Category: WHAT ARE WE DOING? (Rafi And Klee)

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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.

STAY TUNED! NEW GIVEAWAY COMING SOON!

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2026 Love Is Calendar and Getting Inspired by Awesome Kids

Today, Klee and I spent most of the day teaching some awesome kids, and honestly it was the best kind of chaos. We helped them make their own sketchbooks, homemade, slightly wonky, but completely perfect, and then dove into sketching and watercolor painting.

Those kids are inspiring. There’s something about the way they just go for it, no hesitation, no overthinking. They don’t worry if the proportions are off or if the colors make sense. They just make. Watching that reminded me what art is supposed to feel like, free, joyful, and completely in the moment.

Two artists preparing art supplies in a classroom, one person sorting watercolor palettes while the other looks at the setup, surrounded by various materials.
Sorting watercolor paint before the chaos begins in class.

Teaching, for us, is something we’re learning as we go. We teach four classes, and each one is its own unique adventure.

The first class is grades K–2, and it’s basically a whirlwind of energy. At one point they were drawing tornadoes, which felt very appropriate because by the time that class ends, Klee and I aren’t even sure where we are or who we are anymore. Then we move on to grades 3–4, who also have a ton of energy, but they focus in hard on their creative projects once they get going. The grades 5–6 group keeps us laughing nonstop. Their sense of humor and creativity are unstoppable. And then there’s grades 7–8, who really push themselves to learn new techniques and try new things.

We love these kids. They are all pure creativity. Inspiring doesn’t even begin to cover it. In fact, they inspired the January design for the Love Is calendar.

An artist wearing a bandana is sitting at a cluttered table, focused on drawing a whimsical illustration on paper. Various art supplies and colorful paintings are visible in the background, creating a creative atmosphere.
working on the design for January.

You have spoken, and the 2026 calendar theme is officially LOVE IS. Thank you all for voting!

I’m deep in the creative trenches right now, surrounded by sketches, coffee cups, ink puddles, and at least three ink brushes I’ve already lost under a pile of paper. My goal is simple, to give you something that brings joy, comfort, and maybe a few chuckles throughout the year. Right now I’m in the design phase which means I am sketching and designing what the paintings will look like and feel.

Like my past calendars, this one isn’t just about pretty pictures (although they will be pretty, promise). Each month will include:

  • Original, uplifting art from my Love Is series
  • An inspirational quote to keep you going
  • A mix of official, creative, and wonderfully weird holidays including National Absurdity Day, World Kindness Day, National Doodle Day, International Day of Happiness, Talk Like a Pirate Day, and a few Rafi-made holidays that probably shouldn’t exist but definitely do
PRE-ORDER YOUR 2026 CALENDAR (PRE-ORDER SALE PRICE $16)

About the Love Is Series

A person holding up a colorful painting that says 'Love is all you need,' featuring two whimsical figures. The background is vibrant and abstract, with several framed artworks displayed on the wall behind.

The Love Is series is my way of celebrating connection, kindness, and those small moments that make this weird world a little brighter. Each piece features two or three whimsical characters doing something beautifully human like Love Is Sharing an Umbrella, Love Is Spreading Joy, or Love Is Being There.

It’s not about romantic love. It’s about the kind of love that makes life better, the kind that helps you laugh when things get messy or gives you hope when the world feels upside down.

An artist sketching ideas for the _Love Is_ calendar in a colorful studio, surrounded by drawings and art supplies.
I love this series!

STAY TUNED! NEW GIVEAWAY COMING SOON!

This year’s calendar will feature all-new art, bright, colorful, full of heart, and just the right amount of mischief.

Here’s the current plan (and yes, I actually wrote this down so I don’t forget):

Nov 1–5: Prepping canvases and clearing workspace (which mostly means pretending to organize)
Nov 6–13: Design and sketching stage
Nov 13–24: Painting the full collection
Nov 25–26: Graphic design and formatting for print
Nov 28: Official Calendar Release Party on YouTube!
Dec 2, 2025: All pre-order calendars ship out!

Each Special Edition pre-order calendar will be signed and include a little surprise from the studio because who doesn’t love a surprise? (Unless it’s liver and onions. I promise there will be no liver.)

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

Pre-Order Yours Now

If you’ve been following along with these yearly calendars, you know they’re a labor of love and occasional madness. The Love Is 2026 Calendar is shaping up to be something really special, heartfelt, funny, and maybe even a little weird, just how I like it.

Pre-order yours today, join us for the Calendar Release Party on November 28th on YouTube, and be part of the adventure as this thing comes to life.

Ships by December 2, 2025, right in time for gifting (or keeping for yourself, no judgment).

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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
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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

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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.

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When the Veil Grows Thin: A Spooky Stream Awaits!

It’s that time of year again—the air turns crisp, the leaves crunch under your feet, and that mysterious energy creeps in as the veil between worlds grows thin. Paranormal happenings are in the air, and we can feel it!

This is one of the many things that got us so excited about moving to this area. The first year we closed on our house on Oct 15th and in all the chaos of moving in, we tore some pillows open and made ghosts. We still hang them up every year.

Two people sitting on a porch in Halloween costumes, surrounded by ghost decorations hanging from the ceiling, with a lit doorway and a small table displaying a skull.

If you know us, you know we love Halloween. Sure, our favorite part might be seeing everyone’s creative costumes and passing out candy to wide-eyed trick-or-treaters, but we’re also huge fans of the eerie, the unexplained, and the downright spooky.

This Halloween, we’re taking that love of the strange to the next level with our Spooky Stream! a laid-back, storytelling live stream where we’ll share some of our own paranormal adventures and supernatural encounters.

A cheerful moment captured on Halloween, featuring a person and a child in skeleton costumes, sitting outside with a bowl of candy. The background showcases autumn foliage and a house.

Join us as we talk about:
👻 Growing up in a haunted house (yes, really)
🪆 Our visit to Robert the Doll in Key West (he’s creepier than you think)
🛸 That time we had an alien encounter while on the road
💀 And other eerie stories that’ll make your spine tingle and your imagination dance

Promotional graphic for a Halloween live stream titled 'Spooky Stories' featuring hosts Rafi and Klee, with a backdrop of a haunted house and spooky trees.

So grab your favorite costume, pour yourself something pumpkin-spiced, and hang out with us before the trick-or-treating mayhem begins.

🕓 Stream Time: Halloween, 4pm–5pm (Eastern)
🎃 Where: Live on our small YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/live/RuA1IaqABkk
🍬 Then: The candy chaos begins at 6pm

Come for the stories, stay for the goosebumps—and maybe a laugh or two. After all, it’s just us being our spooky, weird selves.

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Tonight: Dear Artist Book Release Party And Giveaway! (Live Stream)

It’s party dayI Tonight we’re celebrating the release of Dear Artist: Don’t Give Up with a cozy, rowdy, joy-filled live stream that includes stories, readings, behind-the-scenes bits, and a whole lot of gratitude for this wild journey.

When: Tonight at 5:00pm Eastern
Where: Live on our YouTube channel (open to everyone) https://rafiandklee.com/shop/live/
Who: You, me, Klee, and our glorious Rogue Artist community

Promotional banner for a virtual book release party for 'Dear Artist: Don't Give Up' by Rafi Perez, featuring the book cover and event details.

What’s happening

  • Hang out with us and have some fun!
  • A live reading of a few favorite letters from Dear Artist!
  • Real talk about fear, persistence, and making art when life gets chaotic!
  • Q&A so bring your curiosities about the book, process, publishing, or the “why” behind it!
  • Giveaway winner announcement during the stream!
  • Original drawings and posters from the book illustrations: I’m organizing them, and some will be available for purchase at the release party!
  • A tiny pep talk for the part of you that sometimes wants to quit!
An original drawing featuring a stick figure pointing at frames labeled 'ART' and the phrase 'MEANINGFUL IMPACT' below. Below the drawing is the book 'DEAR ARTIST, DON'T GIVE UP!' with a colorful cover.

Why this book matters

Dear Artist is a conversation between creative humans. It’s the reminder I wish I had when doubt screamed the loudest. If you’ve ever second-guessed your work, stalled out on a project, or felt like an outsider in the art world, these pages are a flashlight in the dark. No gatekeepers. No permission slips. Just honesty, humor, and momentum.

How to join

  • Grab your favorite beverage and a comfy seat
  • Hop on the live stream at 5:00pm Eastern
  • Say hello in the chat so we know you’re there
  • If you want a signed copy, I’ll share details during the stream
A cartoon illustration featuring a figure holding signs that read 'Support Local Artists,' 'Will Paint 4 Support,' and 'Open Commissions,' with a bird flying above, set against a blue background. The text at the bottom states, 'Because exposure doesn't pay the bills.'

Thank you

To everyone who believed in this book, pre-ordered, shared encouragement, or just kept showing up with your creative spirit, thank you. You are the heartbeat of this community. Tonight we celebrate you as much as the book.

See you at 5. Let’s make this release party a moment we look back on and say, yep, that was the night we reminded ourselves why we create.

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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!

STAY TUNED! NEW GIVEAWAY COMING SOON!

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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Happy International Artist Day, You Beautiful Creative Human!

Today we celebrate International Artist Day, which basically means it’s one day a year we all get to collectively shrug, hold up our paint-covered hands, glue-stained fingers, clay-dusted aprons, and say, “Yeah… I did that.”

Whether you’re a painter, musician, sculptor, jewelry maker, doodler, filmmaker, or you just made something awesome out of macaroni and pride… you are an artist.

An artist examining a painting of a sunflower in a studio filled with colorful artwork and supplies.

Let’s Talk About That Sneaky Little Stickman On Your Shoulder Named Imposter Syndrome

Ah yes, imposter syndrome, the voice in your head that whispers things like:

  • “You’re not a real artist.”
  • “You don’t have a degree.”
  • “You don’t sell enough.”
  • “Your art doesn’t look like their art.”

First of all, that voice is a liar.
Second, it has the audacity to live rent-free in your head, and today’s as good a day as any to evict it… or muzzle it.

An artist wearing a hat and plaid shirt paints on a canvas while sitting at a table with various art supplies, including paintbrushes and water bottles. In the background, other artists are engaged in their own work under a tent.
Creating live at an event
A group of artists gathered in a creative space for a workshop, with a smiling man and woman in the foreground taking a selfie.
Speaking with other awesome artists at an event

Here’s the truth, you don’t need anyone’s permission to call yourself an artist. You don’t need a gallery, a blue checkmark, or a magical scroll that says, “Congratulations, you now officially make art.” If you create, you’re an artist. Period.

Art isn’t a club with secret handshakes. It’s a wild, messy, beautiful rebellion against the ordinary.

A musician playing guitar while a woman sings into a microphone in an outdoor setting, with a stone wall in the background.
Playing music live at an event

Here’s Something I’ve Learned On My Artistic Journey

  1. Stop waiting for validation.
    No one else gets to define your creative worth. You could hand your masterpiece to the universe and someone, somewhere will still not “get it.” That’s okay. You’re not creating for them.
  2. Make bad art.
    Seriously. Ugly, weird, glorious disasters are part of the process. Every creative masterpiece is built on a mountain of what-the-hell-was-I-thinking moments.
  3. Remind yourself: you belong here.
    Not because you’ve proven yourself, but because you’ve shown up. You dared to create something from nothing, and that alone makes you a badass artist.
  4. Don’t let fear disguise itself as humility.
    Saying, “I’m not a real artist” might feel modest, but it’s actually self-sabotage in fancy clothes. Own it. You are an artist. Say it out loud. Scare your cat with it.
  5. Persist.
    When that stick man in your head tells you to quit, make one more brushstroke. When the world feels indifferent, keep showing up. Persistence is the secret weapon of every artist who’s ever made an impact. It’s not talent, luck, or having the right connections, it’s the sheer stubbornness to keep creating no matter what.
  6. Put yourself out there.
    Don’t hide your work in a drawer, a folder, or your camera roll forever. Share it. Show it. Let people experience it. Yeah, it’s scary, but so is every meaningful thing in life. The moment you put your work into the world, you claim your place as an artist, not because it’s perfect, but because you were brave enough to show up.
Two artists seated at a booth with a striped canopy, displaying various art materials and promotional items on the table.
Showing off our books at book fair

So, on this International Artist Day, raise your paintbrush, your mic, your hammer, your camera, or your creative weapon of choice and celebrate the fact that you are doing something courageous: you are making art in a world that desperately needs it.

A smiling man in a black hoodie poses with crossed arms in front of a woman working at a craft table, both surrounded by colorful artwork and art supplies in a vibrant studio.
Congratulations on being AWESOME, from our studio to yours!

Now go make something weird, beautiful, and unapologetically you.
Happy Artist Day, my fellow creative human! you’ve earned it.

— Rafi and Klee

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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.