Hi guys,

I’ve been meaning to update you on what’s been going on with us lately. I’m sure you may have noticed—we’ve been much more active online and starting to get back into the groove of things.

As most of you know, last December Klee was hospitalized, and we spent most of the year just coping with that. It was scary, exhausting, and one of the hardest stretches we’ve faced. I’m happy to say she is doing much better now, and we’re slowly but surely getting back out there.

The Mural Adventure

This year, I dove headfirst into a mural project that kept me busy for months. It wasn’t just about painting on a big wall—it was about telling a story through portraits, landscapes, and history. It pushed me physically and mentally, but the challenge also reminded me why I love what I do. Seeing that mural come to life after so many sketches, designs, and late nights was one of those “yep, this is worth it” moments.

August: A Turning Point

It feels like things really started returning to normal in August. Our last event before everything turned upside down was a book fair late last year—and this year, full circle, our first event back was a book fair. From there, the momentum picked up: I finished the mural, and we got more involved in co-managing the new Makers Space here in Oil City. That space has the potential to be something amazing for the community, and we’re excited to be part of helping bring it to life.

Back to Music and Art

After a year off, Better On The Drums played our first music gig at ARMA Fest. Honestly, I hadn’t picked up a guitar in nearly a year, and Klee was just starting to feel like herself again, so it was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. But once we got up there, it was like breathing again. Music is such a huge part of who we are, and being on stage reminded us how much we missed it.

I also led my first Paint and Sip in Oil City—right in the same space where I created the mural. It was wild to see that room transform from me on scaffolding covered in paint to a group of people laughing, creating, and sharing their own spin on the canvas.

And now, we’re getting ready for a gallery exhibition running from October 3rd to November 9th at the Redbrick Gallery in Foxburg. It will feel so good to see the paintings, jewelry, and sculptures all come together in one space again. Plus—we’ve got three more shows booked for later this year.

What’s Next

The show in Foxburg is coming up, and the long-overdue release of Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up is finally happening in October (yes, for real this time!). We’re also bringing back our yearly virtual holiday show, which we had to cancel last year when Klee got sick. And we’ll be resuming the Podcast and YouTube channel soon—something we’ve missed doing so much.

Thank You

I just want to take a moment to thank all of you out there for your support. I’m not gonna lie—it was a rough year. But reading your comments, seeing your messages, and feeling your love was priceless. You carried us when we needed it most.

A Little Creative Tip Before I Go

If this past year has taught me anything, it’s this: don’t wait until life feels “perfect” to get back to your creativity. Start where you are, with whatever energy you’ve got. Paint one line, strum one chord, write one sentence. It doesn’t have to be big to matter. Those little steps are what pull you back into the groove, even after a rough season.

So here we are—back, grateful, and ready to keep creating.

With love and paint-stained hands,
Rafi (and Klee)

I wanted to give you all an update on what’s been going on in our world lately—because if you’ve noticed we’ve been a bit quieter than usual, you’re not wrong.

First and foremost, Klee’s health has been our main focus. She’s been on new treatments, and while we’re optimistic, the healing process has been slow-going and unpredictable. Some days are better than others, and we’re learning to navigate that reality one day at a time. The bottom line? We’re keeping things close to home and prioritizing peace, health, and sanity.

This week, I officially stepped away from a gallery we signed on with last August. It’s a fantastic space just outside Pittsburgh, and it honestly felt like a big deal when we joined. But right after that, Klee got sick, and we started pulling back from gallery events, meetups, and the bigger out-of-town plans that used to be second nature. We haven’t seen the space in nearly a year.

And while part of me feels gutted to walk away from something that had a lot of potential, I also feel… relieved. Because here’s the truth: we’re used to going a million miles an hour. We’ve always had a packed creative studio schedule, weekly podcasts, weekly videos, blogs, updates, meetings, responsibilities—you name it. Our days are usually full steam ahead with little sleep and a to-do list that reads more like an epic saga than a manageable plan.

These days, that lifestyle just isn’t sustainable. Not right now. And I’m doing everything I can to avoid slipping into full-blown overwhelm mode. We already run a multi-layered creative business, I’m currently painting a giant mural, and we’re co-running the new Makerspace in town (which is an exciting beast all on its own). Add meetings, community events, and the Creative Entrepreneur Conference we just spoke at—yeah, even a grocery run can feel like planning a wedding.

So we’ve slowed things down. A lot. And it’s been kind of amazing.

I’ve been focusing on the mural project (which, let’s be honest, is enough to occupy every last corner of my brain for a while). It’s keeping things financially steady—for now—and more importantly, it’s all I have the bandwidth for. The workaholic in me is having a minor identity crisis over the idea of not doing a million things at once, but I’m choosing presence over panic. For once, I’m not teetering on the edge of burnout. That’s new. And I like it.

Stress is something we’re both keeping a close eye on because, as we’ve learned, it’s a major trigger for Klee’s symptoms. So eliminating stress has basically become a part-time job (with full-time benefits, honestly). We’re doing what we can, day by day, to make space for healing, creativity, and peace.

So that’s where we are. No wild announcements, no dramatic exits—just two artists doing our best to create, care for each other, and be present through the chaos. We’re still here, still making things, and still showing up in whatever way we can.

Thanks for riding the waves with us. We appreciate you more than you know.

With love and less stress,
Rafi and Klee