Recently, I was fortunate enough to have been nominated by a Dallas gallery as one of eleven artist to be selected for the Rising Star Exhibition. This exhibition was held as a fundraiser by the OCSFA to help repair the Turner House in Oak Cliff. The show had two receptions that I attended; the first reception was a ticketed event, and the second was open to the public to come and see the work. 

During the first reception, I was able to meet with some of the other artists like, Bumin Kim a recent UNT Drawing and Painting Graduate, and Sheryl Anaya a member of 500x Gallery in Dallas. While talking with these artists, we were discussing how we all were chosen for this exhibition and our thoughts on the work. Sheryl Anaya mentioned how she was working with the Dallas Public Library to bring art into the space and asked me if I would like to participate in the future. I also noticed Sedrick Huckaby at this show and was able to introduce myself to him. I told him how much I enjoyed his work, and that I really liked his piece at the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth. I thanked him for coming out to the show, but conversation was cut short because one of the member of the OCSFA was telling me someone was interested in my work. I was able to talk with the woman who was interested in my paintings; her name was Whitney and she told me that she was an artist and that she got her studio degree from OU. She was interested in hearing about my painting process and upcoming events. We exchanged information and I headed home.

The second reception was open to the public so more people were in attendance. When I arrived at the Turner House, I went inside and noticed Stephen Lapthisophon. I introduced myself and spoke with him and his wife about the show. I asked how his work was coming along and he invited me over for a studio visit. It was so great to be invited to his studio because he is an artist I really admire. During this shows short timbering displayed, I was able to sell one of my pieces during the show. I was so happy to have had this opportunity to have been selected, and placed in a position where I could me artists that I look up to at my show.