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

Posted on by — 2 Comments

An Update on Klee, Day 6, Progress and Gratitude

Hi, awesome humans.

I wanted to share some updates on Klee’s health, her progress, and our plans moving forward. The last couple of days have been a whirlwind, but we’re finally starting to see some light at the end of this tunnel.

Last night, Klee had her first full night of uninterrupted sleep since this all began. That, in itself, was a huge relief. Yesterday, we received the rest of the test results back. Thankfully, nothing serious has shown up, which is an enormous weight off our shoulders. They started her on a new medication yesterday, and it seems to be working. She’s been doing well enough that, if things continue to improve, she’ll be coming home tomorrow night!

That Little Ball Of Hair In The Bed Is Klee Sleeping Soundly. That Ball Of Mess In Front Is Me Battling The Chair I Sleep In.
Klee Resting After The Medication
A Beautiful View From The Window
A Small Thank You To The Doctors And Nurses Who Have Been Awesome To Us.

We’re both excited about the idea of having her back home, though we know the road to recovery isn’t over yet. Klee still has some pain flare-ups and isn’t fully out of the woods. We have appointments scheduled with specialists to get to the bottom of it, but for now, her appetite is back, her spirits are lifted, and she’s looking much healthier than she has in the past week.

Preparing for Klee’s Homecoming

After spending the last few days at the hospital, I decided to head home this afternoon. Today, I’ve been busy getting everything ready for her return. I picked up her medications, stocked the fridge with the appropriate foods, and prepped the house to make sure it’s a cozy, healing space for her. Knowing she’ll be coming home soon has given me a renewed sense of hope and excitement.

Of course, life threw a little curveball my way during all this. On my way home, a deer jumped out in front of the car. I couldn’t completely avoid it, so the car has some damage, and unfortunately, I’m not sure what happened to the deer. It wasn’t the most pleasant moment, but right now, my focus is on Klee and her recovery. Everything else can wait.

This is one of those WTF moments, but It Could Have Been Worse And For That I Am Grateful.

A Little Bit of Bright News

On a positive note, the Me and It Creatures calendars arrived today as I was getting things ready, and they look amazing! For those of you who pre-ordered, I’ll start shipping them out next week once Klee is settled in at home. There are still some available and I am trash at promoting anything right now, so if you want a happy “Me and It” calendar, I have some I’ll be shipping out next week.

Some of you showed your support by ordering something from us and kindly will wait until next year for us to mail it out. Thank you for that. If you purchased something from us, I’ll be reaching out soon (within the next couple weeks) with a plan for when those will be created and sent out. Your patience and understanding mean so much to us and we appreciate you so much.

Once again, I want to thank everyone who has supported us—whether through donations, ordering something, love, or kind messages. You’ve helped us navigate an incredibly challenging time, and your kindness will never be forgotten.

Endless Gratitude

You have been following our updates and sending love, I can’t thank you enough. Your support has been our anchor during this difficult time. To those of you who sent financial help, words cannot express how deeply grateful we are. Truly, I don’t know how we would have made it through this past week—and the months ahead (which are looking more doable)—without your generosity.

She Looks So Much Better, My Heart Feels Alive When I Experience That Amazing Smile.

Because of you, we’re close enough to our financial goal to focus fully on Klee’s healing and health without the added stress of financial disaster looming. Stress is the last thing I want for her right now, so thank you for giving us this incredible gift of peace. You have no idea how much this means to me. To everyone who donated, I’ll be reaching out over the next couple of months with a special gift to express my gratitude (I know you will say I don’t need to, but I want to).

Here’s to Klee’s continued healing, a brighter day tomorrow, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this amazing community.

With love,
Rafi

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.

DONATE TO RAFI AND KLEE

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

Posted on by — 5 Comments

Update on Klee, Day 5, Ups and Downs

As I sit here in the hospital typing this, I think, I would rather be updating you on anything else right now. But this is where life has us, and I want to keep you all in the loop because so many of you have been sending us support and love… and, I am spending a lot of time sitting here “thinking” while she rests. Writing this blog is a welcome distraction.

Many of you have been following our journey this week, and I wanted to share an update on Klee. Since Monday, we’ve been in the hospital, and it’s been a tough few days for her starting sometime before her hospitalization. Yesterday brought a glimmer of hope when she was taken off antibiotics and started showing some improvement. She even managed to do a few laps around the hospital, which gave her a boost of energy and lifted our spirits.

As the evening came, we were optimistic about the possibility of heading home soon—something my back, currently at odds with this hospital chair, eagerly anticipates. Unfortunately, the night didn’t go as smoothly. Things flared up again, and Klee endured another rough stretch.

This morning, she’s feeling a bit better, and the doctors are running more tests to get to the bottom of things. The silver lining in all this is that we’ve ruled out many of the scarier possibilities, which is a huge relief. Klee, as always, continues to smile through it all and find moments of joy despite the challenges.

We’re still in waiting mode, hoping for more answers and, fingers crossed, a path that leads us back home soon.

I also want to take a moment to thank each of you who has reached out with emails, messages, and financial support. Typically, our holiday season provides enough income to cover the slow period from mid-December to March. This year has been different. With Klee’s health taking precedence, we had to cancel events and plans, and your support has been a lifeline.

Words can’t fully capture how much we appreciate the kindness and generosity you’ve shown us. You’ve allowed us to focus on Klee’s health without the added stress of looming financial worries. You really have no idea how much it means to us.

Klee and I met and got together in 2009, and honestly, we’ve spent every single day together since. Rarely have we spent a day apart—in fact, I’m pretty sure I can count on one hand the days we’ve been apart. She is my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the most beautiful human I have ever had the pleasure of spending time with. She is magic.

Our life together has been a magical adventure of living on the road, starting a creative career side by side, and eventually buying our dream home together. Over the years, we’ve faced plenty of challenges, but we’ve always had each other’s backs.

2024 has been a particularly challenging year for us both financially and emotionally, for many reasons, including but not limited to—let’s just call it family drama invading our creative space. I saw the stress hit her hard this year and start to present itself in physical ways. Mine did too, but it mostly showed up in the form of more white hairs in my beard.

As much as I hate seeing her in the hospital, I’m grateful that she’s being checked for anything and everything it could possibly be. It’s a step toward answers, and that brings a small measure of peace amidst the worry.

I also want to give a big shoutout to the doctors and nurses here. They have been absolutely amazing and have really taken care of Klee. Their dedication, expertise, and kindness have made a difficult situation so much more manageable, and we’re deeply grateful for everything they’re doing to help her heal.

That chair next to Klee’s bed is an absolute nightmare.

For now, it’s a waiting game. I’ve been perfecting the art of sleeping (or trying to) in a chair that seems engineered to keep you awake. Don’t worry, though—I’ve graduated from vending machine snacks to actual food.

We’ll keep you updated when we can. Thank you for being there for us, for Klee, I am so grateful. Your messages of love and support are a reminder that we’re not navigating this alone.

Here’s hoping that the next update will come from the comfort of home.

With gratitude and love,
Rafi

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.

DONATE TO RAFI AND KLEE

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

Posted on by — 15 Comments

STUDIO IS SHUT DOWN – Update on Klee’s Condition and Holiday Operations

This isn’t the usual fun and uplifting message I love to share, but I wanted to take a moment to update you on what’s been happening here at Rafi and Klee Studios and our recent health concerns.

As many of you know, we had to cancel our annual virtual holiday sale due to illness. Unfortunately, shortly after, Klee experienced a significant downturn and we went to the ER. She was admitted to the hospital, where she’s been staying as we work with her doctors to uncover what’s going on. Despite the circumstances, Klee is staying optimistic, and we’re holding onto hope that we’ll have more clarity—and good news—soon.

These days, my time is split between being at the hospital with Klee and trying to stay on top of things at home during the evenings. To be completely honest, I’m not functioning very well at running a business while this is happening. Once I contact everyone today and get the books shipped out, and get snow tires put on our car, I’ll be heading back to the hospital and staying by Klee’s side until we know more.

Orders and Shipping Updates

  • Books: All pre-ordered copies of Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up are making their way to the post office. Unfortunately, any books shipping to Canada will be delayed due to the strike. I’ll keep an eye on the situation, but until it is resolved, I’ll need to hold off on shipping those books. If you’re in Canada, I’ve sent you an email with further details.
  • Calendars: If you ordered a Me and It Creatures calendar, they’re expected to arrive here on the 16th. My hope is that Klee will be home by then, resting comfortably, and I’ll be able to package and ship those out soon after.
  • Jewelry and Other Orders: I’m going to do my best to complete and ship all pending orders, but I ask for your patience. If there are delays, especially with jewelry, I’ll reach out to you directly to keep you updated. If it is ok to ship your order next year, that would be helpful.
  • Local Pick-Up: Some of you ordered books, items, and calendars for local pick-up. I sent out some emails today, but I may have missed a few of you. We will reach out soon (hopefully next week) to schedule a meet-up to pick up your items.

If you have any questions about your order, please don’t hesitate to email me. It may take me a bit longer to respond, but I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Shut Down for the Holidays

Although we are doing what we can, with everything going on, we’ve decided to shut down studio operations for the holidays. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s necessary to focus on Klee’s recovery and to navigate this challenging time.

I’ll be honest—it’s incredibly hard to see the love of my life going through this. There are health factors, financial challenges, and the emotional toll of uncertainty. But we are holding onto hope, and we know that brighter days are ahead.

In the meantime, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers and send us all the healing vibes you can muster. Hopefully, by next week, we’ll have more answers, and Klee will be on the mend.

I know that some of you have asked about supporting us financially during this time, and although I have a hard time asking for help, I appreciate it immensely. I’ve added a link for donations here.

If you want to support us by ordering something, please do. We are hoping to be back up and running by the end of January (we are optimistic), but orders will not ship out until then, especially jewelry orders.

Thank you so much for your understanding, patience, and support. Your kindness means the world to us during times like these.

With love and gratitude,
Rafi

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.

DONATE TO RAFI AND KLEE

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

Posted on by — 17 Comments

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.

DONATE TO RAFI AND KLEE

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

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Virtual Open Studio: Join Us for Creativity, Fun, and Amazing Prizes! Dec 8th

Ready for an evening that’s equal parts inspiring, exciting, and downright awesome? Then don’t miss our Virtual Open Studio on December 8th from 5 PM to 7 PM EST! Read to the end to find out how to enter to win something awesome!

We’re opening up our studio (virtually, of course) for a jam-packed night of stories, music, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and jaw-dropping deals on our art and jewelry—up to 40% off as our special way of saying thanks for being the incredible humans you are. Oh, and did we mention the giveaways? Yeah, we’re going BIG this time!

Why You Should Show Up

📍 Studio Tour Fun: Get a rare behind-the-scenes look at where the magic happens! From the creative chaos of Rafi’s painting space to Klee’s jewelry-making haven, we’ll share it all (including the creative shenanigans).

📖 Storytime: We’ll regale you with tales from the wild and wonderful world of art and jewelry-making. Think epic fails, surprising wins, and the kind of moments that make you laugh until your face hurts.

🎶 Music & Merriment: Our band Better on the Drums is bringing the tunes, so get ready to bop along as we share some live music vibes. Some stuff, we haven’t even recorded yet!

🎨 Exclusive Art & Jewelry Deals: Treat yourself or your loved ones to one-of-a-kind creations—marked down by up to 40% for this special night only. It’s the perfect chance to snag that piece you’ve been eyeing!

The Giveaways – Win Something Truly Extraordinary! 🎁

We’re pulling out all the stops with not one, but TWO show-stopping giveaways. Here’s what’s up for grabs:

🎉 Win a Virtual Power Chat with Rafi & Klee!

Got burning questions about art, business, or balancing it all while staying creative? Here’s your chance to pick our brains in a fun, inspiring, and actionable 30-minute virtual meeting. Whether you’re seeking advice, feedback, or just a good laugh, this one-on-one time with us is your golden ticket to clarity, motivation, and creative magic.

🎉 Win an Artist-Enhanced Print + Sterling Silver Necklace!

Double the inspiration, double the artistry! This prize features:

  • A one-of-a-kind, artist-enhanced 8×10 print by Rafi Perez, customized with his signature blend of color, emotion, and joy.
  • A handmade sterling silver Koru Spiral necklace by Klee Angelie, symbolizing new beginnings and growth.

Together, these two masterpieces will elevate your walls and your style, celebrating the beauty of art and craftsmanship.

How to Enter

  1. Go to https://rafiandklee.com/sale/live/ and enter to win, bonus points for answering the bonus question.
  2. Tune into our livestream on December 8th at 5 PM EST. We will announce the winners after 6 PM.
  3. Chat with us during the stream—ask questions, crack jokes, or share your love for art. Most importantly, have fun!

That’s it! Easy, right?

Why You Can’t Miss This

This isn’t just another livestream—it’s a celebration of YOU, our amazing creative family. So grab your snacks, your favorite beverage, and your coziest seat, and let’s make this night unforgettable. We can’t wait to laugh, share, and create memories with you.

December 8th, 5 PM to 7 PM EST—don’t miss it! 🎨✨
We’ll bring the art, music, and giveaways; you bring your awesome self. See you there! 💖

P.S. Don’t forget to share this with your friends and creative tribe! The more, the merrier! 🎉

Posted on by — 4 Comments

A Special Thank You From Rafi And Klee

Ah, Thanksgiving. The day of turkey, stretchy pants, and giving thanks—or at least, that’s the idea. For us here at Rafi and Klee Studios, it’s a day like any other, which means we’ll be knee-deep in projects, books, murals, and jewelry. We’re also in full prep mode for our Virtual Holiday Sale on December 8th, so if you thought today was all about pie and parades for us, think again. We might cook up something special later (because why not?), but for the most part, we’re staying right here, at home, doing our thing.

Thanksgiving, for us, isn’t about big gatherings or fields of cornucopia. Our tradition? We sit down with a cup of something warm, and we make a big ol’ list of everything we appreciate. It’s a grounding ritual—an anchor amidst the whirlwind of life. One of the top things on that list is the fact that we’re breathing. Seriously. If you’re reading this, congratulations! You’ve mastered the art of respiration. Cheers to that, my friends.

It’s funny how easy it is to forget what we’ve accomplished, to get wrapped up in the what-ifs and not-yets. But today reminds us to stop and look around, to recognize what’s working, what’s growing, and what brings us joy. Gratitude is powerful. It’s like a warm hug for your soul (and way less awkward than an actual hug, especially if you’re an introvert like us).

Now, let’s talk about the holiday itself. Thanksgiving, as the story goes, began as a harvest feast in 1621 between the Wampanoag people and the English colonists. These days, most of us aren’t toiling away in fields, giving thanks for a good harvest. So what do we celebrate? The answer is simple: everything we appreciate. Whether it’s the small victories, the people in our lives, or the fact that we didn’t burn our toast this morning, there’s always something worth raising a glass—or a coffee mug—to.

Speaking of appreciation, here’s a big one: you. You, who support us, cheer us on, and share in our weird, wonderful journey. You inspire us, encourage us, and remind us why we do what we do. You’re like a breath of fresh air, a ray of sunlight in the crazy, unpredictable world of two artists chasing their dreams.

So, from the bottom of our quirky hearts, thank you. You mean the world to us, and we adore you more than words can express.

Happy Thanksgiving, creative humans. May your day be filled with love, laughter, and gratitude—and maybe a little bit of pie.

With love and appreciation,
Rafi & Klee

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Exciting News: The Ribbon Cutting for the Venango County Makerspace is TONIGHT!

Come out and enjoy time with creative humans, cookies, coffee, and community—oh my! Tonight, from 4 PM to 6 PM, the 5th floor of the historic Oil City Bank building (100 Seneca St, Oil City, PA 16301) will come alive as we officially open the doors to the Venango County Makerspace!

Picture this: artists demonstrating their crafts, the smell of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the tantalizing aroma of an absurd amount of cookies, and—best of all—you get to hear me say a few words about how exciting this is!

Why I’m So Excited About This Space

Let me take a moment to gush about this building, because it deserves some love. Klee and I were lucky enough to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the renovations when we were invited by Side Hustle Brews to discuss a mural project for the space. Walking through the the old bank building, we could see the bones of its history and feel the buzz of its transformation.

I’m currently designing a mural for this incredible space, and it’s an honor to contribute artistically to a project that’s breathing new life into a piece of our town’s history. Being part of something this significant feels deeply rewarding—not just as an artist, but as someone who believes in the power of community and creativity to spark change.

And the Makerspace? Wow. It’s more than just a space in a renovated building—it’s the beating heart of something new and exciting in Venango County. It’s a place where ideas, innovation, and creativity can collide to build something greater. This project is a huge step for Oil City, and I’m beyond proud to not only have a paintbrush in this story but also to help organize this first-ever makerspace for the county.

Things are happening in Oil City and it is all very awesome.

What can you expect tonight?

  • Live Demos by Local Creatives: Get inspired watching talented makers do what they do best.
  • Coffee & Cookies: Yes, plural cookies. Enough to keep you sustained while you marvel at the creativity around you.
  • Registration Table: Make sure to sign up so you’re always in the loop for events, meetups, and workshops.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Come hear about the awesome plans we have for this space and the future.

We’re kicking things off with mighty energy—even if we’re small right now. And here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming in December (trust me, you’ll want to stick around for this lineup):

December Events and Meetups

🎨 Tuesday, December 4 | 5:30-7 PM
Sword Polishing Demonstration by Chris Osborne of Yugen Swords
Witness the art of polishing blades like a true artisan.

✏️ Thursday, December 5 | 5:30-7 PM
Drawing for Everyone
Whether you’re a doodler or a Da Vinci, this meetup is for you!

🚴 Tuesday, December 10 | 5:30-7 PM
Bike Maintenance & Riding Tips Meetup
Learn to care for your bike and ride like a pro.

🧵 Friday, December 13 | 5:30-7 PM
Fiber Arts Meetup & Crazy Quilt Block Workshop with Skylar Austin
Discover the joy of fiber arts and take home your very own crazy quilt block!

🖋️ Tuesday, December 16 | 5:30-7 PM
Writer’s Meetup & Workshop with Local Author Amanda Pica
Unleash your inner wordsmith and gain tips from an accomplished author.

🖨️ Thursday, December 19 | 5:30-7 PM
3D Printing Meetup
Step into the future of making with 3D printers, and maybe even design your own masterpiece.

What, Where, When, and Why?

What: Ribbon Cutting for the Venango County Makerspace
Where: 100 Seneca St, 5th Floor, Oil City, PA 16301
When: TONIGHT! (4 PM – 6 PM)
Why: Because creativity, community, and cookies are a recipe for awesomeness!

Come celebrate this exciting new chapter for Oil City, tour this beautifully renovated space, and see for yourself how creativity is shaping our community’s future. See you tonight, cookies in hand! 🍪

Posted on by — Leave a comment

How to Sprinkle Happiness into Your Day (with the Help of My Awesome Calendar, of Course)

Hello, you awesome human! Let’s talk about happiness. Not the big, loud, “I just won the lottery and now own a fleet of quirky llamas” kind of happiness, but the tiny, quiet, sneaky happiness that creeps up on you when you least expect it. The kind that comes from a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, a cheesy dad joke, or flipping to a new month and seeing a delightfully grotesque-yet-adorable creature staring back at you from your Me and It Creatures calendar.

Yes, I said calendar. My Me and It Creatures limited edition calendar, to be exact. It’s not just a bunch of dates and boxes—it’s your ticket to adventure, fun, and possibly giggling at inappropriate moments during meetings.

The Power of Little Joys

Life is full of stress, chaos, and the occasional existential crisis when you realize you’ve spent 20 minutes looking for your glasses and they were on your head. But happiness? That’s the secret weapon. It’s the way you fight back against the doom and gloom, one little giggle-snort at a time.

I created this calendar with that in mind. Each month, you’ll meet a quirky Me and It Creature who has their own unique story to tell. They’re like little goblins of happiness, here to remind you that life is weird, wonderful, and better with a bit of whimsy.

Why My Calendar is Basically Your New Best Friend

  1. It Keeps You Organized-ish: Let’s be honest—you’re probably not going to become a scheduling ninja overnight. But this calendar will at least make you smile while you attempt to adult.
  2. It’s a Conversation Starter: Imagine someone walking into your home and spotting one of my creatures. The questions alone will be worth it. (“What…is that?” “Oh, that? That’s the February Me and It, reminding me to love my weirdness!”)
  3. It Celebrates Fun Holidays: Did you know there’s a National Lumpy Rug Day? Neither did I until I started researching weird holidays. Now, my calendar includes them for your celebration pleasure.
  4. It’s Limited Edition: That’s right. Owning this calendar makes you one of an elite squad of happiness hunters who recognize the value of spreading joy, one month at a time. Limit 100 Calendars.

Why I Want You to Buy It

Sure, I’d like to sell a bunch of these calendars because I’m a rogue artist who needs to fund my ongoing war against boring walls and uninspired desk spaces. But more than that, I truly love the idea of my creatures keeping you company all year long.

If one person tells me that my calendar made them smile on a rough day, then this whole project will have been worth it (but also, please buy one because, you know, bills).

How to Get Yours

The Me and It Creatures calendar is ready to bring adventure, humor, and maybe a little mischief into your life. It’s limited edition, so once they’re gone, they’re gone. Don’t be that person who waits until January to realize they need one (because honestly, January Creature is adorable and will feel left out).

So, grab your calendar, put it on your wall, and let’s make 2025 a year filled with joy, silliness, and maybe even a little adventure. Let’s spread happiness, one weird little creature at a time.

And remember, happiness isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey filled with mini monsters, weird holidays, and a whole lot of heart. 😊

Posted on by — 2 Comments

The Mural Chronicles: Imposter Syndrome, Paint Fumes, and Magic in the Air

Let me set the scene for you. The place? Our beloved Oil City Library, which just so happens to be one of the reasons Klee and I fell head over heels for this town. It was like a magnet for our creative souls, and when Marcy—my awesome friend, phenomenal artist, and co-owner of the local gem Woods and River—approached me with a mural project for this very library, how could I say no? Spoiler alert: I didn’t. I was all in, armed with brushes and enthusiasm!

Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty of this adventure, let me just address something that every artist reading this knows all too well: Imposter Syndrome. Yes, it’s a thing. No, it doesn’t magically disappear when you’ve been doing this art thing for years. And yes, it showed up like an uninvited guest at the mural party. Despite having done murals before, this was one of those rare times where I’d be working with a team of talented artists, and boom—there it was, Imposter Syndrome, making me question if I’d forgotten how to hold a paintbrush. You’d think I was about to go on American Idol. But hey, that’s the artist’s life: confidence is a moving target, and we just push through it and re-establish our awesomeness!

So, after a few days of prepping (because you can’t just waltz into a mural project without a plan,) and some great brainstorming sessions with the local community, we were ready. I have to give major props to the community for their ideas. From book themes to children’s book animals, everyone had thoughts, and believe me, there were enough to fill the library shelves. It was like a crowd-sourced creative explosion.

Fast-forward to mural time. It’s a mix of excitement, nerves, and just enough coffee to power a small country (thank you, Woods And River). As we started, I remembered something: murals are problem-solving on steroids. You can plan all you want, but the moment your brush touches that wall, the surface has its own agenda. It’s like the wall is silently laughing, saying, “Nice try, pal. Let’s see what you’re really made of.”

Three days. That’s how long it took for the magic to really unfold. I watched all these artists, including myself, evolve throughout the process. What started as “Oh my gosh, what am I doing?” turned into “Oh yeah, we’re doing this!”. It’s amazing how teamwork and creativity combine to bring out everyone’s best. And the mural? It’s a beauty.

For those of you who have never had the joy (and mild terror) of working on a mural, it’s basically like herding artistic geese. Paint goes here, no wait—there. Can we move this section up? Is this color too bright? And what about the sun, is it drying this paint faster than we can work? The mural becomes this living, breathing thing, and you’re just along for the ride. The magic happens when you let go of control and start solving problems with a little bit of paint and a lot of heart.

When it was all said and done, I couldn’t have been prouder. Not just of the mural itself (which, if you find yourself at the library, you better take a glance and throw up a heart symbol to it), but of the artists who showed up, put their fears aside, and gave it their all. A huge shout-out to the Oil City Library and Erie Arts and Culture for making this project possible. You guys are awesome!

In other exciting news—because there’s always more brewing around here—we’ve got a meeting tonight (9/19/24) for the upcoming Venango County Makerspace! If you’re an artist, maker, creative soul, or a breathing human, you need to be there. It’s happening at 100 Seneca St (5th floor, baby!), and we want your input. Think tools, resources, classes—this space is going to be a creative haven, and we want YOU to be a part of shaping it. So come share your ideas, and let’s make some magic happen together!

Until next time, keep laughing, keep creating, and always, always embrace the chaos—because that’s where the real magic lives.

See you at the Makerspace!
—Rafi

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Mini Monsters: My Exciting Journey of the 24 Minis Exhibition! September 7th

Hey, awesome humans and monster enthusiasts!

I’ve got some big news—and by big, I mean big for me and big for my collection of 24 adorable, slightly creepy, but definitely lovable mini monsters. That’s right, I’m officially part of the 24 Minis Exhibition at the Manos Gallery near Pittsburgh (in Tarentum), and it’s going down on Saturday, September 7th. It’s going to be a wild ride of tiny canvases and even bigger emotions, and I am beyond excited.

I’m also feeling a little nervous. (Wait, what? Me? Nervous?!) Yep, I know—totally not my usual vibe. You’d think after years of putting myself out there, showing art, making music, doing YouTube, I’d be immune to this kind of thing, right? Nope! Something about sharing my 24 mini monsters with the world at my first group show in years has me feeling like I’m about to step into the art Hunger Games, and I forgot my bow and arrow.

I’ve worked on big, bold pieces for years, but squeezing all that energy, quirk, and emotion into 6×6-inch canvases? That’s a whole different challenge. And while these little monsters are ready to show their happy, chaotic faces, I’m wondering if they’ll play nice with the other 44 incredible artists in the show. It’s like sending your kids to their first day of school—will they make friends, or will they be the weirdos eating glue in the corner? (I mean, they are monsters, after all).

Now, I know it sounds like I’m overthinking things (I probably am), but this show feels special in ways I can’t even fully explain. I have an official gallery space, I’ll be there, and I’ll be in a show surrounded by some of the most talented artists around, with my tiny monsters standing proudly by my side. And let’s not forget—I’ll have other works of art on display too, so it’s a full-on Rafi Perez takeover at Manos Gallery! (not really, it’s a big gallery.)

So, when is the opening reception?

  • When: Saturday, September 7th, from 4-8 PM.
  • Where: Manos Gallery, 320 E. 5th Ave, Tarentum, PA.
  • Why: Because you need to see these 24 tiny monsters in person! And maybe take one home…just saying.

Watch Video Here:

Also, Klee and I will be there with bells on (maybe literally, maybe not—you’ll have to show up to find out), and we’re contributing something special for the fundraiser supporting the Highlands High School theater group. It’s all about giving back and making this event as epic as possible!

I’m ready to face this tiny art challenge head-on—even if my stomach is doing a mini-monster flip every time I think about it. But honestly, that’s the beauty of being an artist, right? Putting yourself out there, feeling a bit scared, and doing it anyway. And if you’ve ever wondered if I still get nervous after all these years, well, here’s your answer: YES! But that’s what makes this journey exciting.

Klee and I will be there for the reception!

So, come on down to the Manos Gallery this Saturday. Let’s celebrate art, creativity, and community together! If nothing else, come watch me sweat through the excitement of sharing my tiny monsters with the world. I promise you—it’s going to be a blast!

See you there, and let’s make this an unforgettable night of mini art and big fun!

-Rafi