The summer was pretty eventful for me, and I cheated myself of the Texas heat by spending my time elsewhere. Coming back home after being away is bittersweet. It's good to be on familiar soil again, but becoming accustomed to the norm again is tough.

I wanted to let you know a few things that have been happening in my life, with my art.

There is a new coffee shop/eatery downtown called The Fairview. Coffee is definitely in my top five foods I need to get through any day, so I was excited to hear of a new place opening up. It's owned by John Sanchez and Whitney Collins, originally from Houston. The atmosphere is pretty beautiful and cozy. I had the pleasure of meeting them and they offered me their wall to display my pieces. Currently, their space contains 3 prints, 6 oil paintings and 2 watercolors of mine. I suggest you venture out to the corner of Mulberry and N. St. Mary's. They offer all kinds of baked goods, waffles, teas and coffee.

The Fairview

On another note, I'm preparing for a move, and I realized I have got plenty of lithographs/aquatints/etchings/prints that need homes. I decided to open up a shop online to allow my friends from all over the U.S. purchase one if they desire. I don't have paintings up there, as I have no experience shipping wood panels and the idea of sending damaged goods doesn't sound too good. If anyone is interested in a painting, direct message me, and I'll figure out a way.

My Etsy Shop

I am excited for the school semester. Being back in the studio lifts my spirits immensely. I cannot wait to begin creating more prints and paintings. I'm feeling pretty inspired and I hope this feeling doesn't die down.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for the support.

I'll see you on the other side.

Ally

The day is March 16th, 2015.

Today I visited "The Rejection Room" to go pick up a piece I submitted into UTSA's 31st Student Art Exhibition.

It's a tradition that I started for myself. Rather than waiting for an email of acceptance or rejection, I just go to the designated room to pick up my piece, preparing myself to coax him and tell him that its not his fault, that he is good enough, that this has nothing to do with him or me.

For the second year of my tradition, I recognized no pieces of mine in the room.

It was a good day.

This year has been very kind to me. This will be my third group exhibition of 2015. I have been very lucky so far, meeting some beautiful new artists, printmakers, gallery owners, painters.

Friday, February 13th at High Wire. Photo Courtesy of Raul Cantu, Jr.

Earlier this month, I sold my first painting to a gentlemen who's wife is pregnant with twins. He had nothing but kind words and admiration for the piece and it was a really neat thing to hear his interpretation. The piece, titled "Suited" meant so much to me at the time I worked on it, and I didn't realize how much I still cared about it until it was time to say goodbye. Very bittersweet. I'm so glad my deer has a new home, and that he is loved. I'm glad there are new eyes to gaze upon him and appreciate him. And I am very glad he went to a family.

This Wednesday, the College of Liberal and Fine Arts of UTSA will be having its 31st Exhibition.

I will be showing an oil painting, "Doll of Sir Blue", alongside plenty of people I respect and admire. I can't wait to see the work of my peers and friends.

The exhibit opens at 6. There will be plenty of goodies for consumption, both food-wise and art-wise. See you soon.

The Fairview/Opening up a shop/Back in the studio

Contemporary Art Month/Rejection/Student Art Exhibit