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Join Us For A Week of Awesomeness, Creativity, and Spooky Fun!

We’ve got a week of creative spookiness planned and hope you can join us for what we’ve got going on! We will be in our studio during the day, but in the evenings, we have some fun-tastical stuff planned. From little monsters painting pumpkins to live stream book celebrations and spooky stories, it’s shaping up to be one heck of a Halloween week. Full disclosure: we’re also really looking forward to a nap at some point soon… but first, we’ve got art, books, ghost stories, and candy to dish out. Ok, here it is… ready, set go!

Wednesday, October 29th — Kids Pumpkin Painting Party (At the Exchange)

Adults and children happily painting pumpkins at a festive pumpkin painting party, surrounded by art supplies and decorations.
Last week we had the painting party for grown ups, this week it’s for the kids!

Join us Wednesday, October 29th at 5:30 PM for Kids Pumpkin Painting at The Exchange in Oil City, a fun, creative evening where kids can paint their own pumpkins while parents kick back with dinner or drinks.

It’s free for kids with the purchase of a kids’ meal, and space fills up fast! Come for the creativity, stay for the memories — it’s Halloween fun for the whole family at The Exchange! Reserve your spot: Message The Exchange on Facebook, or email art@exchangeoc.com

Thursday, October 30th — Book Release Party (Live Stream at 5PM Eastern)

A hand-drawn illustration of a character with a pencil, lying on the ground next to an easel, accompanied by the book 'Dear Artist, Don't Give Up!' displayed on a wooden surface.
I’m excited about featuring my original drawings!

The celebration continues the very next night! Join us live as we celebrate the release of Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up. We’ll be chatting about the journey behind the book, sharing some laughs, and announcing the giveaway winner during the stream. It’s going to be an evening full of gratitude, stories, and maybe a few happy tears. I’ll be selling some original sketches from the book to raise money for new ISBNs and putting all of it on sale!

If you haven’t yet, here is a link to enter the giveaway!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ERICA!

Friday, October 31st — Spooky Halloween Stream (Live Stream at 4PM Eastern)

Two people sitting on a porch, one wearing a curly wig, smiling beside a carved pumpkin and a table with treats.
This is my BADLY put together Bob Ross costume.

Then, on Halloween, grab your favorite costume and join us for our Spooky Stream at 4 PM! We’ll be talking about growing up in a haunted house, weird paranormal experiences, and other eerie adventures from the road. After that, we’ll probably vanish to our front porch to hand out candy!

So mark your calendars! It’s going to be a week packed with art, fun, and just the right amount of weirdness.

Rafi & Klee

We already have some more things scheduled for the rest of the year like gallery shows, festivals, and more live streams! To see what we are up to, visit our events page!

UPCOMING LIVE STREAM EVENTS

When we are not doing any of the stuff above, you can find us in our studio looking like this:

An artist in a creative studio, looking at a painting while surrounded by completed artworks and art supplies.
Creative Double Chin Face
Person working in a studio, focused on a task at a wooden workbench, surrounded by tools and art supplies.
Creative Double Chin Face
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From Skeptic to Pumpkin Picasso?

We had an absolute blast at the Pumpkin Painting Party at The Exchange last night! And I have come away a changed man. I’ll admit, when we first set everything up, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve been part of a lot of art events, but pumpkin painting? That felt like stepping into uncharted territory. As we laid out the brushes, paints, and water cups, I caught myself thinking, “Is this really art or just seasonal chaos?” Turns out, it was a little of both… and it was glorious.

Two individuals smiling inside a venue decorated for a pumpkin painting party. Several pumpkins are arranged on tables, and there are art supplies visible. Large windows showcase the evening cityscape.
The is my pre-game pensive look.

I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. As we were hauling out the supplies, I was a little pensive. I mean, I’ve never painted pumpkins before, and I never really considered it high art. (Yeah, I know, that sounds like something an art snob would say, but hear me out.)

Pumpkins just seemed like a novelty thing. You paint a goofy face, you laugh, it rots, end of story. But after last night, I have officially changed my mind. Some of the creations people came up with absolutely blew my mind. From pumpkin elephants with ears to surreal faces and big personality-filled expressions, these things were art. Real art.

A group of people engaged in pumpkin painting at a lively indoor event, surrounded by art supplies and colorful pumpkins.
A group of people engaged in a pumpkin painting activity, surrounded by brushes, paints, and completed pumpkin designs on a table.
Three people painting pumpkins at a table during a pumpkin painting party, with various paint supplies and pumpkins on display.

And that’s when it hit me: a work of art on a pumpkin is temporary. You know it’s not going to last forever, and somehow, that gives you permission to just let go. No overthinking, no perfectionism, no “will this fit my portfolio?” nonsense. Just pure, unfiltered creative joy. People were experimenting, laughing, and diving right into that magical zone where you forget time exists.

That’s the beauty of art. Sometimes the most meaningful creations are the ones that aren’t meant to last. It’s about the moment, the laughter, and the community of weird, wonderful humans who show up to make something awesome together.

Group of people engaged in a pumpkin painting party, with one person in conversation and pumpkins on the table.
Participants engaged in a pumpkin painting activity at a table, showcasing colorful designs on pumpkins, with brushes and paint supplies around them.
Two men smiling and posing with a painted elephant pumpkin at a Halloween-themed painting party. The background shows a festive atmosphere with other attendees and art supplies on tables.

I even lost two brushes to someone’s creativity when they were convinced by another creative to use the brushes as tusks on their elephant pumpkin. It was so inventive that I couldn’t even be mad about it. In fact, I was so impressed that I forgave the brushes immediately. They had fulfilled their artistic destiny.

A little advice for other creatives out there:
Don’t wait for the “right” project or the “serious” opportunity to make something. Grab whatever’s in front of you, even if it’s a pumpkin, and create with reckless joy. Art doesn’t always have to hang in a gallery or last a lifetime to matter. Sometimes the act of creating is the masterpiece.

In fact, we had so much fun that we’re doing another painting party next week on October 29th at 5PM, and this time it’s open to the kiddos too. Which means it’s going to be beautifully chaotic, full of imagination, wild color choices, and probably more paint on faces than pumpkins. Reserve your spot now: art@exchangeoc.com

Can’t wait to see what everyone creates next.

Promotional poster for a Pumpkin Painting Party at The Exchange in Oil City, featuring images of painted pumpkins and details about the event's date and time.
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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!

A person sitting at a colorful table with an orange pumpkin, holding a paintbrush and preparing to paint.

(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.

A smiling man with a beard and glasses, wearing a red bandana, sits next to a woman with short hair and a plaid shirt. They are in a colorful venue with 'EXCHANGE' written behind them.

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!

Promotional image for a Pumpkin Painting Party featuring pumpkins, colorful leaves, and event details including date, location, and cost.

📅 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.

Participants engaged in a Paint and Sip event, focused on creating art on mini canvases, with various art supplies visible on tables.

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)

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Soft Opening Today: Art, Drinks, and Last-Minute Tweaks

This morning, I woke up sore in places I didn’t even know could get sore. Yesterday was all about hauling, climbing stairs, rearranging, standing back, moving things again, and finally landing on a layout that felt right. Setting up for a gallery exhibition is equal parts art and Tetris, and yesterday Klee and I were in full-on puzzle-solving mode.

Over the past month, we’ve been in nonstop creation mode with new paintings, new jewelry, new displays, and stacks of promotional material hot off the printer. Walking into the space yesterday, we knew we wanted to fill it with not just art but also atmosphere, beauty, intrigue, and little sparks of curiosity at every corner.

Interior view of an art gallery featuring red brick walls, tall windows with lace curtains, and wooden flooring. Various paintings hang on the walls while shelves display art pieces and jewelry. Natural light streams into the space, creating a warm atmosphere.

Looking around now, I can say we did it. From the vibrant Me and It creatures greeting you at the door, to the bold portraits staring back with quiet intensity, to Klee’s handcrafted jewelry catching the light just right. Every wall and shelf feels alive. The red brick walls, tall windows, and lace curtains of the gallery set the perfect backdrop, making each piece breathe.

Interior view of an art gallery featuring vibrant paintings on brick walls, wooden floors, and natural light. The space includes a central table and various displays of artwork and promotional materials.

COME SEE THE SPACE TODAY AND HANG OUT WITH US

Today (Oct 3rd, 2025) we’ll be at the gallery for a soft opening from 2pm to 5pm. A soft opening is like the calm before the party: a laid-back meet-the-artist vibe where you can sip something, chat with us, and watch us fuss over last-minute tweaks while snapping more photos to capture the show. After a month of working balls-to-the-wall, this is our chance to exhale and say, “It’s done. It’s up. It’s alive.”

If you’re in the area, we’d love for you to stop by. It’s a much more intimate way to experience the exhibition than the big reception coming up on October 12th (that one will be a full-on celebration). Yesterday was the hard work. Today is about enjoying the beauty we’ve built.

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Getting Ready for Our Red Brick Gallery Exhibition

It feels surreal to even type these words: we are getting ready for our exhibition at the Red Brick Gallery. This will be our first large exhibition since Klee was hospitalized last year, and for us, it marks an official comeback.

We were actually invited to exhibit last year—before the chaos, before hospital visits, before murals, before everything turned upside down. At the time, we thought, “Great, we have a whole year to prepare.” You can probably guess how that turned out. Between studio downtime, hospital visits, and the marathon mural project, time has a way of vanishing.

But here’s the thing—we’re no strangers to crunch time. When the studio calls, we roll up our sleeves, fire up the creativity, and get to work. And as always, we’re not just working—we’re aiming to blow people away.

The Space & The Town

If you haven’t been, the Red Brick Gallery is stunning. We went out to measure and walk the space, and let me just say, it’s one of those rare gallery settings that makes you stop and breathe for a minute. Light, history, charm—it’s all there.

We took a tour of the Red Brick gallery and it is a large space
It is perfect for a combined exhibition with both of us

And the town of Foxburg? Straight out of a postcard. I honestly can’t wait to see it when the leaves are changing—golden, red, and glowing against the river. It feels like the perfect backdrop for an exhibition that means so much to us.

We felt like we were standing in a Hallmark Card
Behind the gallery is a secret garden, I thought it would be perfect for an out door event in the future
Klee is always identifying plants wherever we go lol

The Work

Klee has been at her jewelry bench, working with a spark I haven’t seen in months. Watching her create again has been one of the most uplifting things in this whole journey. Meanwhile, I’ve been flinging paint with reckless abandon (okay, maybe a little less reckless, but you get the picture).

We’ve set some aggressive goals for the amount of work we want to show, because this isn’t just about filling walls—it’s about filling the space with life, energy, and soul. There will be paintings, jewelry, sculptures, and some surprises we’re saving for the receptions.

This makes me SO HAPPY!
I have several paintings I am trying to finish for the show

The Schedule

  • Soft Opening: Friday, October 3rd, 2–5 PM
  • Official Opening Reception: Sunday, October 12th, 4–6 PM
  • Closing Reception: Sunday, November 9th, 4–6 PM
  • I’ll Be Posting More Information For Each Reception!

The exhibition runs from October 3rd to November 9th, and one thing we’re doing differently this time is continuing to create during the run of the show. That means the exhibition will evolve—new pieces will show up, and by the closing reception, you’ll see fresh work alongside the originals.

Both the October 12th and November 9th receptions will be preceded by ARCA concerts, which makes the day a double celebration of music and art. I’ll be posting more about that awesomeness!

📍 Red Brick Gallery
17 Main Street
Foxburg, PA 16036

Why This Matters

We’re excited for a thousand reasons:

  • Klee is feeling better and back at her bench.
  • We have new, never-before-seen creations ready to debut.
  • The location is gorgeous and inspiring.
  • We’re back in the studio, working with renewed energy.

This show feels like a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the beautiful weirdness of life.

We are so excited about this show!

At the end of the day, life throws curveballs none of us can plan for—but the antidote is always the same: inspiration and love. Those two things are the best medicine for life’s little surprises, and we’re grateful to be creating from that space again.


For Our Distant Friends

We know not everyone can make it out to Foxburg, so we’re planning to release a video so you can share in the exhibition from wherever you are.

For now—save the dates, mark your calendars, and if you’re nearby, come out and celebrate with us.

This is going to be something special.

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Creative Shenanigans at The Exchange In Oil City!

Last night was one for the books. It’s been a minute since I hosted a paint and sip, and honestly, I had a mix of excitement and nervous energy leading up to this one. You know that moment when you find out the event sold out and your first thought is: “YES!”… followed immediately by “Oh crap, now I actually have to be entertaining and help everyone paint something beautiful in two hours”? Yeah, that was me.

But as soon as I stepped into The Exchange in Oil City, all that melted away. This place is GORGEOUS – seriously, if you haven’t been, go. You’ll get to enjoy amazing food, drinks, and a world class mural (by yours truly).

The night kicked off with their incredible food and drinks (because painting is always better with a mezze platter and a craft cocktail in hand).

Setting the Scene

We filled the room with easels, paint palettes, and brushes, transforming it into a pop-up art studio. The vibe? Relaxed, creative, and buzzing with good energy. The Exchange staff were absolute rockstars, making sure everyone had their drinks, snacks, and good vibes.

This was the calm before the storm.

The Creative Chaos

Once we got started, it was game on. There’s something magical about a paint and sip — you show people the same steps, the same colors, and then sit back as every single canvas becomes completely unique.

Somewhere between me waving my brush in the air like a paint wizard, running around the room helping people with desert roses and camel silhouettes, and laughing at my own bad jokes, the whole thing just flowed.
(Yes, I was totally giving “art teacher who means business” vibes.)

Klee was there being her usual amazing self — calm, collected, and making sure I didn’t forget anything important (like reminding people to breathe and sip their drinks once in a while). And we even had Skylar join us as our assistant for the evening, which made it all the more special.

The Best Part: The Artists!

I was blown away by everyone’s creativity. It never gets old seeing a room full of people take your idea and turn it into something that’s completely theirs. Some went bold with color, some added little details that made me think, “Dang, why didn’t I do that on my sample?”

The Grand Finale

At the end of the night, we all lined up, paintings in hand, and it felt like the perfect little art show. This group seriously nailed it — and looked like they had a blast doing it.

Final Thoughts

The Exchange was the perfect host — I can’t say enough good things about their staff, the space, and the vibe they’ve created there. The food, the drinks, the environment — all of it made for one amazing night of creativity and laughter.

Klee, as always, was an amazing partner-in-art (and life), Skylar was a fantastic helper, and every single person who came out made this night unforgettable.

A full room of humans making art, sharing stories, sipping drinks, and laughing? That’s basically my favorite thing in the world. Can’t wait to do it again.

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Paint, Sip, and Laugh with Us at The Exchange

It’s been a minute since I’ve done one of these, but here we are — back at it with paintbrushes, cocktails, and just enough nervous energy to make this interesting.

On Wednesday, September 17th from 6–8 PM, we’re hosting a Paint and Sip at The Exchange in Oil City — yes, that Exchange. The one with the epic mural I spent months painting. And honestly? Being able to teach this class in the same space where I left a chunk of my soul feels like the perfect full-circle moment.

We are super excited to be a part of this!

The Challenge: Make Something Beautiful in Two Hours

Here’s the thing about Paint and Sips — you want something fun, colorful, and gorgeous, but also something you can actually finish before the night is over. No one wants to be the person still adding details while the staff is stacking chairs. So I spent some serious time coming up with a painting that’s doable in two hours, even with snacks, cocktails, and laughter breaks built in.

This time, we’re painting a desert sunset with a gorgeous desert rose in the foreground and camels in the distance. It’s bright, dramatic, and a little magical — perfect for sipping, chatting, and feeling like an artist, even if the last time you held a paintbrush was in elementary school.

Desert Bloom
Supplies are ready for you!

The Vibe: Chill, Fun, and a Little Silly

Let’s be honest — Paint and Sip isn’t about perfection. It’s about having fun, trying something new, and laughing when your camel accidentally turns into a funky-looking horse (or a dinosaur — we support creative expression here).

And The Exchange? Couldn’t ask for a better venue. The food is amazing, the drinks are top-notch, and you’ll be painting under the watchful eyes of the mural characters I painted — so yes, technically, you have an audience.

The Catch: Only Three Spots Left!

As of right now, there are just three spots left for this event — so if you’ve been thinking about joining, this is your nudge. Reserve your spot, grab a friend, and let’s make some art, share some laughs, and maybe even accidentally create a masterpiece.

📧 Reserve your spot: reservations@exchangeoc.com

Paint And Sip Oil City
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Dusting Off the Guitar (and Our Social Skills)

Arma Fest has officially started today in Oil City! So, here’s the deal: on September 13th (tomorrow), we’re playing a gig. Yes, a real music gig. And yes, I, Rafi, haven’t picked up a guitar in almost a year. It’s fine. Totally fine. My hands remember what to do… probably. Worst case, I’ll just hold it dramatically and let Klee do all the heavy lifting.

The good news? Klee’s feeling better. Which means we’re slowly allowing ourselves to step back into the world of music, art, and peopling. And by “peopling,” I mean standing in front of actual human beings while attempting to appear like we know what we’re doing. (Spoiler: we don’t, but that’s part of the charm.)

It will feel amazing to watch Klee in her element doing something she truly loves. I may be all thumbs when it comes to music, but she is something magical to behold.

Our Comeback Tour (Kind Of)

This isn’t just a gig; it’s our glorious return to doing things in public. So far, the calendar looks like this:

  • Music Gig: September 13th at ARMA Fest (Tomorrow)
  • Paint & Sip: Next week at The Exchange in Oil City (Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CBsqNaKhN/)
  • Gallery Exhibition: Opening at Redbrick Gallery next month (with paintings, jewelry, sculptures, and surprises galore. More info coming soon!)

We’re basically doing all the things at once. Because why ease back into life when you can cannonball into it?

How We Landed This Gig

We weren’t even supposed to play this weekend. Someone canceled, and the organizers called us. Naturally, we said yes. Then we immediately started eating it up in our band marketing:
“Better on the Drums—your favorite replacement band!”
Hey, if you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re missing the point.

The Festival of Epicness

Now, I know you’re thinking, “That’s cool, Rafi, but what else is going on?”
Answer: pretty much everything.

This weekend is ARMA Fest (Allegheny River Music & Art Festival), and it’s shaping up to be insanely epic. Think:

  • Live music from rap to rock to Jimmy Buffett tribute bands.
  • Food trucks serving pierogi, kettle corn, and whatever magic comes out of something called The Magic Bus.
  • Live art demos (glass blowing, caricatures, plein air painting).
  • Drum circles, chalk walks, poetry, and even a silent film with a live Wurlitzer organ.
  • And us—Better On The Drums—playing in Lindon Alley, 3–4:30 p.m.

Here’s Everything going on (see if you can find us below, I had to add our names… we are so last minute that we are not on any of the actual advertising.) You can also download below.

Basically, if you come out this weekend, you’re guaranteed to leave with a full belly, a song stuck in your head, and possibly a temporary tattoo.

Final Thoughts

Yes, I’m anxious about playing again. Yes, I’m anxious about “peopling.” But you know what? Life’s too short not to show up, make some noise, and have a blast with the creative humans around you.

So if you’re in Oil City on September 13th, come find us in Lindon Alley. Cheer us on. Laugh with us if I forget the chords. And mostly, just soak in the magic of a weekend that’s going to be unforgettable.

See you there,
Rafi (and Klee, the real talent)

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The Final Brushstroke: Wrapping Up the Exchange Mural In Oil City

It’s been a long and awesome journey. Yesterday, I finally put the finishing touches on the mural at The Exchange in Oil City. You know that feeling when you cross the finish line after running a marathon… except instead of running you’ve been climbing up and down ladders, inhaling paint fumes, and making questionable life choices like “Do I really need to bend my body this way to reach that spot?” Yeah, that kind of finish line.

This mural has been a long journey—not just the two months of physically painting on-site, but the whole creative saga that started last year with sketches, designs, and me staring at the wall thinking, “Yep, that’s a big wall. Better not mess this up.”

Jeff and I discussing plans for the mural at the Exchange.

It all began when Jeff Karns approached me and said they were opening up a distillery and restaurant in Oil City called The Exchange, located in the old historic bank building. I was immediately stoked that this would be coming to our town. I already love Side Hustle Brews, and Jeff is an awesome guy. So when he asked me to take on the mural, I was deeply honored. This wasn’t just a “paint something pretty” kind of project—it was a chance to tell a story, and to help mark the beginning of something special for Oil City.

Right after I started the design, Klee got sick, which is a whole other story, but didn’t make mural creating and creativity a priority in my brain jar.

There were many renditions of the design.

A Design Born Last Year (and Reborn About Ten Times)

When I first put pencil to paper (also, stylus to tablet, because let’s be real, my erasers don’t stand a chance), the design was meant to capture the heart of Oil City and the story behind Side Hustle Brews & Spirits.

We’re talking Abu Dhabi roots, rolling Pennsylvania hills, the Oil City river winding its way through green hilltops, and 100 Seneca holding it all together. Add in history, connection, and more Pantone colors than should be legally allowed on one wall, and voilà—a mural was born.

Well… actually, a mural was born, scrapped, redesigned, revised, and finally landed on something that felt right. Because that’s how murals (and most of life) go.

Once I had a design that worked, I started on a smaller rendition of the mural on canvas
Once the painting was done, it was time to start on the big one.
STEP ONE: mark out your mural,
STEP TWO: Look at your markings and make sure it looks good from a distance.
STEP THREE: Move elements of the design to work with the actual space.

Painting = Gym Membership I Didn’t Sign Up For

Fast forward to this summer, and there I was, living in the land of paint splatters and sore muscles. A painting this big with brushes is a full-body workout. I discovered muscles I didn’t even know existed, and some of them are still holding grudges.

There is a lot of ladders involved in tall murals.
You are also going to be on your feet all day when it comes to mural painting.

But there’s also a kind of meditative magic in working that big. Standing in front of the wall every day, coaxing a story out of blank space with brushes and a whole lot of caffeine—it’s exhausting, but it’s also one of the most energizing things I’ve ever done. I’ve worked on plenty of murals in my day, but this one was one of the most challenging and pushed me out of some comfort zones.

Klee came out and helped any time she was feeling a little better.

There are over 60 portraits of real people in this mural. And anyone out there who does portrait art knows exactly how tricky and time-consuming they are. Typically, it takes me at least two weeks to complete a single portrait. At that rate, this mural would’ve taken me about two years to complete… and I don’t think Jeff was planning to keep me camped out in The Exchange until 2027.

So, I had to come up with an efficient way to tackle portraiture without losing quality. It was like speed-dating, but with faces: “Nice to meet you, cheekbones. Next!” A mix of strategy, improvisation, Klee’s emotional support, and just plain stubbornness got me through, and I’m proud to say those 60+ faces are now up there, smiling back at Oil City.

Skyler and I discussing next steps in the mural

Rockstar Status: Skyler

Now, I can’t write this blog without giving a giant shout-out to Skyler, who assisted me throughout this mural. She is, quite simply, a rockstar. Skyler wasn’t just helping paint—she was helping keep me sane. From coming up with solutions, to holding down the fort when my brain decided to go full “squirrel mode,” she was there. Honestly, I think every mural artist should come with a Skyler accessory pack: equal parts assistant, problem-solver, and all-around badass.

Skyler Is a ROCKSTAR!

The Finishing Touches (a.k.a. The Victory Lap)

Yesterday was the day—the moment of stepping back, brush in hand, and realizing: it’s done. Varnish has been applied and it looks… AMAZING!

I filled in the last little details, adjusted the highlights, and touched up those “oops” spots that only artists obsess over (and that 99% of humans would never notice). Then I stood there, grinning like a fool, because this wall that once loomed like a blank canvas now tells a story that belongs to the community.

Oil City Exchange Mural is now completed for your viewing pleasure
The Exchange is awesome! History, Art, Good Food, and Good Drinks!

Gratitude & A Little Bit of Awe

This mural is more than paint on a wall—it’s a piece of history, a celebration of connection, and a testament to what happens when you chase a big idea all the way to the finish line (and survive the ladder climbs).

I’m honored to have brought this to life for The Exchange, and I’m grateful to everyone who cheered me on along the way, Klee for being so supportive, and Jeff for being awesome to work with. And to Skyler—seriously, rockstar status achieved.

So if you’re in Oil City, swing by The Exchange at 100 Seneca Street. Grab a drink, order some food, and take a look at this big, colorful piece of our town’s story. Just don’t judge the paint splatters still stuck in my beard—I’m calling them battle scars.


Want to Paint Something Yourself?

If reading this has you itching to pick up a brush (don’t worry, no scaffolding required), join us for a Paint & Sip at The Exchange! It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these and I can tell you it is A LOT of fun!

🗓 Wednesday, September 17
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 The Exchange, 100 Seneca Street, Oil City, PA
💵 $45 per person – includes:
✔ All art supplies
✔ 2 craft cocktails
✔ Mezze platter & hush puppies (yes, we’re feeding your soul and your stomach!)

No experience needed—just bring your creativity (or curiosity), and we’ll handle the rest. 🎨🍸🍴

To reserve your spot, message us or email reservations@exchangeoc.com. Spaces are limited—so don’t wait!

Go to the Facebook Event Page For More Info

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VIRTUAL SHOW CANCELLED – Laying Low, But Still Sending Love: A Holiday Update from Rafi and Klee

We have some unfortunate news. We’re writing this with heavy hearts as we announce the cancellation of our annual virtual holiday sale, originally scheduled for December 8th. Klee’s health has been our top priority, and after months of not feeling well, it’s clear that she needs time to rest and recover. While we absolutely love spending this festive time with you—celebrating, sharing laughs, music, and offering discounts as our thank-you for your incredible support—it’s important for us to honor what’s most important right now: health and healing.

Over the last few months, Klee has been dealing with some issues, likely tied to the stress we experienced earlier this year. For a time, it seemed like things were improving, and she was on the mend. Unfortunately, the issues have recently flared up again, and we are putting a pause on everything. We are doing what we can, but at a MUCH slower pace.

Your thoughts, prayers, and love mean so much to us during this time. Thank you for being such a supportive and awesome bunch of humans. Your kind words mean the world to us.

In the meantime, we’re still determined to bring a little cheer to your holidays! To that end, we’re offering a 30% discount code: 29NSRGF9 for all the Rafi art you may have been eyeing. While jewelry orders are welcome, please keep in mind that made-to-order pieces may not ship in time for Christmas and will have to wait until Klee is feeling well enough to sit at her bench.

USE THE COUPON CODE AT OUR ONLINE STORE CLICK HERE

This sale will run until Sunday night (December 8th), so it’s a great opportunity to snag something special and help support us during a time when we would normally be counting on this event for much-needed income.

Additionally, for those who love a little inspiration throughout the year, we have 74 calendars left from our Me and It Creatures collection. These calendars are packed with uplifting messages and fun holidays, designed to brighten your days. They’re available for $25, and we’d love for you to order one to bring some joy into your 2025.

We will still announce the winners of the raffle via social media and contact them directly via email, so keep an eye out!

Please send your love, good vibes, and prayers for Klee as she continues to rest and recover. She’s in good spirits, and we are navigating this challenging time with as much grace and resilience as we can muster.

Thank you for your understanding and support. We’re so grateful for this community, and even though we won’t be hanging out live this time, know that your presence in our lives means the world to us.

With love and gratitude,
Rafi and Klee

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT MEANS TO US!

Due to Klee’s hospitalization and illness, we have had to cancel several shows and events for the holidays. This put us in a financial bind. Some of you asked how you can support us financially. I added this section. Thank you.

Or Go To Paypal By Clicking The Link Below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2GTZMGBCX3UBA