My Extraordinary Long Weekend in New York: A Journey of Art and Connection

I just got back from the most extraordinary long weekend in New York, and I’m still feeling glowy.

Two of my paintings were included in a juried exhibition called Surface at The Gallery at Yellow Studio, part of Upstate Art Weekend in the Hudson Valley. The show was juried by the National Association of Women Artists, and it meant a lot to be chosen. I've been intentionally working toward sharing my work beyond Oklahoma, and this felt like one of those moments where the dots started connecting in real time.

The Gallery at Yellow Studio is run by Tina Villaveces, whose entire approach to art and community resonates with my values—spaces by and for women, built with generosity and intention. It just felt right for me and my paintings to be there.

A Quick Stop in NYC

Before heading upstate, I visited the MET to see the John Singer Sargent exhibit. (A giant thanks to the folks who brought the direct flight from TUL to LGA. It has made my life easier many times.) I met up with an old childhood friend I recently reconnected with, and we wandered through the museum—me with my giant backpack (thank you, Caty!), completely overwhelmed in the best way by the art and the energy.

You could live inside the MET forever and never see everything. I also noticed how there aren’t nearly enough women represented on museum walls. 🩷

After seeing that incredible exhibit—and also the Superfine exhibit (holy smokes, I have to go back for that)—we were walking towards the 77th and Lexington stop when I looked over and realized exactly where I was. I was in front of my friend Peggy‘s house. To feel like I kind of knew my way around? That was a whole different kind of thrill.

Reconnecting in the Hudson Valley

I made my way up to the Hudson Valley, where I reconnected with another old Tulsa friend, a fantastic painter. The three of us had a little slumber party that felt like time folding in on itself—in the most fun way. We shared laughs, deep conversations, and our creative lives.

Upstate Art Weekend

The NAWA show at the Gallery at Yellow Studio was part of Upstate Art Weekend, a vibrant event across the Hudson Valley. This event has become significant in the art landscape. Galleries, studios, and artists opened their doors, creating a dynamic moment to be included in. I saw old friends, met new ones, and had conversations that reminded me why I do what I do.

Then, something unexpected happened. My piece ‘Ophelia, Who?’ won Best in Show. I didn’t even realize the exhibit had awards, so it was a complete shock and total thrill.

The amazing thing about art is that I don’t do it for others, yet it’s affirming when people recognize my work and feel moved by it. ‘Ophelia, Who?’ sold that weekend. That is another kind of thrill. 🩷

Rest and Reflection

One of my closest friends came to see me from Princeton, and I stayed with her for a couple of nights. I forgot how much I missed her. I felt like I had been rushing—because that’s what you do when you’re moving through New York. I loved being in her home with her family, experiencing what this show, in this place, meant for me.

It’s easy to move through exciting moments without stopping to reflect. Does that make sense?

Exploring Philadelphia

I had one more place to go before I came home. I was meeting my best college friend for the night in Philadelphia. How fun that one of my best Tulsa friends and one of my best college friends got to meet! Philadelphia has been on my radar as a place where I want to show my work, so I loved spending a little time there exploring the city. It’s lovely, and the extraordinary Barnes Museum was amazing.

The Loveliest Takeaway

There was so much from the weekend about my work that has charged me up. However, what will stay with me most are the women I was lucky enough to spend time with. The ones I’ve known for decades, the ones I just met, and the ones who showed up to support and celebrate. There’s something powerful about being witnessed and lifted by people who truly understand you. I felt that all weekend.

I'm back home now, and my world feels so full.

See all of you bright yellow women again soon. 💛