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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When the Veil Grows Thin: A Spooky Stream Awaits!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s happening

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

Why this book matters

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

How to join

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

Thank you

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

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

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Join Us For A Week of Awesomeness, Creativity, and Spooky Fun!

We’ve got a week of creative spookiness planned and hope you can join us for what we’ve got going on! We will be in our studio during the day, but in the evenings, we have some fun-tastical stuff planned. From little monsters painting pumpkins to live stream book celebrations and spooky stories, it’s shaping up to be one heck of a Halloween week. Full disclosure: we’re also really looking forward to a nap at some point soon… but first, we’ve got art, books, ghost stories, and candy to dish out. Ok, here it is… ready, set go!

Wednesday, October 29th — Kids Pumpkin Painting Party (At the Exchange)

Adults and children happily painting pumpkins at a festive pumpkin painting party, surrounded by art supplies and decorations.
Last week we had the painting party for grown ups, this week it’s for the kids!

Join us Wednesday, October 29th at 5:30 PM for Kids Pumpkin Painting at The Exchange in Oil City, a fun, creative evening where kids can paint their own pumpkins while parents kick back with dinner or drinks.

It’s free for kids with the purchase of a kids’ meal, and space fills up fast! Come for the creativity, stay for the memories — it’s Halloween fun for the whole family at The Exchange! Reserve your spot: Message The Exchange on Facebook, or email art@exchangeoc.com

Thursday, October 30th — Book Release Party (Live Stream at 5PM Eastern)

A hand-drawn illustration of a character with a pencil, lying on the ground next to an easel, accompanied by the book 'Dear Artist, Don't Give Up!' displayed on a wooden surface.
I’m excited about featuring my original drawings!

The celebration continues the very next night! Join us live as we celebrate the release of Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up. We’ll be chatting about the journey behind the book, sharing some laughs, and announcing the giveaway winner during the stream. It’s going to be an evening full of gratitude, stories, and maybe a few happy tears. I’ll be selling some original sketches from the book to raise money for new ISBNs and putting all of it on sale!

If you haven’t yet, here is a link to enter the giveaway!

CONGRATUALATIONS ALIYU!

Friday, October 31st — Spooky Halloween Stream (Live Stream at 4PM Eastern)

Two people sitting on a porch, one wearing a curly wig, smiling beside a carved pumpkin and a table with treats.
This is my BADLY put together Bob Ross costume.

Then, on Halloween, grab your favorite costume and join us for our Spooky Stream at 4 PM! We’ll be talking about growing up in a haunted house, weird paranormal experiences, and other eerie adventures from the road. After that, we’ll probably vanish to our front porch to hand out candy!

So mark your calendars! It’s going to be a week packed with art, fun, and just the right amount of weirdness.

— Rafi & Klee

We already have some more things scheduled for the rest of the year like gallery shows, festivals, and more live streams! To see what we are up to, visit our events page!

UPCOMING LIVE STREAM EVENTS

When we are not doing any of the stuff above, you can find us in our studio looking like this:

An artist in a creative studio, looking at a painting while surrounded by completed artworks and art supplies.
Creative Double Chin Face
Person working in a studio, focused on a task at a wooden workbench, surrounded by tools and art supplies.
Creative Double Chin Face
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Happy International Artist Day, You Beautiful Creative Human!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Rafi and Klee

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From Skeptic to Pumpkin Picasso?

We had an absolute blast at the Pumpkin Painting Party at The Exchange last night! And I have come away a changed man. I’ll admit, when we first set everything up, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve been part of a lot of art events, but pumpkin painting? That felt like stepping into uncharted territory. As we laid out the brushes, paints, and water cups, I caught myself thinking, “Is this really art or just seasonal chaos?” Turns out, it was a little of both… and it was glorious.

Two individuals smiling inside a venue decorated for a pumpkin painting party. Several pumpkins are arranged on tables, and there are art supplies visible. Large windows showcase the evening cityscape.
The is my pre-game pensive look.

I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. As we were hauling out the supplies, I was a little pensive. I mean, I’ve never painted pumpkins before, and I never really considered it high art. (Yeah, I know, that sounds like something an art snob would say, but hear me out.)

Pumpkins just seemed like a novelty thing. You paint a goofy face, you laugh, it rots, end of story. But after last night, I have officially changed my mind. Some of the creations people came up with absolutely blew my mind. From pumpkin elephants with ears to surreal faces and big personality-filled expressions, these things were art. Real art.

A group of people engaged in pumpkin painting at a lively indoor event, surrounded by art supplies and colorful pumpkins.
A group of people engaged in a pumpkin painting activity, surrounded by brushes, paints, and completed pumpkin designs on a table.
Three people painting pumpkins at a table during a pumpkin painting party, with various paint supplies and pumpkins on display.

And that’s when it hit me: a work of art on a pumpkin is temporary. You know it’s not going to last forever, and somehow, that gives you permission to just let go. No overthinking, no perfectionism, no “will this fit my portfolio?” nonsense. Just pure, unfiltered creative joy. People were experimenting, laughing, and diving right into that magical zone where you forget time exists.

That’s the beauty of art. Sometimes the most meaningful creations are the ones that aren’t meant to last. It’s about the moment, the laughter, and the community of weird, wonderful humans who show up to make something awesome together.

Group of people engaged in a pumpkin painting party, with one person in conversation and pumpkins on the table.
Participants engaged in a pumpkin painting activity at a table, showcasing colorful designs on pumpkins, with brushes and paint supplies around them.
Two men smiling and posing with a painted elephant pumpkin at a Halloween-themed painting party. The background shows a festive atmosphere with other attendees and art supplies on tables.

I even lost two brushes to someone’s creativity when they were convinced by another creative to use the brushes as tusks on their elephant pumpkin. It was so inventive that I couldn’t even be mad about it. In fact, I was so impressed that I forgave the brushes immediately. They had fulfilled their artistic destiny.

A little advice for other creatives out there:
Don’t wait for the “right” project or the “serious” opportunity to make something. Grab whatever’s in front of you, even if it’s a pumpkin, and create with reckless joy. Art doesn’t always have to hang in a gallery or last a lifetime to matter. Sometimes the act of creating is the masterpiece.

In fact, we had so much fun that we’re doing another painting party next week on October 29th at 5PM, and this time it’s open to the kiddos too. Which means it’s going to be beautifully chaotic, full of imagination, wild color choices, and probably more paint on faces than pumpkins. Reserve your spot now: art@exchangeoc.com

Can’t wait to see what everyone creates next.

Promotional poster for a Pumpkin Painting Party at The Exchange in Oil City, featuring images of painted pumpkins and details about the event's date and time.
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A Year Full of Surprises (and Painted Pumpkin Parties in Oil City)

This year has been one for the books. It’s been full of surprises, growth, and a whole lot of creativity. After our mandatory health hiatus, Klee and I are finally getting back into the swing of things, and it feels incredible.

We’ve got our gallery show running in Foxburg, we just wrapped up an awesome Paint and Sip, we’re helping bring the Venango County Makerspace to life, I finished a large mural, we’ll soon be teaching art in a school (Yes really!), and I’ll be releasing my book at the end of this month. Oh, and our event calendar is filling up!

And now… we’re leading a Pumpkin Painting Party!

A person sitting at a colorful table with an orange pumpkin, holding a paintbrush and preparing to paint.

(Oh—and if you can’t make it to this event, stick around until the end of this post because we’ve got something special planned for all our out-of-towners.)

Now, you might be thinking,
“Wait, Rafi, aren’t you guys award-winning artist with international collectors and a wall of accolades? What are you doing leading a pumpkin painting party?”

Yes. We are all those things.
But here’s the truth: taking yourself too seriously is the death of creativity. Fun brings it to life.

A smiling man with a beard and glasses, wearing a red bandana, sits next to a woman with short hair and a plaid shirt. They are in a colorful venue with 'EXCHANGE' written behind them.

Klee and I love having fun, and honestly, there’s no better way to keep the creative energy flowing than by doing something lighthearted, messy, and festive! Like painting pumpkins while sipping on your favorite drink.

Besides, we love Halloween. And when you mix Halloween, art, and good company, you get the kind of party that reminds you why creating is supposed to be fun.

After the huge success of our last Paint & Sip at The Exchange, we’re back for another round—this time, with pumpkins!

Art Night at The Exchange! Pumpkin Painting Party!

Promotional image for a Pumpkin Painting Party featuring pumpkins, colorful leaves, and event details including date, location, and cost.

📅 Wednesday, October 22 at 6:30 PM
📍 The Exchange, Oil City, PA
💲 $30 per person (includes your mini pumpkin, all supplies, and 2 drinks)

We’ve only got 20 seats, so once they’re gone, they’re gone!

👉 Reserve your spot now: art@exchangeoc.com

Bring your friends, sip, paint, and leave with your very own pumpkin masterpiece (and maybe a few great stories to tell).

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about being serious—it’s about being creative, connected, and a little bit ridiculous in the best way possible.

Participants engaged in a Paint and Sip event, focused on creating art on mini canvases, with various art supplies visible on tables.

A Little Advice for Creative Humans

If there’s one thing this year has taught us, it’s that creativity thrives when you stop trying to control it.
Life will throw curveballs like health issues, deadlines, surprises… but the spark never truly goes out. It just waits for you to stop overthinking and start playing again.

So paint something ridiculous. Try a project that doesn’t “fit your brand.” Teach a kid’s art class. Paint a pumpkin. Write something silly. Dance around your studio.

Because creativity isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence.
When you stop chasing “important” and start chasing joy, that’s when the magic happens.

👻 For All Our Out-of-Towners

For all of our creative humans who can’t make it to Oil City. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
We’ll be going live on Halloween (October 31st) from 5:00–5:45 PM for a spooky stream, where we’ll be sharing our own real-life stories of running into the paranormal and strange happenings while on the road. Mark your calendar and keep an eye out for the link!

We’ll grab a favorite beverage, light a candle, and create a little Halloween mischief from afar.

See you soon,
– Rafi (and Klee)

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Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up! The Book Release and Giveaway Countdown Begins

It’s finally happening. After a long (and slightly chaotic) journey, Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up: Letters from a Rogue is officially preparing for release at the end of October! The formatting is complete, the cover is ready, and I’m double-checking everything before I hit that magical publish button.

This book has been through quite an adventure with me. I had every intention of releasing it earlier this year, but when Klee fell ill, I put everything on the shelf and focused on what mattered most… Klee. Now that she’s feeling better (and back to her awesome self), it’s game on.

Two people are sitting at a table surrounded by stacked copies of the book 'Dear Artist, Don't Give Up.' One person is signing the book while the other is writing notes or preparing packaging materials.

From pre-release copies to final edits, this book has been my companion through some wild ups and downs. I poured everything I’ve learned, fought through, and laughed about as a creative human into these pages. It’s raw, funny, honest, and a little kick-in-the-butt motivational.

The softcover will (hopefully) be out before Halloween, because nothing says “spooky season” like finally finishing a project you started forever ago. The audiobook will follow later this year, as soon as I can afford to grab more ISBNs and pay for the copyright. (Seriously, ISBNs are such a racket.)

Cover of the book 'Dear Artist, Don't Give Up: Special Pre-Order Edition' featuring a light blue design with motivational phrases and an illustration of a typewriter, accompanied by pink pencils and a decorative item.

What’s Next

I already have another book in the works, and all I’ll say for now is that it’s going to be badass. I’m keeping quiet on details until it’s closer to the finish line, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.

A person sitting at a desk, working on a laptop surrounded by a wall of notes and reminders. There is a lamp, a salt lamp, and a green desk light on the table.

The Giveaway

To celebrate the upcoming release, I’m doing a special giveaway! One creative human will receive a signed, pre-release special edition of Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up. It’s the last of its kind, and it’s already signed, packed with good vibes, and waiting for its new home. Click this banner to go to the page to enter the giveaway:

CONGRATUALATIONS ALIYU!

I’ll be announcing the winner on October 29th, so keep an eye out and fingers crossed that day. Also, Join us for our book release party on Oct 30th!

Final Thoughts

This book is a love letter to every artist who has ever questioned their path … and a reminder that you’re not alone in the chaos, doubt, or the quiet moments of triumph. It’s been a long road to get here, but I can finally say: we made it.

Game on.

— Rafi

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We Are Back And Celebrating Four Years In Oil City

Four years ago, on October 12th, Klee and I were doing something absolutely chaotic and magical… loading up a U-Haul with all our worldly possessions, two exhausted but hopeful artists barreling toward a new chapter in Oil City, Pennsylvania.

An artist standing beside a U-Haul truck, holding a large painting of an octopus against a backdrop of greenery and houses.

We were running on coffee, adrenaline, and faith — trying to make it in time for the closing on our new home, affectionately known as The Sunflower House. That same date this year marks both our gallery opening reception at the Red Brick Gallery (October 12th, 4–6PM) and our comeback to the creative scene since Klee fell ill. Our official 4 year anniversary of the closing is Oct 15th which will probably be spent tucked away in our studio.

The Creative Playground We Call Home

Since that wild moving day, our home has transformed into a living, breathing creative playground. Every wall holds artwork, music gear, instruments, sketches, and ideas waiting to happen. We’ve played music gigs, hosted book signings, set up multiple exhibitions, and met some of the most incredible creative humans.

A woman sitting on the floor in an art-filled living room, surrounded by various paintings and artwork, with a cozy armchair and decorative items in the background.
Klee sitting in our new Livingroom 4 years ago. We had one chair for furniture lol.
A cozy living room filled with artwork, featuring a mix of sofas and armchairs, accentuated by soft lighting and a decorative chandelier.
This is what it looks like now as a gallery space

Our “creative playground” is a wild mix of recording space, art studio, gallery, and coffee-fueled think tank… and we wouldn’t have it any other way. The energy here feeds creativity like sunlight feeds plants (or maybe like strong coffee feeds Rafi).

A creative workspace filled with musical instruments, artwork, and recording equipment, showcasing a vibrant artistic environment.
An overhead view of a staircase leading down to a cozy living room filled with framed artwork and photographs, showcasing a creative and artistic environment.
A cozy room filled with various artworks displayed on the walls, furniture including a sofa and wooden desks, with natural light coming through sheer curtains.
An artist wearing gloves and glasses is deep in thought at an art studio surrounded by various paintings and art supplies, with colorful walls and hanging lights creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Why We Love It Here

Oil City and the region has this kind of magic that can’t be faked. The art community here is vibrant, scrappy, and real, filled with people who make things because they can’t not. We’ve made friends who inspire us every day and have found endless support for the weird, wonderful, heartfelt stuff we create and do.

A cozy porch area with four black wicker chairs and a small table, adorned with decorative elements and surrounded by greenery.

We still miss our creative rogues in Pensacola, that long-distance family of creatives who will always have a special place in our hearts, but we’ve found a new home… with seasons (… Seasons are important).

The Struggles & The Strength

Like any big move and life overhaul, there were struggles. We’ve dealt with broken plumbing, creative burnout, the kind of financial scrapes that make you question your sanity, and this past year, Klee’s health struggles, which made us slow down and refocus on what really matters.

A person wearing a red bandana and glasses is holding a round, white light fixture while standing under a ceiling light housing. The setting appears to be a cozy interior space with warm lighting.

But through it all, we’ve learned to adapt, trust, and create anyway. That’s our motto. Every obstacle became a story, a painting, or a song. Every challenge made us stronger and more grateful for the life we’re building together… one brushstroke, lyric, and laugh at a time.

Back Out There Again

Now that Klee’s feeling better and life’s rhythm is smoothing out, it feels amazing to be back out in the world connecting, exhibiting, and performing again.

So mark your calendars and come see us at our Red Brick Gallery Opening Reception on October 12th, from 4–6 PM. It’s going to be a celebration, not just of art, but of resilience, love, and this amazing creative journey we’ve been on for the past four years. Here’s a sneak peek:

Three people interacting inside an art gallery with numerous paintings displayed on the walls and a wooden table in the center.
An art display featuring four paintings on the wall and various artworks and jewelry on a shelf in front.
Artistic display featuring two paintings of dancers intertwined with tree branches, set against a brick wall. A shelf below holds various artistic items and jewelry.
Art display featuring four colorful paintings on a brick wall, with a shelf below showcasing various jewelry pieces and information cards.
A painting of a seated woman with intricate hair, surrounded by the words 'Quiet the noise of the world, listen to the whispers of your mind, soul, passion, and happiness.' Below the painting, a display of handcrafted jewelry pieces is arranged on a table.
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Soft Opening Today: Art, Drinks, and Last-Minute Tweaks

This morning, I woke up sore in places I didn’t even know could get sore. Yesterday was all about hauling, climbing stairs, rearranging, standing back, moving things again, and finally landing on a layout that felt right. Setting up for a gallery exhibition is equal parts art and Tetris, and yesterday Klee and I were in full-on puzzle-solving mode.

Over the past month, we’ve been in nonstop creation mode with new paintings, new jewelry, new displays, and stacks of promotional material hot off the printer. Walking into the space yesterday, we knew we wanted to fill it with not just art but also atmosphere, beauty, intrigue, and little sparks of curiosity at every corner.

Interior view of an art gallery featuring red brick walls, tall windows with lace curtains, and wooden flooring. Various paintings hang on the walls while shelves display art pieces and jewelry. Natural light streams into the space, creating a warm atmosphere.

Looking around now, I can say we did it. From the vibrant Me and It creatures greeting you at the door, to the bold portraits staring back with quiet intensity, to Klee’s handcrafted jewelry catching the light just right. Every wall and shelf feels alive. The red brick walls, tall windows, and lace curtains of the gallery set the perfect backdrop, making each piece breathe.

Interior view of an art gallery featuring vibrant paintings on brick walls, wooden floors, and natural light. The space includes a central table and various displays of artwork and promotional materials.

COME SEE THE SPACE TODAY AND HANG OUT WITH US

Today (Oct 3rd, 2025) we’ll be at the gallery for a soft opening from 2pm to 5pm. A soft opening is like the calm before the party: a laid-back meet-the-artist vibe where you can sip something, chat with us, and watch us fuss over last-minute tweaks while snapping more photos to capture the show. After a month of working balls-to-the-wall, this is our chance to exhale and say, “It’s done. It’s up. It’s alive.”

If you’re in the area, we’d love for you to stop by. It’s a much more intimate way to experience the exhibition than the big reception coming up on October 12th (that one will be a full-on celebration). Yesterday was the hard work. Today is about enjoying the beauty we’ve built.

A woman stands in an art gallery, smiling beside vibrant paintings on the wall and displays of handcrafted jewelry on a shelf.
Klee is so excited!
Gallery exhibition featuring various art pieces on display, including paintings and jewelry, with lace curtains and natural light coming through windows.
Here’s some art!
A display of various artworks at a gallery exhibition, featuring colorful paintings and a descriptive sign about the artist's work.
More art!
Gallery corner featuring colorful artwork, including a large painting of a character holding a balloon, abstract paintings with silhouettes, and smaller framed pieces displayed on shelves against a brick wall.
More art!
Interior view of an art gallery showcasing several framed paintings on the walls, with exposed red brick and wooden flooring.
And more Art!
An interior view of an art gallery featuring brick walls and wooden flooring. Several paintings are hung on the walls, showcasing various artistic styles and colors. A small wooden display stand holds a painting on the right, while a doorway leads to another room in the background.
Some more art!
An exhibit space featuring a large art piece of a figure against a brick wall, accompanied by small displays on a table, with lace curtains in the windows letting in natural light.
More art!
An art gallery exhibition featuring multiple paintings hanging on the walls and a pedestal with an artwork and a printed description in the foreground. The walls are painted light colors with wood flooring and decorative elements, creating an inviting atmosphere.
REDBRICK GALLERY RAFI AND KLEE SHOW
Two paintings of human figures intertwined with trees displayed on a brick wall, with a shelf beneath featuring various jewelry pieces and promotional materials.
REDBRICK GALLERY RAFI AND KLEE SHOW
An exhibition wall featuring four vibrant paintings hanging against a red brick background, with handcrafted jewelry displayed on a white shelf beneath.
REDBRICK GALLERY RAFI AND KLEE SHOW
A painting of a seated woman with closed eyes, surrounded by text about listening to inner whispers, displayed above a table featuring handcrafted jewelry and merchandise in a gallery setting.
Art and jewelry!
A gallery display featuring vibrant paintings and handcrafted jewelry. The left side has colorful artwork with text, while the right side showcases portraits and sculptures on shelves.
Some more art and jewelry
An art gallery showcasing vibrant paintings, including a piece of a dancer with feathers and other artwork, alongside displays of handcrafted jewelry and small framed portraits on a shelf.
REDBRICK GALLERY RAFI AND KLEE SHOW
A yellow vehicle with its trunk open, showing two black bins filled with supplies and flat objects stacked above, surrounded by greenery.
We filled the jeep up all the way to transport the show. I’m amazed at how much fit in there.
Two artists stand in a gallery space filled with colorful paintings on the walls. The atmosphere is inviting, featuring wooden floors and natural light from large windows.
This is SO epic!
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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.