Last June, I turned to my fiancé, Ben, and said, “There’s an art festival happening downtown this weekend—want to go?” With a smile and an enthusiastic yes (I’m truly so lucky to have such a supportive partner), we spent that afternoon wandering the sun-baked streets, soaking in the kind of beauty that only art can bring into the world.
That summer, we ended up attending nearly every art fair we could fit into our calendar.
Weekend after weekend, we strolled through rows of white tents, met countless artists, and admired their creativity. More than once, I found myself tearing up, overwhelmed by inspiration and the sense of belonging I felt in those vibrant spaces.
I still remember whispering to myself in the car after one particularly moving festival, “This will be you one day. Just you wait.”
Little did I know that just one year later, I wouldn’t just be attending—I’d be participating in not just one, but three art festivals this summer.
I know it might sound a little cheesy or dramatic, but for someone who’s spent her whole life searching for her true creative voice, these festivals are so much more than just me selling my art at a table. They’re a dream come true, and a true honor to get accepted into.
You see, most art fairs are juried—you have to apply, pay an application fee, and be selected from hundreds (sometimes thousands) of other artists. Once selected, a booth fee is paid (ranging from $100-800 depending on the size of the festival), your spot is assigned and instructions given for set-up! I applied to five festivals this year and was accepted into four.
I’ll never forget the moment I got the “You’re Invited!” email for the Berkley Art Bash. I was sitting at my desk at my full-time job, when I glanced at my phone—and froze. My heart leaped. I read the email three more times just to make sure it was real, then immediately called Ben in tears. My first feeling? I was so proud of myself.
The little whisper I had spoken to myself last summer—“This will be you one day”—had come true. Not because I waited idly by for it to happen, but because I stepped out in faith, took a chance on myself, put my work out into the world, and listened to what God wanted me to do with my creative talents. By trusting in Him and His plan for my life fully and obediently, he has already shown me His goodness in more ways than I ever asked for.
The preparation for these fairs has required a lot more work than anticipated, but it has been SO worth it. From getting up at 5am to get some painting in before work, experimenting with new pieces (sometimes taking 3 or 4 tries to get a piece just right), to packaging prints, building displays, and praying non-stop that God never leaves my side— every moment has been soaked in anticipation and a deep sense of purpose. Not just to show up and sell art—but to show up and share His light.
My first art festival, (a single day art festival, at that) Berkley Art Bash, immensely exceeded my expectations—over $900 in sales, comprised of 10 live portraits, almost all of the print inventory I brought, and several original paintings including my "Comerica Ballpark" painting. The day was filled with laughter, smiles, kind exchanges about my art, and even a few tears shed when someone purchased an original painting of mine without batting an eye at the price. My heart is so full, and the confidence I have in myself and my future as an artist has never been higher.
If you’ve ever had a dream tucked deep inside your heart, something maybe you’ve only ever whispered only to yourself, let this be a little reminder: don’t ignore it. Even the smallest seeds, when nurtured and watered, can bloom into something beautiful. And if you don't feel that you know exactly what your seed is quite yet, I promise you God does. And he cannot WAIT for you to ask Him to help you find it.
This summer, I’ll be stepping into the just the beginning of my dream—under a white tent, surrounded by color (specifically a LOT of purple for one particular event...), story, and community. With God, my soon-to-be husband and two furry sidekicks by my side, I just know there are many more big and beautiful things in store for me.
Be sure to keep an eye out on my Instagram & Facebook where I'll be sharing all the upcoming events I'll be participating in, as well as an upcoming giveaway I'm doing, giving away two tickets to one of the events! If you're local or want to take a roadtrip up north to Michigan—come say hi! Browse some amazing artists' tents, ask questions, enjoy live music and delicious food, or just soak in the amazing energy these events bring.
Here's to dreams coming true, and many, MANY more art fairs in the future!✨