Ringing In 2026
As I reflect on this past year with my annual year end blog post, I wanted to share a few highlights—both personal and art-related. Above all, I give all glory to God for His favor and blessing on my life and art journey. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” — James 1:17
I’m also sharing some of the low points, because life is hard, and I want to keep it real. The world we live in feels increasingly “curated” for social media, and that can be exhausting to keep up with. I know I’m guilty of showing mostly the highlights on my own feeds, but my goal has always been—and will continue to be—to stay authentic and honest.
Here’s a look back at the year:
In January, I traveled to Denver with my husband while he was on a business trip. I used the time to set goals and paint in my journal—a perfect way to start the year.
In February, I donated an original piece of art to the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball Auction, an organization very close to my heart due to my family’s history with heart disease.
March brought the opportunity to participate in the Artists of Northwest Arkansas Members Exhibit.
April was a full and meaningful month. I taught live alongside an incredible group of artists at Creativille 2025 in Fayetteville, and instructed with a wonderful collaboration of Christian creatives for Faithfest 2025. I was also honored to teach five weeks of art journaling sessions at the Magdalene Serenity House, working with women recovering from various trauma.
In May, I participated in Art for a Cause, supporting the Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas.
June took me to Inlet Beach, Florida, where I taught a mixed media workshop, and spent the week with all my favorite people in the same place!
In August, I exhibited at Southern Food Company with a talented group of local artists.
September was a dream realized—I moved into my new caboose studio, a restored late-1800s authentic little red caboose from the Arkansas/Missouri Railroad.
In October, I participated in the Locale event benefiting the Children’s Safety Center and hosted an open house for my new studio.
In November, my daughter got married, and I officially wrapped up my business year. I sold out of my Art + Scripture desk calendars for the eighth year in a row and, thanks to incredible customer support, was able to give back a generous portion of the proceeds to Loving Choices Pregnancy Center.
Throughout the year, I partnered with seven local businesses, coached creatives through my Paint to Product online course, ran my online course library, designed and created the artworkfor my daughter’s wedding invitation, and shipped over 260 shipments of art across multiple states.
On a personal note, my husband and I celebrated 30 years of marriage with a trip to Jackson Hole, and we ended the year with my daughter’s beautiful wedding—an unforgettable gift.
But this year also held challenges.
I struggled with the effects of menopause—depression, anxiety, mood swings, and low energy—which made committing to plans and following through difficult at times. We lost our sweet dog Josie in May. She was almost 18 and had been part of so many seasons of our lives, and I deeply miss her companionship.
I also said goodbye far too soon to several people due to cancer. Professionally, I faced rejection—one juried exhibit declined my work, two gallery applications went unanswered or were rejected, and I watched my retail art business take a significant downturn. I also found myself on the sidelines as art influencers overlooked or excluded me in my local art market. My goal was to post a new YouTube demo each month-I only completed five. I had a goal to revamp and grow my email list, but never got to it. I wanted to paint more large abstracts and only painted one. I wanted to lift weights 2 times a week in 2025, but injured my knee and back so worked out less than ever. I wanted to created a new online course, but never got around to it.
More often than not, the desire to paint felt fleeting, and I have more unfinished paintings than finished. But in those quieter moments, I spent more time in God’s Word and playing with my grandson—both of which kept me grounded, joyful, and focused on what truly matters. I’ve been continually reminded that my identity is not found in what I do or achieve, but in Christ alone.
As I look ahead, I’m renewing my prayer for 2026 and trusting God with whatever comes next. Thank you for being here, for supporting my art journey, and for walking alongside me.
Blessings to you in 2026.
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