Category: ALL UPDATES By Rafi And Klee

Welcome to “Rafi’s Random Creative Ramblings,” where the unexpected meets the creative. Join Rafi as he delves into a wide array of topics, from spontaneous art projects and philosophical musings to practical advice for fellow artists. This blog is a place for curiosity, inspiration, and a bit of randomness, reflecting Rafi’s eclectic and vibrant approach to life and art. Whether you’re looking for a light-hearted read or deep insights, Rafi’s ramblings promise to entertain and enlighten. Dive in and enjoy the unpredictable journey of creativity and expression with Rafi!

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Battle With Boil Kitty Farts Council, Is It Over?

I think it might actually be behind us… at least I hope so.

I wasn’t going to post an update about this because hopefully it is over, but many of you have reached out asking for an update. We’ve also had a lot of people in our community reaching out and rather than tell the story a hundred times, here is the update. Things are quiet now since I submitted a formal complaint. However, after I posted the full story about what happened online, things got a little crazy. Again, buckle up, it gets weird.

Shortly after the last blog went live, I began hearing from sources that the three that “shall not be named” on said board were absolutely outraged. Surprisingly, this outrage wasn’t because they had acted unprofessionally, but that we had recorded the public meeting we went to. Word on the street was that they were even trying to convince other board members that recording a public meeting was “illegal.”

Now, I wasn’t at this particular meeting because at this point, I’m not interested. However, some of what was told to me suggest that they were talking about the idea of taking some kind of action. I don’t know what action they would take, but I’m not concerned.

Quick Fact Check: Under the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, I have an absolute right to record. You can’t write a bylaw that overrides state law anymore than you can write a bylaw that says the Earth is flat. It doesn’t work that way.

A man wearing a red beanie stands on the steps of a library, holding three children's books. Colorful painted book spines are displayed on the steps, featuring titles like 'Goodnight Moon' and 'Where the Wild Things Are.'

Honestly, I wasn’t bothered too much by any of what was said at the board meeting, it’s what happens behind the scenes that caused me to take action. I started getting messages from community members who were being bullied. one told me that within five minutes of commenting on my blog in support, they received a bullying email from you know who. To be honest, this has been my biggest problem with this entire situation. Since this all started, people have come forward with stories of some of the things they have said about us via text, phone call, email, or in person.

Some were told they needed to “cut off communication” with us or it would “hurt their reputation or business.” One person was even told that being associated with us was “dangerous” for their reputation because we can’t be “trusted”.

I was at a total loss. As far as I know, it’s a city run board, not the Sopranos. To use a leadership position to bully the local community and business owners into silence is, quite frankly, despicable.

An artist in a studio examining colorful paintings on a table, surrounded by art supplies and decorations.

At this point, I wrote a formal complaint and sent it to the board and the city manager. I’m done playing this childish game. (Names have been changed or omitted in this version) Here is what I sent:

Dear Members of the “Dark” Council,

Although what is laid out in this email is the act of three individuals on your board, I am addressing the full board for the sake of transparency, and holding the organization accountable for actions taken by your leadership. For this, I am sorry. I love and respect most of you, but this behavior cannot continue and has gotten out of hand. At this point we are dealing with a smear campaign and people in our community are being bullied.

I am writing this email in hopes that you will choose to settle this matter internally before it goes any further. Honestly, I never expected to be dealing with something like this. We love this town and have never run into this kind of situation here. I understand that many of you may not even be aware of what has been going on behind the scenes.

It has come to my attention that some people were outraged at us recording the public meeting we attended. To be honest, I don’t understand why. Regardless of how anyone feels about it, the law is clear. Under the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act (65 Pa. C.S. § 711), any person attending a public meeting has the absolute right to record the proceedings using audio, video, or photography. There was no “secretly” recording a meeting. We turned on our iphone to record and that was that. I later transcribed it for my notes. That’s what we typically do at any public meetings we attend, as well as meetings we host.

Furthermore, I previously requested to bring my professional concerns regarding the application process to the board. The President responded via email stating that a board meeting was an inappropriate venue and noted: “We are always glad to have guests attend our Board Meetings. However, we follow a set agenda that has already been finalized for Monday’s meeting.”

This is a direct violation of the Sunshine Act (65 Pa. C.S. § 710.1). A public board cannot use a “finalized agenda” to bar a resident from speaking. The law mandates that the board must provide a period for public comment on matters of concern. Using the agenda as a gatekeeping tool to prevent community input is not only unprofessional, it is a failure of your legal obligations as a city-appointed body.

I also understand there was outrage about the sharing of emails by board members with us. I will say, it is not appropriate to tell board members that sharing these emails is illegal. Because this council is appointed by the City Council and your finances are intertwined with the city’s budget, your communications regarding board business are considered public records under the Right-to-Know Law (RTKL). This applies even to emails from personal accounts about board business. That means that if I wanted or had to, I could go through official channels to get copies of those emails.

These laws are there to protect the community and hold the board accountable for its actions. It is actually illegal to state otherwise. The fact that this has gotten out of hand the way that it has is the reason that transparency laws exist. So, I don’t care how “outraged” anyone is, the fact of the matter is that as a community member, I have the right to be heard and document my experience. Everyone in our community has this right. 

More importantly, people have come forward saying they have been receiving bullying emails, text, or phone calls from the individuals responsible, simply because they commented in agreement on my blog, an email, or social media about the situation we faced with these individuals. Others have come forward stating that they were told they should cut off communication with us or it could hurt their reputation. This behavior is unethical and a misrepresentation of the mission of the board.

I had previously discussed the prospect of mediation over the phone to clear the air, but no one followed up with me so it seems that finding a peaceful resolution is not a priority to council leadership. At this point, I no longer want mediation, I simply want this to be over and cut ties with the Dark Council. This has blown up way beyond a simple issue of a disagreement about a form and turned into something else completely.

If our business or income is affected by the smear campaign, I will go through official channels and move forward there. I would prefer however, to put this all behind me.

I am going to repeat this to the individuals responsible for this behavior on your board, If ANY retaliation, bullying, or misrepresentation is sent in ANY form whether it be a phone call, email, text, or in person conversation with any members of our community, businesses, or organizations that we have a relationship with, we will not stand by and let it happen. So don’t do it.

I know many of you might be asking, “Are we a public board, or are we private?” There seems to be a fundamental misunderstanding in the community regarding the legal status of the **** Council. It is important to clarify that the **** Council is a public board and not a private club. 

Per Chapter 7 of the City eCode, the *** Council (also known as the **** Commission) is an entity of the City Government. Being a public board means there should be things that are accessible to the public such as meeting minutes (covering all subjects discussed), meeting schedules, and names of attendees present. None of this is easily accessible or even made public. There is a concerning lack of transparency. We shouldn’t have to file a right to know request to obtain this information.

I personally hate cutting ties with the Council because I believe we could have really helped connect the council and our local artist community in productive and beneficial ways. Unfortunately, this experience has not been a positive one. There are plenty of other organizations that support the arts in town that I happily work with and are professional and transparent in their behavior. I will stay hopeful that things may change in the future.

Sincerely,

Rafi Perez

I didn’t actually write “dark” Council but again, I want to make sure this doesn’t go to the top of google.

A graphic illustration featuring a cartoon shark attacking a person, with blood depicted. The text 'OIL CITY' is at the top, followed by 'WE DON'T HAVE SHARKS' and 'WE HAVE ARTISTS' at the bottom.
We love this town, and honestly, EVERY organization and members of said organizations have ALWAYS been welcoming and receptive to us. This is the ONLY time we have experienced this type of behavior. So, you know, it’s not the town.

As you can see, I extended one last olive branch. Move on. We are done with the Dark Council. We aren’t taking part in their business, and we aren’t looking for a seat at their table. But, I made it very clear, if one more friend is bullied or our business is threatened, I will move through official channels and this whole thing will not end well.

I can’t help but laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. Keep in mind that all of this started over an email I sent about a form.

Where We Stand Now

So, that’s it. I sent that email last week and haven’t heard back. I also haven’t heard of any gossip spreading or rumors, so they have either stopped or are being more sneaky about it. Either way, as long as it doesn’t effect us or our friends, I don’t care. We are moving forward with the Art Syndicate, working with the many professional and transparent organizations in this town and other towns that actually care about artists. As for the Boil Kitty Farts Council? The light is on. The receipts are saved. And the “Legacy” they were so worried about? Well, they’re the ones writing the final chapters. Hopefully they’ll write some good ones from here on out.

Two artists are painting a mural on a brick wall. One artist, wearing a plaid shirt and a red bandana, is focused on creating a blue silhouette of a person. The other artist, with a ponytail and wearing a pink top, is sitting and painting another section of the mural. They are surrounded by paint supplies on the ground.

Tips for Artists (Or Community Members): Dealing with “Gatekeeper” Organizations

If you find yourself in a situation where a local public organization feels more like a private club than a community resource, here are a few things I’ve learned through this process:

  • Know Your Local Laws: If an organization is appointed by the city or receives public funding, they are likely subject to transparency laws like the Sunshine Act and the Right-to-Know Law. They cannot legally ban you from recording a meeting or speaking during public comment.
  • Keep the Receipts: Never rely on “he-said, she-said.” If someone sends a weird email or a threatening text, save it immediately and ask the people involved to do the same. Screenshot everything. If you have a phone call that feels off, follow it up with an email: “Just to confirm what we discussed on the phone…” This creates a paper trail that is very hard for them to ignore later.
  • Don’t Let the “Legacy” Talk Intimidate You: Just because an organization has been around for 30 years doesn’t mean they are above reproach. A legacy is maintained through good behavior, not by silencing critics and name dropping people from the past in your emails. If your feedback is met with “But we’ve always done it this way,” it’s usually a sign that change is overdue.
  • Find Your “Syndicate”: There is strength in numbers. Gatekeepers thrive on isolating artists and community members and making them feel like they’ll be “blacklisted” if they speak up. When you stand together as a collective, that “blacklisting” threat loses its power.
  • Go Through Official Channels: If the board leadership is the problem, don’t just argue with them, go to their supervisors. For city-appointed boards, that means the City Manager or City Council. They are responsible for the people they appoint, and they generally don’t want the liability of unethical board members.
  • Protect Your Peace: You don’t have to win every argument to win the war. Sometimes the best move is to walk away, build your own table, and let the old guard realize they’re sitting in an empty room.
A smiling couple in the foreground, wearing fun hats, with a busy restaurant scene in the background featuring people crafting at tables.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out about this, we appreciate you all so much. And to all our community members who showed their support, thank you for coming forward, I know it wasn’t easy. Like I said earlier, I’m hoping this is the last update I will share about this and that this whole issue is behind us. Fingers crossed!

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Why Are We Not In The Studio Creating?

Right now, Klee and I should be in the studio. I should be wrestling with a canvas and she should be making something shiny and ancient-looking. Instead, we are currently buried under a mountain of receipts, spreadsheets, and what I like to call “other stuff.” You know the that vague, soul-sucking category of adult responsibilities and uninvited paperwork that seems to multiply in the dark like evil gremlins.

It is tax season, the time of year when the government asks, “So, exactly how many tubes of paint did you buy in July, and was that a ‘business expense’ or a cry for help?”

Just remember, even when you are stuck doing paperwork, you are still an artist. You don’t stop being a creator just because you’ve traded your paintbrush for a calculator. I’ve realized that it is entirely possible to have fun even when you are doing things that have absolutely nothing to do with your art. In fact, if you can make it fun, then it is not as much of a drag. Of course, the smart thing to do is just hire someone… but if you are anything like Klee and I, you will be tackling it yourselves because…

I don’t know why. Either way, here is what we do to make it fun.

An artist is painting on a canvas in a workshop, wearing a red bandana and glasses, surrounded by art supplies.

1. Turn It Into A Game!

Listen, the first time we did our own taxes over 15 years ago, we cried. There was no fun and games. However, we have learned a lot over the years and are at a point where we can make the process fun. When Klee and I are tackling our taxes, we turn it into a weird sort of performance art. We make it a challenge. Who can find the best deduction? If you treat the mundane tasks like a scavenger hunt for your own life, the “boredom” starts to lose its power over you.

2. Put on the Financial Cape

As I’ve said before, you have to wear the financial hat to keep the art hat. But nobody said the financial hat has to be boring. I like to imagine I’m a high-stakes accountant for a rebel alliance. I’m not just “paying bills”, I’m funding a creative revolution. Keeping our overhead low and our budget strict is the only reason we get to keep doing the fun stuff. When you look at your taxes as the price of admission for your dream life, they get a little easier to stomach.

3. Staying True Through the Drama

Then there’s the “other stuff” that isn’t paperwork. The drama, the life surprises, the things that try to knock you off your North Star. It’s easy to get grumpy when you feel like your time is being stolen. But even in the middle of a “bad Tuesday,” you can choose your energy. I’ve found that if I approach the “other stuff” with the same curiosity I bring to a new painting, the drama doesn’t stick as much. I’m just an artist observing a very strange, very bureaucratic world. It’s all material to be shared one way or another.

A man in a green animal onesie with horns and a woman in a silver dress sitting on a couch in a brightly lit room decorated with art, filming a video with a camera and microphone.

4. The Celebration of the Small Wins

When we finally finish a batch of numbers, we take a break and celebrate. We high-five over the fact that we survived another round of being “responsible adults” before we dive into the next batch.

The secret to living the artist life isn’t about avoiding the mundane, it’s about refusing to let the mundane turn you into a drag of a person. You can bring beauty, love, and joy to just about anything. Okay, maybe not “everything” but you can definitely bring some self joy and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

If you’re stuck doing something today that feels like the opposite of creative, remember this: you are still the one holding the pen. Whether you’re signing a painting or a tax form, do it with your own flair. Don’t let the “shoulds” and the “must-dos” drain your battery.

Focus on who you are and keep your sense of humor intact. The studio will still be there when the paperwork is done, and you’ll be a lot more focused when you get there because you didn’t let the “other stuff” steal your spark.

Now, I’m going back to this spreadsheet. wish me luck!

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Why Do Some People Think Artists Don’t Have “Jobs”?

I can’t even tell you how many times throughout my creative life I’ve heard this gem. We’ve all heard it. That one sentence that lands in your gut like a wet sandwich. It’s usually preceded by the deadliest three words in the English language: “No offense, but…”

During a recent meeting of the Organization that shall not be named, the person that is supposed to be in charge looked at the only two artists at the meeting and dropped this absolute gem:

“No offense, but as artists, you have more time than the other people here who have jobs.”

Cue the record scratch.

Now, I wasn’t at this specific meeting. To be honest, after the recent tsunami of high-school drama with these people, I needed some space for my own peace of mind. If I had been there, you can bet I would have had a few choice words about that statement. Luckily, we have several friends who go to these meetings who are creative advocates, and they told us the story.

An artist with a beard and glasses is painting on a blue canvas, depicting a figure in dynamic motion, while seated at an easel in a studio.
A person working on a craft project at a wooden table, focused on shaping a small object with both hands, surrounded by various tools and materials in a workshop.
Creating Art And Jewelry Doesn’t Just Magically Happen

Unfortunately, the comment wasn’t challenged by a single person there. Not one. Apparently, that kind of behavior is so normalized that no one really noticed it. It just hung there in the air like a bad smell that everyone decided to ignore. That being said, one of the artists at the meeting resigned the day after. That seems to be a common theme from the overwhelming amount of messages I have received from creative people in our area after reading about my own struggles. I think it is ignorant to tell ANY creative that their professional lives don’t actually exist.

Now, I know what you might be thinking, “Rafi, it’s not a big deal, is it?” to which I respond, “Oh yes it is, and here is why.”

A man with a bandana sits at a bedside table in a hospital room, focusing on a notebook, while a woman in a hospital gown uses a laptop. An IV stand is visible nearby, and the room has soft lighting.
Even When Klee Was Sick In The Hospital We Had A Business To Run

Making a statement like this is just as ignorant as an artist looking at a person with a “real” job and saying:

“No offense, but you have a 9-5, which means you have way more time than I do. You get weekends off, your workday ends early, and you get vacation and holidays off. Not to mention, you have a guaranteed paycheck, so you clearly have a lot more free time.”

See how ridiculous that sounds? It’s absurd to generalize what someone else has going on, especially when you are completely ignorant of what their day-to-day reality actually looks like. Whether you’re in a studio or an office, everyone is juggling a life, a career, and a set of responsibilities that a “no offense” comment can’t begin to cover. Honestly, I love my career and what I do and put out there. Just because I don’t hate my job, doesn’t make it any less of a time commitment.

Three individuals engaged in a discussion around a table filled with papers and notebooks in a modern workspace.
We Have Several Meetings A Month (at least one a week) With Several Boards And Committees Where We Are Helping Revitalize Our Area

This problem isn’t just isolated to the one organization or a person. It is a problem you see just about everywhere you look. Apparently, there is a widespread belief that being a professional artist is basically just frolicking through meadows, waiting for a “muse” to whisper sweet nothings into your ear while you wait for your sourdough starter to peak. I don’t think many people can actually conceptualize what we really do.

A speaker stands in front of an audience in a cozy room with a projector screen displaying mountains. The audience includes several individuals seated at tables, some taking notes or using their phones.
We Teach Artist Workshops
A group of people participating in a painting class, each working on their canvases while seated at tables. Decorative evergreen trees are visible in the background.
We Organize And Teach A Monthly Create And Sip
A teacher with a red bandana demonstrates an activity to students at a classroom table, while a chalkboard in the background displays drawings and mathematical equations.
We Teach Kids Art Every Week
A group of people engaged in conversation inside an art gallery, with artwork displayed on black panels in the background and large windows letting in natural light.
We curate and organize a monthly art exhibition for local artists

Here is why that comment is the Olympic Gold Medalist of Ignorance:

1. The “Job” is the Business

Being a professional artist isn’t just “making stuff.” It’s being a CEO, a Marketing Director, a Logistics Manager, and a Tax Accountant all at once. If an artist isn’t at their “desk,” they are probably:

  • Negotiating contracts.
  • Wrangling shipping logistics.
  • Promoting their business.
  • responding to emails.
  • planning projects, shows, and exhibitions.
  • Managing a social media presence.
  • And figuring out how to balance a creative career with all their other responsibilities.
Person working at a desk with multiple computer monitors, a microphone, and a camera. The workspace is cluttered with papers and office supplies.
There is a lot that happens behind the scenes. Websites, accounting, inventory, logistics, and much much more.

2. We Don’t Have “Off” Hours

When you have a “job,” you typically get to clock out. You go home, you watch Netflix, and you stop thinking about the quarterly spreadsheets. An artist? We are always on. Our “free time” is spent figuring out how to pay our bills and responding to client DMs at 11:00 PM because that’s when opportunity strikes.

A man and a woman smiling in an art gallery, with colorful paintings on the brick wall behind them and various art pieces displayed on a shelf.
Apply For And Develop Relationships With Galleries And Local Arts Organizations

3. The Lack of a Safety Net

“People with jobs” often have things like… oh, I don’t know… guaranteed salaries. Artists are the ultimate grinders. We don’t have “more time” we have more stakes. If we aren’t working, we aren’t eating. Every hour is a billable hour. Our bills don’t magically get paid because we are artists, we have to make things happen to pay our bills.

The funniest part of this whole saga from the beginning? Creative organizations literally cannot function without creative people. When you insult the creative people who are there to help, you’re essentially trying to fly a plane while insulting the engines. Good luck with the landing!

A person kneeling in a bathroom, holding plumbing tools, with an open cabinet and a sink in the foreground.
Home Repairs, Bills, And All The Other Life Stuff We Are Responsible For

To my fellow “jobless” creators who may have run into the same comment:

  • Your time is sacred.
  • Your business is valid.
  • Your “free time” is actually “unpaid labor that makes the world beautiful.”

If someone tries to pull the “no offense” card on you, just remember: they are projecting their own lack of imagination. Keep building your own foundation, keep charging what you’re worth, and keep “frolicking” your way to success.

Two individuals signing copies of a book titled 'Dear Artist, Don't Give Up!' at a table filled with stacked books and stationery.
We Write, Edit, Format, Record, Publish, And Distribute Our Artist Books
A woman wearing headphones smiles while sitting at a music production setup with a microphone, computer, and keyboard in a colorful, art-filled room.
We write, Record, Edit, And Distribute Our Own Music

To Everyone Who Reached Out About My Recent Experience

I want to thank you for reaching out with your experience in dealing with the same drama I dealt with recently. Whether it was online, or the many members of our community who showed their support. Thank you. I had recently pulled back from saying anything about the individuals in question on our public forum, because honestly, I was over it. And I still am. However, they don’t seem to be done with me. I think they are under the impression that no one tells us what is happening behind closed doors and what they are saying. It’s kind of stupid honestly. So, as far as I’m concerned, I’m done with it, and I am moving on. But if they come at me, I’ll be filling you in on the drama. The truth is, I just don’t care enough about them, but I won’t stay quiet when attacked. So, as long as they back off, we are good.

If you are curious about what happened you can read the full story here.

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Selling Art Is Like Talking About Tacos

The path of pursuing a career in the arts for the last fifteen years has taught me that the journey is both as simple and as complex as you can imagine. Early on, I spent way too much time wrestling with the “what.”

What to paint, what to post, and which “important” people I should be bothering. I was essentially waiting for a miraculous event or a stray lightning bolt to finally put me on the path to my dream life. I used to think that when someone finally noticed me, then I would do the work. I thought once the work sold, I’d paint bigger, or once I got the grant, I’d finally start that new body of work.

But the reality is always the other way around. You don’t get the feast before you show up to the kitchen and cook the meal. (And trust me, trying to eat a “theoretical” feast is a great way to starve.)

A woman smiling while posing with a colorful puppet, seated in a cozy room with guitars and decorative lights in the background.

We often think that success leads to happiness, but psychological research suggests the opposite is true. According to the “Broaden and Build” theory developed by Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, positive emotions like interest and love do more than just make us feel fuzzy in the moment, they actually broaden our sense of possibility.

When you start from a place of doing what you love, your brain is chemically primed to see opportunities that a stressed out, “discipline only” mind would completely miss. This isn’t just fluffy, “live laugh love” advice found on a discounted throw pillow. Love and curiosity trigger the release of dopamine, which enhances creative problem solving and cognitive flexibility. By starting with the thing you love, you are literally building the mental resources needed to sustain a creative career. You’re basically bio hacking your way to better “arting.”

This is why focusing on building up your follower count, stressing about the business side, or trying to create what sells will destroy your creative practice. You have to remember why you started creating in the first place.

A simple illustrated sketch of a stick figure with arms raised in joy, looking at its reflection in a mirror, accompanied by the text 'Make someone smile every day... Start with yourself.'

The real secret is that the vision must always come before the validation. We often wait for a sign to know if we are successful, but devotion is required long before the proof arrives.

It is not about a hardcore, drill sergeant lifestyle of waking up at 4:00 AM to scream at a canvas while doing burpees. It is about really loving what you do and wanting to spend more time doing it. As a byproduct of that time, you get better. You articulate your vision more clearly, and people eventually respond to that.

Just this morning, some awesome person purchased one of my paintings. While that feels semi normal to me now, it was once a burning hope for a younger version of myself who just wanted someone to want the things I loved creating. I’ve realized that I am only responsible for nurturing my own vision and falling in love with the process. People can sense when things are forced or formulaic, but they truly feel passion. When you resonate with your own work, the world eventually starts to resonate with it too.

A man with a beard and bandana sits on a couch surrounded by various paintings. He holds two paintings featuring women with red hair and sunflowers, with additional artwork displayed on the couch and a larger piece behind him.

My advice is that your focus shouldn’t just be on “scaling a business” or “optimizing an art career,” but on a deeper question: How can I make my entire day a fun work of art? When the path is enjoyable, you don’t have to force yourself to show up.

Think about it: no one has to force you to go out for tacos. You want that spicy, crunchy, delicious goodness. You don’t need a motivational speaker or a $1500 self help marketing course to get you to the taco stand.

If you are struggling with a creative or business block, ask yourself if you are making the work for you or if you are following some kind of external pressure of things you think you “should” do. When you make something you are proud of, you naturally want to share it with the world… just do that. The connection will happen on its own. You don’t have to force it, despite what the marketing gurus (who usually only sell courses on how to be a marketing guru) have to say.

Connecting with other people is just a byproduct of your excitement. Think about it: if you are excited about that taco place you just experienced and tell your friends about it, you’ve become an expert in marketing. You boast about the atmosphere, the experience, and the salsa that changed your life. You want to share that info with everyone you know.

Do the same with what you create. That is fun and “marketing” at its best.

Let’s keep it simple. Get in the kitchen, have some fun, and go out and talk about your creative tacos.

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Bringing Bourbon Street to Seneca Street In Oil City… What?

We are stupid excited right now. There is something fun and strange in the neighborhood for February. Our little town never ceases to amaze us especially when it comes to having fun.

Look, if you would have told us a few years ago that we’d be helping prep an event in Oil City that is part of a a full-blown Mardi Gras celebration on Seneca Street, we probably would have laughed and then immediately asked where to sign up.

Honestly, we are so incredibly stoked about this. There is something so special about watching this town wake up and start doing cool, vibrant stuff like this. It’s exactly the kind of energy we dreamed of when we joined Art Night At The Exchange. Seeing the community come together not just for a drink, but for a shared experience is why we love being here.

A vibrant Mardi Gras event poster featuring two dancers in colorful costumes and masks, announcing the crawl through Oil City on February 17, 2026, with participating venues and event details.

So, What’s the Big Deal with Mardi Gras?

If you aren’t from New Orleans, you might just think it’s an excuse to wear plastic beads and eat cake. And, I mean, it is. But at its heart, Mardi Gras (or “Fat Tuesday”) is the ultimate “last hurrah.” It’s that one day where you’re supposed to live it up, eat the rich food, dance in the street, and be as loud and colorful as possible before the quiet of the spring season kicks in. Also, the season of Lent begins. Historically, Lent is a forty day period of fasting, reflection, and giving things up, so this is the last party for a while.

It’s all about the phrase Laissez les bons temps rouler which means let the good times roll. It’s a reminder to stop taking life so seriously for a night and just enjoy the people around you.

The Seneca Street Takeover

The fact that we’re doing a Mardi Gras Crawl right here in Oil City on Tuesday, February 17th is just perfect. We’ve got this epic lineup: Billy’s, Cork n Screw, Double Play, McNerney’s, and us at The Exchange. The goal? Hit every spot, grab a festive snack or a drink, and collect a different colored bead at every door. By the end of the night, the goal is to be draped in beads and high on good vibes.

We Don’t Do “Basic” Disguises

Klee and I were talking, and we realized: if we’re going to do a crawl, we can’t just show up in our everyday hoodies. We need to look the part.

So, on Wednesday, February 11th, we’re doing a Mardi Gras Mask Making night at the exchange. We’re skipping the cheap plastic stuff. We’re going to get into the feathers, the sequins, and the bold paints to help you make something that actually feels like a piece of art. We’ll have two craft cocktails ready for you, some good music playing, and we’re just going to hang out and create.

Mardi Gras mask-making party invitation featuring colorful masks, feathers, and beads. Event details include date, time, and location.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT BEFORE IT SELLS OUT

We want to see Seneca Street filled with custom masks and smiling faces. This town has so much soul, and we can’t wait to see it on full display.

Let’s make some memories and maybe a little bit of a mess.

Stay creative, Rafi & Klee

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5 Surprising Lessons from 15 Years of Creative Chaos

I woke up this morning, and our house is 55 degrees because our boiler got over taxed last night and temporarily shut down. It needs a new part, so hopefully I can order that soon. I got it working now, so I’m waiting for the house to heat up in the warmest room we have with nothing to do but think and write. I’ll get back in the art studio when it doesn’t feel like an ice box. So, here’s what I’ve been thinking about this morning. It’s been over 15 years since Klee and I hitched our wagon to this wild dream of being full-time creators. Looking back, if we had followed all the “expert” advice we were given at the start, we’d probably be bored out of our minds. People told us to “niche down” and pick one tiny lane. Instead, we decided to drive the bus across the whole landscape.

Here is the unvarnished truth of what we’ve learned about the business of being an artist while building our own creative universe.

1. The Niche is a Lie (For Us, Anyway)

Everyone says you have to do one thing. If you’re a painter, just paint. But I’m a painter, a muralist, and an author. Klee is a fine jewelry artist who uses old world techniques to give her pieces raw energy. Together, we’re a band, we’re podcasters, Youtubers, and we’re community builders. We learned that specialized silos are for grain, not for people. Doing “everything” doesn’t dilute who we are, it fuels us. That being said, if you are all about doing the one thing, that’s ok too.

A person holding a colorful art piece featuring a character with a smile, yellow clothing, and a red umbrella, standing in puddles with a vibrant, playful background.

2. Redefine Success Before Someone Else Does

In an era where creative success is often measured in money, follower counts and viral trends, we decided to define success on our own terms. One of our core values is to not chase money, fame, likes, subscribers, accolades, power, or validation as a definition of success. If you’re measuring your worth by the numbers on a screen, you’re playing a game you can’t win. Success for us is measured by our ability to live our values and share ourselves and our craft however we can. With this we hope to inspire creativity in others.

3. Master the Financial Rollercoaster

Being an artist means dealing with the ups and downs of money. Some months are good, and some are just plain bad. You have to be smart and have a solid plan for those slow months. Klee and I had to build a very strict budget to handle the unforeseen dips in income, and we made sure to keep our bills as low as possible. It might not sound like “fun creative time,” but you have to put on your financial hat and wear it. You need to know exactly how much money comes in and how much goes out. Most importantly, don’t fall into despair when things get tight; it doesn’t help. Just pull up your bootstraps and come up with a plan. Also, understand that no matter how solid your financial plan is, the shit can always hit the fan and it can fall apart. Be emotionally prepared for that as well. You can always pick yourself up as long as you don’t fall apart.

A well-organized art studio featuring a variety of colorful paintings on easels, a computer with a monitor, and various art supplies scattered across wooden tables. The walls are decorated with signs and the space is illuminated with overhead lights.

4. Build a Bridge, Not a Pedestal (There are too many “gurus” out there.)

We don’t want to be gurus on a mountaintop; we want to be in the trenches with you. Whether it’s through our Patreon community or the OC Art Syndicate here in Oil City, we’ve learned that the “starving artist” trope only survives when we stay isolated. We created the Syndicate to be a local place for the misfits and the makers to unite. Our mission is to nurture a community without hierarchy, seeing everyone as equal.

5. Analog is the Ultimate Life Hack

We do a lot online, and have built a wonderful online community, but there is a downside to having a big audience. Responding to a thousand digital comments is a great way to burn out. That’s why we started the Dear Artist Mailbox Project. We asked people to slow down and write us actual, handwritten letters. Writing by hand slows your thoughts down, and that space is where honesty tends to live. It brings the relationship back to basics and protects us from the burnout of perpetual online engagement.

Three individuals posing for a selfie in front of framed artwork, with a cozy gallery setting in the background.

6. Being Brutally Honest Is Hard But Real

Most people only show the highlight reel. We decided to show the whole story. We wanted transparency. It’s easy to pretend that everything is going good for you, and it is really hard to be real. It’s expensive to be real and not pretend that you have your shit together. We don’t sell courses on how to be an artist and make 100K a year (Which can only really teach you how to sell courses and make 100k a year off of desperate artists). For years, our art business covered the cost of creating videos, blogs, and podcasts, even though it was a financial sinkhole. But we had to share what we have learned. We had to express our truth whether someone was listening or not. We’ve had months where nothing was happening financially with our art. We’ve had some hard times and some pretty good ones and shared them all. That’s life. This level of honesty is hard, but it dismantles the myth of the effortlessly successful artist. It sends a clear message: it’s hard, it’s messy, and you are not alone.

There is no map for this. There is only opportunity. If you’re waiting for someone to give you the “right” rules to follow, stop waiting. Make the whole landscape yours.

What is one thing you have learned on your journey through life? Whether you are an artist or not, we would love to hear it.

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Our Love Story: From a ’92 Ford Explorer to Rafi and Klee Studios

People often ask Klee and me how this whole “partnership” thing started. They see us navigating our creative careers as artists, jewelers, and authors, or managing the day to day of Rafi and Klee Studios, and assume we’ve always had it all figured out. The truth is, our story didn’t start in a gallery or a studio; it started with a heated argument over a pile of burning wood in 2008.

We met at a bonfire at my brother’s house. I remember arguing with her across the flames about the concept of imperfection. I told her that the idea that people are “imperfect” is only popular because we’re constantly measuring ourselves against standards designed to make us conform.

A close-up view of a fire pit with burning logs, surrounded by grass and a stone base, while a person's legs in jeans are visible in the foreground.

My stance was simple: You are inherently perfect at being you. No one can do a better job of it than you can. It’s when we try to be like someone else, or some standard that we don’t fully embrace, that we run into imperfection. She had questions, the conversation was invigorating, and I’m pretty sure I fell in love with her right then and there. We hugged for the first time that night, and then she vanished. She left on a road trip with her band, and I didn’t see or speak to her for months.

Fast forward a year. My brother and sister in law dragged me to a bar to see a show. I really didn’t want to go, but I went anyway to support them. In a literal sea of drunk people, I saw her. It turned out she was also there as a favor to someone else. We found each other, held hands, and didn’t let go for the rest of the night. We’ve pretty much been together ever since.

A woman smiling while sitting at an outdoor table with a drink in hand, in front of a colorful building with the sign 'Hatchery.'

Not long after that fateful night in 2009, we hit the road. We spent two years living out of a ’92 Ford Explorer, traveling and figuring out who we were as individuals and a team. Since then, we have had so many adventures. We’ve traveled the country, fed the hungry tarpon, stood by the southernmost point of the US, and even investigated Robert the Doll.

Professionally, we’ve built a life that most people only dream of:

  • Started a thriving art business and created thousands of works of art and jewelry.
  • Worked on several large murals in public places.
  • Traveled to over a thousand festivals and held several large art exhibitions.
  • Played countless music gigs and authored several books.
  • Been interviewed in newspapers, magazines, and on television.
  • Were featured in a PBS documentary.
  • Gained a large YouTube following and released a podcast.
A man wearing a bandana and casual clothing is making a playful gesture with his hands, while a woman with long hair, holding a drink, watches him with a surprised expression. The setting appears to be a casual indoor gathering.
An old Ford SUV parked on a grassy area, featuring colorful decorative graphics on the body and a roof rack with items on top.
This was our home for 2 years

We’ve adventured, struggled, fallen on our faces, climbed mountains, and we’ve succeeded. It has been epic. We eventually landed in Pensacola, Florida, where we really planted our roots as professional artists. It was there that we learned the grit of the festival circuit and refined our craft under the sun. But in 2021, we felt the pull toward something new and moved to Oil City, PA to buy our dream house.

Now that we are settled here, we aren’t slowing down. We are currently pouring our energy into the community by starting the Art Syndicate, organizing the Create and Sip events, and hosting monthly art exhibitions at The Exchange. We’ve even been lucky enough to spend time teaching art to the kids at St. Stephen’s. We are getting geared up for an awesome year ahead, filled with more festivals and even bigger exhibitions.

A man with glasses and a straw hat making a surprised expression next to a woman smiling, both taking a selfie in an art gallery with colorful paintings in the background.

I think when I left the corporate world all those years ago, I decided I was going to look at my life as an adventure I didn’t want to sleep through, which is why we try to experience so much. Luckily for me, I found a partner who is there with me enjoying every step of the way.

We have lived, played, and worked together since 2009. Whether we are hunkering down for a massive snowstorm, a hurricane, a tornado, a health scare, or a power outage or simply pushing through a “mountain of work” on a new project we do it together. We’ve faced the negative people who doubted we would ever make it, and we’ve come out stronger on the other side.

I’ve realized that the “perfection” I argued for at that bonfire exists in our life together. When we are in the studio, time stops and nothing else exists; just me, the art, and Klee. It’s been a crazy, wild ride, and every year that passes, I fall more and more in love. I’m looking forward to what the next two decades have in store for us.

We’ll be sharing more about our story of how we met during our live stream event “Love and Jazz Hands” Hope to see you there! Here’s The Link to our next event:

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Time To Hunker Down: Big Winter Storm On The Horizon

If you’ve been following the blog, you know I’ve been wrestling with some “worry crap” in my gears lately. Well, the universe has a funny way of providing a solution, and this time, it’s arriving in the form of a massive, cold, fluffy blanket.

Western PA is officially under a Winter Storm Warning starting tonight at 7:00 PM and running through noon on Monday. The forecast is calling for anywhere from 9 to 14 inches of snow, with some local “overachievers” possibly hitting the 16-inch mark.

It’s been a hot minute since we’ve seen a storm this significant. Now, Klee and I are originally from the Chicago area, so we aren’t exactly snow-shook. We know the drill. But there’s a difference between “dealing with snow” and “embracing the hunker.”

Person tossing snowflakes in the air while standing in a snowy yard, wearing a green beanie and a warm jacket.

We’ve officially declared a state of emergency at the house, which mostly involves making sure we have enough snacks and art supplies to survive a minor ice age. We hit the store for the essentials:

  • Food (the “hunker down” diet is real).
  • Provisions for the soul (art materials).
  • Mental permission to stay put.

We’ve cleared the calendar and cancelled everything. No meetings, no errands, no outside world. There is one exception, though: teaching art at St. Stephen’s. If they decide to stay open on Monday, we are committed to getting there to inspire the kids.

How, you ask? Well, we have a few old tennis rackets in the garage. If the roads are impassable, we are fully prepared to strap those bad boys to our boots and trek through the drifts like 19th-century explorers. It might look ridiculous, but the “Tennis Racket Snow-Shoe Expedition” is a small price to pay for art education.

Of course, reality eventually sets in. As much as I hate shoveling, I know I’ll be out there at some point, grumbling and clearing a path so we aren’t entombed until spring. I am definitely not looking forward to it, but hey, it’s a great way to work those Glutes and burn off some of those “hunker down” snacks.

A snowy backyard scene depicting a layer of snow covering the ground, trees, and a house in the background. The porch structure is visible in the foreground.

A Note on Shipping: If you have an order with us that was due to ship out, please check your inbox! We may have sent you an email regarding a change in your shipping date while we wait for the plows to do their thing.

Beyond the potential Arctic trek to the school and the inevitable back-breaking shoveling, the plan is simple: undisturbed creating.

Remember that “split brain” I was talking about? The one where I couldn’t stop thinking about websites and e-commerce while holding a brush? A foot of snow is the perfect cure for that. There is something about the world going quiet under a layer of white that makes the studio feel like a sacred sanctuary.

When you literally cannot go anywhere, the pressure to “do” something productive in the business sense just melts away. It’s just me, Klee, the studio, and the snow. No more refreshing analytics. No more worrying about the “what-ifs.”

So, if you need us, we’ll be the ones buried under a mountain of snow, probably covered in paint, and finally finding that timeless flow where nothing else exists.

Stay warm, Western PA. See you on the other side of the drifts!

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When Your Art Brain Refuses to Leave Business Mode

We’ve all been there. You spend a week glued to a computer chair, fueled by caffeine and the frantic energy of a person possessed with getting the project live. Klee and I just finished a marathon of organizing Create and Sip events and a monthly art exhibition at The Exchange here in Oil City.

We built the schedules, dreamed up themes, and birthed an entire e-commerce section on our website from scratch so ticket buying is a breeze. It was a literal mountain of work. I did the same for our new Art Syndicate. I hit “Publish,” wiped the sweat from my brow, and waited for the internet to explode in applause.

Instead? Crickets.

A person sitting on a green couch, wearing a red bandana and a black jacket, looking at their phone with one hand on their face, appearing deep in thought.

Logically, I know online projects take time to simmer. But my brain? My brain is currently a stubborn mule standing in the middle of the tracks, refusing to move toward the studio.

Usually, after a big push, I transition back into “Artist Mode.” I pick up a brush, the gears shift, and the magic happens. But this week, I’ve got what I call worry crap in my gears.

My noggin is stuck in a loop:

  • “Did I use the right font on that button?”
  • “Why hasn’t the entire local area bought tickets in the last five minutes?”
  • “Maybe if I just refresh the page one more time…”

When I actually stop to look at this mental grinding, I recognize the culprit: Control. I want to control the outcomes. I want to control the sales. I want to control how every person in the Oil City area reacts to these projects. But here is the cold, hard truth: I have a remote control with no batteries. I can build the stage, light the lights, and open the doors, but I can’t force people to sit in the seats. Obsessing over it doesn’t make the success happen faster; it just keeps me from moving into the creative space where the actual magic lives.

I actually did get into the studio this week, but I felt split. Half of me was holding a brush, and the other half was still staring at a spreadsheet in my mind. I don’t know about you, but that “divided house” vibe doesn’t work for me. When I am truly creative, time stops and nothing else exists. It’s just me, the studio, and Klee. If I’m thinking about art business stuff while trying to find the right shade of blue, the magic stays locked in the cupboard.

A man with a beard and glasses sits in an armchair, holding a painted wooden piece in a workshop filled with art supplies and colorful artwork.

The Solution: The “Studio Sanctuary” Reset

If you’re stuck in the “worry crap” loop, you can’t just tell your brain to “stop.” You have to physically and mentally evict yourself from the problem. Here is how I’m greasing the gears to get back to the canvas:

  • Declare a “Project Quarantine”: Step away from the screen. Close the tabs. Mute the notifications. Give the project a “rest period” let’s say 48 hours to a week. The website won’t spontaneously combust if you aren’t staring at it. By putting the project in quarantine, you give the digital dust time to settle and your brain permission to stop patrolling the perimeter.
  • The “Sacrificial” Canvas: Sometimes the jump from “Business Logic” to “Creative Flow” is too steep. Don’t try to paint a masterpiece immediately. Grab a scrap piece of wood or a cheap canvas and just move paint. No goal, no getting it perfect, no “audience.” Just the feeling of the bristles. This is the bridge back to your creative self.
  • Trust the “Simmer”: Think of your business project like a slow cooked chili. You’ve put all the ingredients in, you’ve turned on the heat, and you’ve put the lid on. Opening the lid every five seconds to poke it just lets the heat out. Trust that the work you did is working for you while you are away. You can always come back and “season” it later with updates, but for now, it needs to cook in the background.

Not being able to shift gears means you aren’t moving. And if you aren’t moving, you’re just a parked car idling in a dark garage.

The work is done. The links are live. Now, it’s time to let the “business me” take a nap so the “artist me” can finally play. The studio is calling, and the only way to hear it is to turn off the noise of the “what-ifs.”

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This Year Is Going To Be Insanely Awesome For Us

If 2025 was the year we hit the “slow-mo” button, 2026 is the year we accidentally sat on the “ludicrous speed” remote. We are back, we are ready, and we’ve added so many new things to the website and our calendar that my planner is currently a mess I can barely read.

There is a lot to cover, so grab a snack (and maybe a protective apron) because here is the breakdown of what’s happening in our world for 2026.

The “Social Butterfly” Tour: Markets & Shows

A couple stands behind a vendor booth at a craft fair, surrounded by colorful artwork and handcrafted jewelry. The booth features a display of paintings, photographs, and various jewelry items.

Klee and I love our studio time. It’s our sanctuary, our happy place, and frankly, the only place where it’s socially acceptable to have blue paint in my beard. But this year, we’re stepping out of the cave a little more!

  • The Curb Market: Starting in June, you can find us at the weekly Curb Market right here in Oil City. We’ll be there with art, smiles, and probably a very specific type of morning delirium that only exists at outdoor markets.
  • The Exchange Takeover: We are officially taking the reins on Art Night At The Exchange! We’ve had a total blast at every event there so far, so we decided to crank it up. Expect a fun Art Night every single month, plus… wait for it… a monthly open call art exhibition and reception. It’s going to be a revolving door of incredible local talent, and we can’t wait to see what the amazing artists in our area create.
  • Mural Fest? (Keep your fingers crossed!): We are currently in talks with Mainstreet and the Mural Board about bringing a brand-new event to town: Mural Fest. Imagine the town covered in fresh color and massive creativity. We are working hard to make this happen, so stay tuned for updates!
A group of people engaged in a painting class, with a male instructor assisting. Participants are holding their artworks featuring sunset scenes.

We’re Back on Your Screens (and in Your Ears!)

For those who have missed our faces (and our tangents), we have big news: We are officially back on YouTube! We’ve missed the camera, and we’ve missed you. We are jumping back in with both feet and relaunching our videos and the podcast. Whether you want to watch us navigate a disaster in the studio or listen to us talk shop about the creative life while you work on your own masterpieces, we’ll be there. Head over to the channel and make sure those notifications are on!

Community & Collaboration (The “Art Syndicate”?)

Speaking of talent, we’ve officially started a local art group called The Art Syndicate. It sounds very mysterious and “underground,” doesn’t it? In reality, it’s a gathering of creative minds joining forces to support one another, share resources, and make sure the local art scene stays weird and wonderful.

Three individuals smiling and holding drinks, standing in an art gallery with colorful paintings in the background.
An art teacher explains perspective drawing techniques on a chalkboard while students sit at desks, working on their assignments.

We’re also continuing our work at St. Stephen’s School. We absolutely love those kids! Their lack of “creative ego” and pure joy for making a mess is a constant reminder of why we started doing this in the first place. Teaching them isn’t just a job; it’s a bi-monthly recharge for our own creative batteries.

The Virtual World: Patreon & Beyond

For those of you who aren’t local to Oil City and have joined our online community don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten you! We are leaning into our Patreon more than ever this year.

A man with glasses and a bandana smiles while sitting next to a woman who is laughing, both engaged in a live podcast recording. The background includes wooden panels with string lights, and there are microphones and other podcasting equipment visible.
  • Weekly Hangouts: We’re doing weekly private livestreams and group meetings that range from deep-dive art talks to “what on earth are Rafi and Klee creating now?”
  • Virtual Art Show: This is the big one! We are organizing a virtual art show specifically for our Patreon collab challenges. This means we get to showcase incredible art from our community members all over the world. Global talent, zero travel lag.

The “Do Not Disturb” Sign

An artist stands in a colorful workshop with artwork on the walls, various supplies on shelves, and a bright blue door in the background.

Now, before you think we’ve become full-time event planners, let’s be clear: The Studio is Sacred. Klee and I have officially designated several “Don’t Bother Us” days throughout most of the week. These are the days we lock the doors, ignore the emails, and just create. It’s non-negotiable. Connecting with humans is great, but connecting a brush to a canvas or hammering on metal is what keeps us sane enough to do all the other stuff! Honestly, without it, we wouldn’t have anything to share.

Check Out the New Features!

We’ve been tinkering under the hood of the website to make it easier for you to find new pieces, sign up for events, and see what we’re up to. Head over to the homepage to see the shiny new updates and the latest gallery additions.

ART NIGHT AT THE EXCHANGE
THE ART SYNDICATE
COLLAB LAB ART SHOW (VIRTUAL)
GALLERY NIGHT AT THE EXCHANGE OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS (LOCAL)
OUR PATREON

2026 is about balance: Creating in private, celebrating in public, and making sure art stays at the center of it all. We can’t wait to see you at the market, at an exhibition, at an art syndicate meeting, at The Exchange, or on the livestream!