Rafi And Klee Studios Projects

Miniature Motifs Art Exhibition at Hatch Hollow

There is something inherently magical about miniature art. When you shrink the scale, you somehow expand the intimacy; you have to get up close, lean in, and really listen to what the piece is saying. That’s why we are so excited to head over to Meadville tonight for the 5th Annual Miniature Motifs Art Exhibition at Hatch Hollow.

The walls are going to be packed with talent, featuring works from around 40 local artists. If you need a dose of creative inspiration (and a break from the winter gray), this is exactly where you need to be.

An art exhibition scene featuring attendees observing artwork on the walls, with a person in the foreground looking thoughtfully at the camera.

A Subtle Growth: The “Nature of Being” Series

I’m thrilled to have three pieces from my “Nature of Being” series included in this show. This series is deeply personal to me—it focuses on the idea that we are constantly growing, even when that growth is so subtle it’s invisible to the naked eye.

In these paintings, that subtlety becomes the entire mood. The figures are posed calmly and inwardly, almost as if they are listening to the hum of their own spirits. It’s about that moment of introspection—taking a breath and feeling yourself expand from the inside out. Trees do this naturally and quietly every single day, and so do we, even if no one else sees it happening.

Three miniature paintings titled 'Nature of Being' displayed on an artist's workspace, surrounded by paint supplies and colorful paints.

Event Details

We’ll be there tonight, and we’d love to catch up with you! Whether you’re an artist, a collector, or just someone who appreciates a good vibe, come out and support the local NWPA art scene.

When: Tonight! Friday, January 9th
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Hatch Hollow, 945 Market St, Meadville, PA 16335
The Vibe: Live music from 5 PM to 8 PM by Midnight Frolic!

If we happen to miss you tonight, please make sure to stop by the gallery while the show is running. There is an incredible amount of amazing art on display, and you don’t want to miss the chance to see these tiny masterpieces in person.

See you in Meadville!

Back to Our Roots with Our First Pop-Up in Years

There is an energy at a local pop-up that you just can’t replicate online or in a studio. This past weekend, Klee and I did something we haven’t done in years: we set up a full pop-up shop at Clifford’s.

Getting all our displays out of storage, dusting them off, and seeing everything set up in one place felt like a homecoming. It’s been a long time since we hit the pavement like this, and honestly, we didn’t realize how much we missed it until we were right in the thick of it.

A display wall featuring a variety of colorful paintings and artworks, showcasing different themes and styles, set up at a local pop-up shop.

That Surge of Connection

The best part of the day wasn’t just showing off the art or the jewelry; it was that undeniable surge of community connection. In a digital world, it is so easy to forget how much power there is in a face-to-face conversation.

We spent the day talking to neighbors, meeting new people, and catching up with friends who have followed our journey through the ups and downs of this year. Hearing people’s stories and seeing their reactions to our work in person reminded us exactly why we started doing this in the first place.

Dusting Off the Displays

Bringing out the full display setup was a bit of a workout, but it was worth it. Seeing our creative world condensed into that space at Clifford’s was a great reminder of how much we’ve built over the years. It felt good to stand behind the table again, side-by-side, sharing what we love with the people around us.

Display of handmade jewelry and art pieces at a pop-up shop, showcasing various necklaces, rings, and artwork.

The Beginning of Something Awesome

This pop-up at Clifford’s marks more than just a successful day of sales. It feels like the beginning of a new chapter. We are feeling inspired, recharged, and ready to engage with our local community in a much bigger way.

There is a momentum building right now, and we are leaning into it. This event reminded us that no matter how big the murals get or how many books we write, that heartbeat of local connection is where the real magic happens.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, said hello, or took a piece of our world home with you. We’re just getting started!

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Hatch Hollow Exhibition In Meadville PA

Last night was our opening reception for a group exhibition at Hatch Hollow, and let me just say… this place is cool. Like actually bad ass. The art in this show is gorgeous, the space feels inspiring, and the energy is the perfect blend of creative buzz and “I wonder if anyone else here feels as socially awkward as I feel right now… because they all look so awesome!” Spoiler: Some did.

Exterior view of Hatch Hollow, an art space, at night with warm lighting, showing people inside looking out the window. — I got about this far before I started to feel my inner introvert come out and play… or stand in a corner.

We had a great time. We ran into people we knew, met some new creative humans, and did all the normal art-opening things. But our awkwardly introverted selves decided to flare up the moment before we walked through the door. You know that feeling where you suddenly forget how to greet another human? Yeah. That. I had to literally force myself to say hello to people. Like, mentally shove myself from behind. See if you can spot the fear in my eyes as I pose with my art.

A person wearing a green hat with animal ears stands in front of a colorful abstract painting depicting a silhouetted figure. — Someone was looking at my art as I posed and I didn’t know what to do with myself.

A person wearing a green beanie with eyes stands in front of an artistic painting of a figure with tree branches and colorful flowers. — I was a little more laid back for this one.

And people who know us always look surprised when we talk about being introverted. They see the workshops, the music gigs, the livestreams, the art events. They see me talking on camera like I’ve got it all figured out and Klee rocking a room like the calmest badass ever. But just because we’ve gotten used to doing things doesn’t mean the introvert circuitry doesn’t sometimes spark, fizzle, trip a breaker, and leave us standing in the middle of a gallery like “Uhhh… hi?”

A person with short hair and glasses looks around in an art gallery during an exhibition opening, featuring colorful artwork on the walls and plants in the space.

Thankfully, awkward attracts awkward, and we ended up running into friends who are just as introverted as we are. Before we knew it, we had formed a little roaming gang of awesomely shy creative weirdos. Strength in numbers. Safety in weirdness. It made the night even better.

Honestly, moments like that mean a lot to me. I try to push out of the comfort zone when I can, but I’ve also learned to embrace it when I can’t. Some days you’re a rogue social butterfly. Other days you’re a trembling mole person. Either way, it’s all part of the gig.

A person holding a small potted jade plant in a store filled with art supplies and tools. — Klee made a new friend! Yep, it’s a plant… that’s how introverted we are.

And awkward or not, we had a blast. Hatch Hollow is such a great place and this exhibit is worth seeing. If you happen to be in Meadville anytime before December 23rd, stop by and check it out. You won’t regret your life choices if you do.

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My 4th Book, “Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up!” is Officially Out

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you hold a finished book in your hands for the first time. It is a mix of relief, excitement, and that “I actually did it” feeling that never gets old. I am beyond thrilled to announce that my 4th book, Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up!, has officially been released.

The Journey to Number Four

Writing a book is always a marathon, but this one felt different. It came to life during a year that was already packed with massive mural projects, speaking engagements, and some personal hurdles that really tested our resilience.

If there is one thing I have learned through this process, it is that creativity doesn’t always wait for the perfect time. Sometimes, you have to carve out space for your voice in the middle of the chaos. This book is a result of those late nights, early mornings, and the stubborn belief that these words needed to be shared right now.

A hand holding a pencil over the cover of the book 'Dear Artist, Don't Give Up!' which features a typewriter illustration and text indicating it is a special pre-order edition.

What This Book is All About

The title says it all: Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up! This book is a natural evolution of the journey we have been on together. It dives deeper into the heart of what it means to live a creative life, navigating the ups and downs of the “brain jar,” and finding the courage to keep showing up at the canvas, the page, or the stage when things get tough. It is essentially a love letter and a pep talk for every creator who has ever doubted their path.

Why Milestones Matter

Reaching book number four is a reminder to stop and celebrate the wins. In the hustle of being a creative entrepreneur, it is so easy to finish a project and immediately ask, “Okay, what’s next?” But today, I am taking a moment to just be grateful.

I am grateful for the process, the lessons learned during the hard chapters, and the incredible support from Klee and all of you who have followed along with our adventures.

Two individuals are seated at a table covered with stacks of books titled 'Dear Artist, Don't Give Up!' as they sign copies. One person wears a red bandana and glasses, while the other has their hair in a bun and wears a purple top.

Get Your Copy

This book is for the dreamers, the makers, and anyone who has ever felt like they were running a race with a paintbrush in one hand and a coffee in the other.

Thank you for being part of this story. I can’t wait for you to read Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up! and hear how it resonates with your own creative journey.

A flat lay image featuring the book cover of 'Dear Artist, Don't Give Up!' alongside a thank you card and an invoice on a brown cardboard surface.

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Teaching Art At St. Stephen’s School In Oil City

There are certain goals you tuck away in the back of your mind, the “someday” projects that you hope to get to when the timing is right. For us, creating and teaching an art curriculum for kids has been on that bucket list for a long time. This year, we finally got to check that box as we began teaching at St. Stephen’s in Oil City.

An instructor demonstrating one-point perspective drawing techniques on a chalkboard in a classroom setting.

The Dream of an Art Curriculum

We’ve always believed that art isn’t just a subject you learn in school; it is a way of processing the world. We wanted to build a curriculum that didn’t just teach kids how to draw a straight line, but how to trust their instincts and use their imagination as a tool.

Getting to bring this vision to the students at St. Stephen’s has been an incredible experience. Walking into that classroom and seeing those eager faces ready to dive into the “brain jar” with us is a reminder of why we do what we do.

Two art instructors smiling in a classroom, with colorful papers spread across a table and art supplies in the background.

Why This Matters

As creatives, we feel a huge responsibility to pass on what we’ve learned. Teaching kids allows us to:

Foster Confidence: Helping them realize there are no “mistakes” in art, only happy accidents and new directions.
Encourage Problem Solving: Showing them that a blank page isn’t scary, it’s an opportunity.
Build Community: Connecting with the younger generation right here in Oil City and helping them see the beauty in their own backyard.

A classroom scene featuring a teacher at the blackboard demonstrating perspective drawing, while students are engaged in drawing activities at their desks.

A Full Circle Year

Looking back at everything that has happened this year, from the murals at The Exchange and the library to our solo show in Foxburg, this teaching milestone feels like the perfect piece of the puzzle. It’s about more than just our own art; it’s about investing in the future of the creative community here.

Every time a student has that “aha!” moment or feels proud of something they’ve created, it confirms that this was a bucket list item worth waiting for.

Thank you to St. Stephen’s for inviting us in and letting us share our passion with your students. We are having the time of our lives!

Two instructors preparing art supplies in a classroom setting, surrounded by various art materials and a cheerful atmosphere.

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Our First Ever Paint and Sip at The Exchange

Life has a funny way of bringing things full circle. After spending months climbing ladders and painting the massive mural at The Exchange in Oil City, Klee and I returned for a completely different kind of creative energy: our first ever paint and sip event.

A New Way to Connect

We’ve done a lot of things in our creative careers, but leading a room full of people through the process of creating their own art while enjoying a drink was a brand new experience for us. It was a blast to take off the “muralist” hats for a night and put on the “teacher” hats.

The vibe at The Exchange was perfect. There is something so rewarding about watching people who claim they “don’t have a creative bone in their body” start to relax, have a laugh, and realize that painting is really just about the joy of the process.

A group of people engaged in a paint and sip event, with canvases set up in front of them and various painting supplies on the table. The atmosphere appears lively and creative as participants enjoy the experience.

The Power of Creative Community

One of the best parts of the night was seeing the community come together in the very space we worked so hard to decorate. Sitting beneath the mural we finished earlier this year, we got to witness firsthand what that space was designed for: connection, conversation, and shared experiences.

We didn’t just teach people how to move a brush; we got to share stories, laugh through the “happy accidents,” and celebrate the fact that everyone has a unique creative voice.

A lively paint and sip event at The Exchange with participants painting on easels, enjoying drinks, and engaging with each other in a creative atmosphere.

Why We Loved It

Music and murals are often solo or duo efforts, but a paint and sip is a collective celebration. It reminded us that art shouldn’t be intimidating. It should be accessible, a little bit messy, and a whole lot of fun.

A huge thank you to the staff at The Exchange for hosting us and to every person who picked up a brush and joined the party. You all proved that the “brain jar” is a lot more fun when you share it with others.

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Our Solo Show “Interwoven” at the Red Brick Gallery

There are moments in an artist’s career that feel like a culmination of everything they’ve worked for, and our solo show, Interwoven, at the Red Brick Gallery in Foxburg, PA, was exactly that.

The name “Interwoven” wasn’t just a title for the show. It represented the way our lives, our individual art styles, and our experiences over this past year have all tangled together to create something stronger and more beautiful than we could have managed alone.

An artist stands in front of their artwork at the Interwoven solo show in the Red Brick Gallery, surrounded by paintings and jewelry displays.

A Journey to Foxburg

Foxburg is such a charming, scenic place, and the Red Brick Gallery is a stunning space that truly honors the work within its walls. Preparing for a solo show is a massive undertaking under normal circumstances, but after the roller coaster of a year we’ve had, this one felt especially significant.

Walking into that gallery and seeing our pieces hanging together was a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come. From the quiet, difficult days of recovery earlier this year to the loud, vibrant energy of finishing murals, every bit of that journey was woven into the art on those walls.

The Heart of the Show

This exhibition was a celebration of connection. We wanted to showcase how different mediums and ideas can speak to one another.

Klee’s jewelry and intricate pieces acted as the delicate threads.
My larger-than-life paintings and portraits provided the bold structure.
The community who showed up for the opening reception provided the life and breath that made the whole thing come alive.

We spent the evening talking with fellow art lovers, sharing the stories behind the canvases, and soaking in the incredible atmosphere of the gallery. It’s one thing to create art in the solitude of the studio, but it’s another thing entirely to see it connect with people in a real, tangible way.

Four individuals posing together in an art gallery, with colorful paintings displayed on the walls behind them. The setting features a rustic brick background adorned with soft lighting.

Reflections on the Experience

This milestone is about more than just “selling art” or having a fancy opening. It’s about the fact that we are still here, still creating, and still finding ways to weave our story into the world around us.

A huge thank you to the Red Brick Gallery for having us, and to everyone who made the trip to Foxburg to support us. Your presence and your words mean the world to us.

The back of a yellow vehicle filled with various art supplies, including bins and paintings, ready for transportation.

An art display featuring various colorful paintings and sculptures at the Red Brick Gallery in Foxburg, PA, showcasing a blend of styles and mediums.

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Oil City Mural At The Exchange

It’s been a long, challenging, and absolutely awesome journey, but yesterday I finally put the finishing touches on the mural at The Exchange in Oil City. You know that feeling when you cross the finish line after a marathon? Except instead of running, you’ve been climbing ladders, inhaling paint fumes, and asking your body to bend in ways it definitely wasn’t designed for. That is exactly where I am right now.

A Saga in the Making

This project wasn’t just about the two months of physical painting on-site. It was a creative saga that began last year with sketches, designs, and me staring at a very large, blank wall.

The opportunity started when Jeff Karns approached me about a new distillery and restaurant opening in the historic bank building at 100 Seneca Street. I was stoked to help mark the beginning of something special for our town. However, right after I started the design, Klee got sick, which understandably shifted my focus away from the “brain jar” of creativity for a while.

A mural depicting a diverse group of people in various poses and expressions, with an artist standing in front of it. The mural features a light blue outline style, capturing the essence of the local community.

The Design: Abu Dhabi to Pennsylvania

The final design captures the heart of Oil City and the roots of Side Hustle Brews & Spirits. It’s a vibrant mix of:

Abu Dhabi roots and Pennsylvania hills.
The Oil City river winding through green hilltops.
The historic 100 Seneca building holding it all together.
A “speed-dating” approach to portraiture. Because there are over 60 portraits of real people in this mural, I had to find an efficient way to paint them without spending the next two years on a ladder.

Two artists are working on a colorful mural depicting scenes and portraits of people in Oil City. One artist is wearing a bandana and holding a paint palette, while the other is observing the mural.

Teamwork and Resilience

I couldn’t have reached the finish line without some incredible support:

Skyler: My assistant and total rockstar. She was equal parts painter, problem-solver, and the person who kept me sane when my brain went into “squirrel mode”.
Klee: Even while recovering, she came out to help whenever she felt well enough, providing the emotional support I needed to keep pushing.

The Victory Lap

Stepping back yesterday to see the varnished, completed work was a moment of pure awe. This wall now tells a story that belongs to the community.

If you’re in Oil City, swing by The Exchange. Grab a drink, enjoy the history of the building, and take a look at the big, colorful piece of our town’s story. As for the paint splatters still in my beard, consider those my battle scars!

A partially completed mural showcasing vibrant scenes from Oil City, depicting people, local landmarks, and cultural elements, with blue painter's tape along the edges.

A colorful mural depicting a scene at 100 Seneca Street in Oil City, featuring various characters, buildings, and elements representing the local culture and history.

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Creative Entrepreneur Conference

There are moments in life that feel like more than just a date on the calendar. This past May, Klee and I traveled to Titusville for the Creative Entrepreneur Conference, and it was one of those milestones we won’t soon forget.

A Meaningful Milestone

While every speaking engagement is special, this one held a weight that’s hard to put into words. This was the first event Klee participated in since her hospitalization at the beginning of the year.

Seeing her back in her element—vibrant, insightful, and connecting with other creators—was incredibly emotional for both of us. It wasn’t just a conference; it was a celebration of resilience and the healing power of community.

A person with short hair and glasses gestures while speaking to an audience in a workshop setting, with attendees seated at tables in the background.

Tackling the 4 Common Challenges for Artists

We had the absolute blast sharing the stage to discuss a topic close to our hearts: The 4 Common Challenges for Artists. In a room full of such talented and passionate individuals, we dove deep into the hurdles that often keep us from reaching our full potential. We talked about:

Overcoming the Fear of Judgment: How to stop letting “what they think” dictate your brushstrokes.
The Myth of “The Starving Artist”: Shifting the mindset from scarcity to a sustainable creative business.
Consistency vs. Burnout: Finding that sweet spot where the work gets done without losing your soul.
Finding Your Authentic Voice: Why the world needs your unique perspective, not a copy of someone else’s.

The energy in Titusville was electric. There is something truly magical about being in a room where everyone “gets it”—the struggles, the triumphs, and the occasional madness of the creative life.

A speaker stands in front of an audience in a cozy venue, discussing topics related to creativity and overcoming challenges for artists, while a presentation is displayed on a screen behind.

Gratitude for the Titusville Community

To the awesome artists who came to hear us speak, thank you for your warmth, your questions, and your vulnerability. You reminded us why we do what we do.

We left Titusville with our hearts full and our spirits recharged. It feels good to be back on the road, sharing our journey and helping others navigate theirs.

Keep creating, keep pushing, and most importantly, keep being you.

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Finding Our Rhythm Again at the Oil City Curb Market

There are times when life gets so hectic that the things we love most, like the simple joy of making music, somehow end up in the backseat. Between mural projects, speaking engagements, and navigating health challenges, our instruments had been gathering a little too much dust lately.

That changed recently when we were invited to play a concert at the Oil City Curb Market.

A woman singing into a microphone while seated, accompanied by a man playing a small instrument in the background. They are performing outdoors near a stone wall.

Rediscovering the Groove

I’ll be honest, when you’ve been away from the “stage” for a while, there’s always that tiny bit of hesitation. But the moment we started playing at the Central Avenue Plaza, all of that disappeared. We quickly rediscovered just how much we love creating music together. It wasn’t about being perfect; it was about the connection, the energy, and the pure fun of the performance.

A Vibrant Community Atmosphere

The Curb Market provided the perfect backdrop for our return to live music. There is something special about playing in a space that is so rooted in the community, surrounded by locally grown produce, artisan crafts, and friendly faces. We had an absolute blast sharing our sound with everyone who stopped by to listen, shop, and hang out in the heart of downtown.

A musician playing guitar on stage, a vocalist singing into a microphone, and a child dancing expressively in front of them, all set against a stone wall backdrop at an outdoor event.

Why Music Matters

Music has a way of recharging the creative batteries in a way that nothing else can. It’s a different kind of expression than painting a wall or giving a speech. It’s fluid, it’s immediate, and it reminded us that even when things are busy, we have to make room for the things that make our hearts sing.

Thank you to the Oil City Main Street Program for the invitation and to everyone who came out and shared the vibe with us. It felt incredible to be back in the groove!

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