Category: PRESS RELEASES From Rafi And Klee Studios

Welcome to the official blog for Rafi and Klee Studios press releases! Here, you’ll find all the latest updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes stories directly from our studio. Stay tuned for exclusive insights into our new projects, upcoming events, and special collaborations that continue to push the boundaries of creativity. This blog is your go-to source for all things Rafi and Klee, providing you with firsthand information from the heart of our artistic endeavors. Join us on our journey and be the first to know what’s happening at Rafi and Klee Studios!

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Artist Sunday in Oil City. Your Ultimate Guide to Creative Shenanigans

HAPPY ARTIST’S SUNDAY!!

Artist Sunday in Oil City is basically the Super Bowl of local creativity minus the football, plus with more artsy, handmade things, and zero risk of being hit in the face with a cheese covered nacho. It is the cozy finale of the Thanksgiving weekend trifecta, and this year Oil City is showing up big.

The whole town turns into a walkable, art filled extravaganza with musicians, makers, demonstrations, book signings, ornament painting wizards, alpaca fiber geniuses, and of course your favorite rogue creative humans. That is us.

If you are wondering “Hey Rafi, where do I find you and Klee?” then keep reading, because we have the scoop.

Where You Can Find Us. Clifford’s Carpets (Southside)

Location 10 at 19 E 1st Street

This place transforms into one of the quirkiest, most unexpectedly perfect spots for artists to set up. We will be there with original art, jewelry, books, sculptures, prints, maybe a few wildcards, and generally being our usual creative, sleep deprived but happy selves.

And we remembered the calendars this time. Ok… technically we forgot to bring them on Saturday, but they are absolutely coming with us because I put a note on my phone, a note on my sketchbook, and a note taped to my face.

If you want to say hi, chat art, or watch me try not to spill coffee on anything, come hang out at location 10.

Map for Artists Sunday 2025 in Oil City, featuring event timings, locations, and activities on Southside and Northside.

What’s Happening Around Town. Northside!

Just hop across the Veterans Memorial Bridge and you will find a whole cluster of creative action.

National Transit Building

Handmade instruments, woodworking, encaustic painting, illustration, demos, textile art, book illustrations, wax melts, stickers, ceramics. It is basically an indoor labyrinth of artists and creative chaos.
You can also catch live medieval instruments and a Q and A with Daniel Yost and Pedro Sperb from 11 to 4.

Transit Arts Gallery and Gifts

Local and regional artists in all mediums. Think of it as a mini art marketplace with big gallery energy.

Woods and River Coffee (Northside)

Watercolor and mixed media paintings plus warm caffeinated beverages to keep your art hopping energy levels high.

The Exchange

Mixed media, collages, ornaments, stickers, digital work, and probably the best spot to people watch creative humans in the wild.

Downs Building

Edinboro art students, prints, potions, handcrafted goods, natural body care, oddities. A whole vibe.

Dlonak Barber Shop

Illustration plus vintage garage character.

Wye Bridge Hobbies

Crafty creations, shirts, tumblers, and children’s books.

A colorful flyer advertising local artists and creative events happening in Oil City, detailing various locations, activities, and participating artists for Artist Sunday.

Southside! This is where we will be hanging!

If you wander the Southside loop, you will encounter:

Woods and River Coffee (Southside)

More art plus the eternal promise of caffeine.

Core Goods

Ceramics, digital art, pins, stickers, jewelry, open mic readings, and handmade goods. A whole creative ecosystem.

Clifford’s Carpets

Home of Rafi and Klee for the day, plus other AMAZING creatives!

William’s Travel

Stained glass jewelry and unique finds.

Why Artist Sunday Matters

Artist Sunday is like a giant creative thank you note from the town. It celebrates the makers, musicians, dreamers, creators, and wonderfully weird humans who choose to spend their lives making things that add beauty to the world.

It is also a chance for you to:

  • Meet artists face to face
  • Support handmade work
  • Discover something you didn’t know you needed
  • Join in the community vibe
  • Wander around a walkable art map like you are on a side quest

And honestly, it is just a great way to spend a Sunday full of color, creativity, and connection.

Come Find Us

We will be at Clifford’s Carpets, location 10, from 11 AM to 4 PM with art, jewelry, books, calendars, and our usual creative chaos. If you are in the area, stop by, say hi, and hang out with us. We love seeing familiar faces, meeting new creative humans, and being part of the buzzing, artsy energy of this awesome town.

Same bat place, same bat channel.
See you on Artist Sunday.

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Small Business Saturday at Clifford’s Was Awesome! Next Up, Artist Sunday!

Small Business Saturday started exactly the way all heroic adventures begin.
With an alarm going off at 6:30 am.

Now, in theory, I set the alarm the night before. In practice, the noise that came out of my phone at 6:30 caused me to wonder why the heck would someone ever set an alarm that early. Klee and I sat up, bleary-eyed, attempting to understand the meaning of life, the universe, and why our bodies felt like we had been training for a marathon in our sleep.

Art display featuring a variety of paintings, jewelry, and small artworks set up for a pop-up show at a cozy venue.
This was our test set up at home. It had been a while since we’ve done a pop-up and wanted to see if we still had the chops to pull it off.

Step one: coffee and tea.
Because without caffeine, we would still be face-down on the floor wondering what day it is.

Once the magic bean potion kicked in, it was time for that classic pop-up scramble… grabbing all the last minute stuff we definitely didn’t forget about (but obviously forgot about). You know, the essentials:

  • Price tags
  • Tape
  • Zip ties
  • More zip ties
  • Even more zip ties
    Because you just never know when you’re going to need to fasten something to something in a way that makes no sense but absolutely works.

Then came the loading of the car: art, jewelry, displays, our traveling walls, and enough supplies to impress NASA. Klee stayed home for a bit to take care of a few things while I drove the first load over to Clifford’s.

Display of various pieces of artwork, including paintings and magnets, set up at an art event.

Anna, the owner of Clifford’s, is a legend. She had everything prepped, spots ready, energy high, and made the whole setup process actually feel doable at a time when no one should have to speak to another human without a second cup of coffee.

I unloaded, started building my walls (a workout that should absolutely count as CrossFit), and got our table started. Now, this is the part of being an artist most people never see… the lifting, hauling, balancing, troubleshooting, and trying not to stab yourself with a rogue hook. It’s a whole adventure. But if you don’t have fun with this part, you will quickly lose your mind, so I choose fun… mostly.

Artist pop-up event display featuring colorful artwork on panels and a jewelry table, with a vendor preparing in a brightly lit space decorated with string lights.

Once I grabbed Klee, we tag-teamed the finishing touches. Transforming a blank space into a mini art world is honestly one of my favorite things. It’s like a creative puzzle, except all the pieces are shaped weird and occasionally sharp. Then I noticed something.

I forgot the calendars. I only have 10 left… and I left them at home (face palm).
Yep. The calendars I literally made a whole collection for… sitting at home.
And while we’re at it, a bunch of tags for the art didn’t make it into the bags either.

Classic show day energy.

But that’s show life. Something always gets left behind, misplaced, or mysteriously disappears into the void. The trick is to roll with it, and luckily, Sunday is round two, which means I get redemption. And calendars.

And then… the show began.

So. Many. Incredible. Artists.
Seriously, the level of talent in that room was ridiculous in the best way possible.

A group of three people, including a woman with glasses and a child, stand together in front of a display of various handmade items and candles at a pop-up shop. The backdrop features rolls of textured fabric and signs promoting small business shopping.
Our awesome creative friends were set up right across from us!

People started trickling in, and every single person was amazing. Great conversations, great energy, great support. We met so many awesome humans who connected with the work, shared their stories, laughed with us, and took home art and jewelry that now gets to go and live its best life.

There’s something magical about watching your creations leave with someone who truly loves them. It’s one of those moments where you’re reminded why you do this whole wild artist-life thing in the first place.

By the end of the day, we were tired, happy, and full of gratitude for every person who came out, every artist who showed up with their heart and creativity, and everyone who supported this fun little pop-up that became a whole community moment.

A vendor at an art pop-up event showcasing various art pieces and jewelry on a table, with colorful paintings and decorative magnets displayed prominently.
I totally forgot to take pictures while the event was happening because it got so busy, but here is an awkward picture of Klee caught mid sentence to give you an idea of how awesome this event was.

And guess what? We’re doing it all again tomorrow for Artist Sunday!

Yup. Same bat place, same bat channel.

If you’re in the area, come out and say HI!

Artist Sunday Pop-Up at Clifford’s

November 30, 2025
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Clifford’s, 19 E 1st St, Oil City, PA 16301

Shop art, jewelry, and gifts, sip something tasty, and hang out with your favorite creative humans.

We’ll be there. Walls rebuilt. Coffee consumed. Zip ties ready.

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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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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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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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Wait, What? They’re Throwing Us a Fundraiser?!

It’s been a while! we’ve missed you!

Lately, my hands have been full—like, covered in paint full. I’ve been working on a mural for a new brewery opening in town, and it’s been equal parts exhausting and energizing. There’s something kind of magical about working on location, immersed in the environment, knowing this big, colorful piece of art will be part of a space where people gather, laugh, and raise a glass.

I’m actually smiling in this picture…. not sure what happened there.

Because of that, I’ve backed off from posting. Not just social media and YouTube, but blogs too. I’ve been laser-focused on the mural and, honestly, it’s been good for me. After taking such a long break from painting, it feels really good to be knee-deep in creativity again. However, a group of amazing people have been working really hard to support us, and I need to share this.

On top of that, Klee is on the mend—thankfully. We’ve still got some healing to go, but things are looking up, and we’re slowly finding our way back into the rhythm of creating together. Emphasis on slowly. We’re not rushing anything this time.

Klee feels awkward wearing a mask when we go places, but her system is Immunocompromised due to the medications.

It might still be a while before I’m regularly posting again. I might share more about that in a future blog, but let’s just say this: having a large audience is an incredible thing, and I’m endlessly grateful for the love and support we receive. But sometimes, when you’re not in the strongest emotional place, even one small comment can knock the wind out of you. Let’s just say, we weren’t getting back to normal fast enough for this person.

Honestly, we thought we’d bounce back quicker than we did. We kept telling ourselves, “Just a couple more days, maybe a week,” but life had its own timeline. Sometimes the road back is more of a slow, awkward shuffle than a triumphant sprint. I have no apologies to give. It is what it is.

In the meantime, our creative friends and supporters are hosting a fundraiser for us. So, I’m feeling awkward about writing this… but there are a lot of amazing people I want to say thank you to.

If you know me (and Klee), you know we’re not exactly great at being on the receiving end of support. We create, we teach, we encourage, we lift up. That’s our comfort zone. We’re used to showing up for the creative community, not having the creative community show up for us. To be honest, we are pretty hard headed and stubborn about it to our own detriment sometimes.

As a lot of you already know, last December, Klee was hospitalized and we had to cancel our holiday show. It hit us hard. People have shown up. In the most beautiful, humbling ways. A lot of you reading this are those people, and words cannot express how loved and grateful we feel.

She is such an inspiration in how she’s handled this whole thing.

Artists, friends, local galleries, people in other states and countries, even people we’ve never met in person… they’ve reached out, offered help, and reminded us that we’re not alone. Our friend Jamie (a powerhouse of kindness and organization) told us a while back that a fundraiser was being put together for us. Her words: “You’re not allowed to say no—we already started.”

Cue me and Klee standing there with wide eyes, stunned, awkwardly grateful, and honestly on the verge of tears.

At one point, when I was telling her I wasn’t comfortable with it, she asked, “Would you be part of a fundraiser to help artists going through what you guys are going through?”
Without hesitation, I said, “Absolutely.”
And she just looked at me and said, “See? Let them do this for you. They love you guys.”

And that’s when it hit me. It’s about love, community, and the beautiful messiness of being human together. Being vulnerable, appreciative, and accepting the love.

And now it’s actually happening. The “Me and It” Paint N Sip fundraiser are happening in a few weeks. You get to paint your own little quirky monster, sip on something tasty, hang out with incredible humans, and support this crazy creative life we’re trying to keep afloat.

It feels vulnerable and strange. But we have some serious thank yous to give.

This is my exhibition at the Manos gallery, Ernesto put this together because he is awesome!

To Ernesto at The Manos Gallery – thank you for being such a force for art and for saying yes to every idea that helps lift people up.
To Jamie – our extraordinary friend and gentle bulldozer of good intentions. You never let us hide.
To Rachel – local artist, mega-talent, and literal sunshine in human form. You make everything brighter.
To every artist donating their time, energy, and art – thank you for believing in us. For being willing to lift us up when we needed it, even though we were too awkward to ask. There are so many to name… We are astonished.
And to our Patreon Community – oh my goodness. Thank you for sticking by us through this entire rollercoaster ride. Through the pauses, the chaos, the raw moments, and the quiet in-betweens—you’ve been there. Your support has kept us going when things got really, really hard. We don’t take that for granted, not even for a second.

We still feel awkward. We still feel like we don’t deserve it. But we’re trying—trying to receive with open hands and full hearts.

Klee is finally starting to feel better. The new treatment seems to be working (she’s been off steroids for three days, and so far, so good!). I’m back on mural duty. We’re slowly finding our way back to our creative rhythm. And in the middle of all that, we get this gift—a reminder that we are seen, loved, and supported.

I don’t have fancy words for it. Just… thank you.

— Rafi (and Klee)

Here is more info on the events

🎨 Paint & Sip at The Manos Gallery (Tarentum, PA)
🗓️ Thursday, July 25th at 6:30PM
📍 The Manos Gallery
Come hang with us in the gallery space and create your very own “Me and It” monster with paint, good vibes, and a splash of BYOB magic.

🎨 Paint & Sip at Core Goods (Oil City, PA)
🗓️ Saturday, July 27th from 2–4:30PM
📍 Core Goods
This one includes snacks, laughter, and a Chinese auction with art donated by local legends. Tickets are available at Woods and River Coffee.

Want to get involved? Contact:
📧 Manosgallery@yahoo.com or rachelsart@gmail.com

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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

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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

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The Much Anticipated Dear Artist Book To Be Released On Sept 30th

Dear dream chasers,

I have a little announcement to make that comes with a mix of excitement and a dash of “oh well, here we go again.” My much-anticipated book, Dear Artist, Letters From A Rogue, is officially written and, trust me, it’s awesome! However, as the universe would have it, there are still a few finishing touches left to tackle—like images, formatting, and some copyediting. And yes, I was hoping to have those shiny new copies ordered by the beginning of this month, but alas, life had other plans.

So, drumroll, please… I’m pushing the release date to the end of September. Specifically, September 30th. Now, before you throw your paintbrushes in frustration, let me explain!

For about 8 months, my writing room became a battleground, and now it’s back to its former glory!

This year has been a wild ride, especially on the family front. Without diving too deep into the soap opera that unfolded in my living room, let’s just say Klee and I are in recovery mode after a marathon of “family stuff” that invaded our home for about eight months. It was like trying to balance an art career, music gigs, and writing a book while navigating around what felt like a live taping of Days of Our Lives. Yeah, it was that kind of year.

But here’s the good news: despite the chaos, the book is written and it’s better than I ever imagined. There are still some crucial steps left, like perfecting the images, nailing the formatting, and ensuring every comma is in place. And oh, did I mention I’m gearing up to record the audiobook next month? That way everyone that preordered will get a mp3 version of the book as well! I think I mentioned that, but it doesn’t hurt to mention it again.

So, why the delay? Simple logistics. It takes about a month to get the books printed and delivered. Since I couldn’t quite get everything done by early August, September 30th is our new, shiny target date. 

In the meantime, I’m juggling a few music and art gigs, but rest assured, I’m back on track and more focused than ever. This whole dramatic chapter in my life has taught me a valuable lesson. My advice to myself (and to anyone else who might find it useful): do what you do best and let others deal with their own drama. Creativity thrives best when it’s not being interrupted by the latest episode of “Who’s angry at who and for what?”

Luckily, we have good friends that help us put things in perspective.

To all of you who have been eagerly waiting to get your hands on this book, I appreciate your patience. I’m just as excited to share it with you as you are to read it. Thank you for understanding and sticking with me through this rollercoaster. September 30th is just around the corner, and I promise it will be worth the extra days of waiting.

Stay creative, stay rogue, and keep those creative juices ready. The best is yet to come!

Rafi

Dear Artists, Don't Give Up! Letters From A Rogue Signed Book

Dear Artists, Don’t Give Up! Letters From A Rogue Signed Book

Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up is the kick in the pants every creative needs! Packed with heartfelt advice, snarky humor, and personal stories from a rogue artist who’s been there, done that, and probably painted it, this book is your trusty sidekick on the wild ride of the artist’s life. Whether you’re battling self-doubt, struggling with rejection, or just need a good laugh, this guide w…

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Panic Mode: Preparing for “Echoes Of Imagination” at The Manos Gallery

Hey there, awesome humans!

So, guess who has an upcoming solo exhibition at The Manos Gallery? Yep, it’s me! I’m beyond excited to announce that my latest collection, “Echoes Of Imagination,” will be on display starting July 11th, and we’re kicking things off with a reception from 4 PM to 8 PM. Mark your calendars, because it’s going to be an evening of art, inspiration, and (hopefully) an artist who had time to shower.

Now, let me paint you a picture (pun totally intended) of what’s happening in my studio right now. Imagine a scene from a high-octane action movie: paint flying everywhere, brushes in a chaotic dance, and me in the center, desperately trying to complete last-minute pieces like my life depends on it. The only thing missing is a dramatic soundtrack and a few slow-motion explosions.

Why do I always end up creating new pieces right before a show, you ask? Great question! Let’s just say it’s part of my creative process – I thrive on the adrenaline rush of last-minute inspiration. Plus, it gives me a great excuse to ignore my email inbox and live off takeout for a few weeks. (If the local pizza place knows me by name now. Is that a good thing? Asking for a friend.)

But in all seriousness, I couldn’t be more thrilled about “Echoes Of Imagination.” This collection is incredibly special to me, and I can’t wait to share it with you all. Each piece is designed to empower and inspire, and I hope that when you see them, you’ll feel a spark of power and wonder in your own life.

The reception on July 11th is going to be a blast. Not only will you get to see my latest works, but we’ll also have a chance to chat, laugh, and maybe even share a few artistic secrets. (Spoiler alert: One of my “secrets” is drinking VERY strong coffee. Shocking, I know.)

So, come on down to The Manos Gallery at 320 E 5th Ave, Tarentum, PA, and join me in celebrating this crazy, wonderful journey of art and imagination. And if you see me at the reception looking a bit covered in random paint, just remember – it’s all part of the artistic charm. Or at least that’s what I tell myself.

See you there! And in the meantime, if you need me, I’ll be in my studio, wrestling with canvases and trying to remember where I put whatever I was holding in my hand five minutes earlier.

Stay awesome!

– Rafi

P.S. If you happen to have any tips on how to get acrylic paint out of your beard, I’m all ears.

What:
“Echoes Of Imagination” – A solo art exhibition featuring the empowering and inspiring works of Rafi Perez. This collection showcases Rafi’s signature style, blending vivid colors, intricate patterns, and profound themes to captivate and inspire viewers.

Where:
The Manos Gallery
320 E 5th Ave, Tarentum, PA 15084

When:
Reception: July 11th, 4 PM – 8 PM
Exhibition Dates: July 6th to July 27, 2024

JOIN FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE AND LET US KNOW YOU ARE COMING (CLICK HERE)

Why:
Because it’s going to be an awesome time! “Echoes Of Imagination” is more than just an art exhibition; it’s a celebration of creativity, empowerment, and inspiration. Rafi Perez’s latest works invite viewers on a journey through the depths of human emotion and imagination. This exhibition provides a unique opportunity to connect with the artist, explore his creative process, and be inspired by the transformative power of art. Join us to experience the vibrant atmosphere of The Manos Gallery and to support and celebrate the arts in our community.