time for the soft opening, we couldn’t have done it without them.

Here is more information on this awesome adventure that we hope you experience.

The Happy Art Tour (T.H.A.T.), is Pensacola’s first multi-sensory creative adventure. Using experiential mediums throughout the entire space, T.H.A.T. worked with local artists to build ways for visitors to view, hear, touch, smell, and taste some of its exhibits.

The Happy Art Tour THAT

The space is open to the public from November 1 to December 31, 2018.

Intended to be a short-term installation that will travel from city to city, T.H.A.T. occupies over 8,000 square feet of space at 401 N. Baylen St. in Pensacola, Florida.

The Happy Art Tour THAT

The downtown location has been revamped completely and features countless photo ops that will delight both the most social-media savvy visitor and those eager to try something new.

The Happy Art Tour THAT

Using tons of recycled material, T.H.A.T. created its space with over 1,000 plastic bags, hundreds of beach balls, gallons of colored paint, and thousands of square yards of fabric. It’s a sight that must be seen to be understood and appreciated.

The Happy Art Tour THAT

Local artists include:

Rafi And Klee Studios- Rafi and Klee Perez (Hey it’s us!)

Blue Collar Creative

The Alcohol Ink Lady- Rachel Eidson

And many others!

The Happy Art Tour THAT

Tickets to T.H.A.T. are on sale now and must be purchased in advance, online. Admission is $30, $28 for active military, and free for kids ages three and under. The space is available for private parties, school field trips, corporate events, and will host various theme days (to be announced). The grand opening of the space is aptly timed with the Foo Foo Fest, which is an active community outpouring of support for the arts.

The Happy Art Tour THAT

We are both extremely excited for the opening in November and look forward to every one experiencing not only our rooms but the entire experience. Yeah, this is one experience here in Pensacola you are definitely not going to want to miss, and we are so proud to be a part of it.

We will be going again and again while it runs, it was so much fun!

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