Interview with Chantal Larocque of Paper & Peony

by Mari Robeson


I have such a happy and colorful Episode for you today! I came across the gorgeous paper flowers created by French-Canadian artist and author, Chantal Larocque, on Instagram. You probably know by now that I am a huge fan of bold colors and flowers, so visiting her feed makes my heart pitter-pat in all the good ways!

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I was thrilled when Chantal said she would share her creative journey with us all on my podcast because it’s such a unique creative business and yet just another way you can be a thriving artist in this amazing world of ours.

Chantal shares with us how creating a beautiful scrapbook in memory of her father turned into a blossoming business. It didn’t just happen though, it was an evolution of events and quite an interesting story!

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Now Chantal’s creations have been featured by companies like Chanel, Dior, Perrier-Jouet Champagne just to name a few and her work was even chosen to be the featured art for the Canadian Stamp! She is also the best selling author of DIY book: Bold & Beautiful Paper Flowers! So you can see we had quite a bit to talk about!

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I think you will really like this Episode, especially her very helpful and insightful advice at the end!

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Other places you can Follow & Support Chantal Larocque:

Website: PaperandPeony

Instagram & Twitter: @PaperandPeony

Facebook: PaperandPeony

Chantal Larocque’s Book: Bold & Beautiful Paper Flowers


February's Featured Artists - Husband & Wife - Jon Davenport & Christy Kinard

by Mari Robeson


It’s the month of Love and I can’t think of a better way to kick it off but with a truly charming Love Story of artists, Jon Davenport and Christy Kinard! It’s seriously the most endearing Episode. A Southern Bell meets a British Man in the most romantic city of Venice, Italy. Their journey from how they met, their life in London, to now living in Atlanta and raising three boys, made for a very interesting interview!

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Christy’s mixed media paintings are an explosion of color and inspiration. So much so, it was her art and her studio floor - that’s right - I said floor, that inspired Jon to create his own incredible works of art.

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Jon was in the world of advertising and web design before meeting Christy. You can see his keen eye for composition, color and design, in all of his paintings. Jon is also a mixed media artist and they both work together in their home studio. In this Episode they share what it’s like to sell your work in galleries, selling art on-line, how they create their work, and creating a line of products with their art.

Recently Jon & Christy launched Kinard Studio. A new line of product created from their art. For the month of February, they are very generously offering proceeds of the sale of their ‘Black Star - Yoga Leggings’, to go to the Louise Monforte Memorial Art & Dance Scholarships.

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And Jon is also donating to the scholarship fund, part of the proceeds of the sale of this gorgeous original painting!

‘Blue is for Boys’ 36” x 36” $3500 - Contact Jon directly to purchase!

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

To Follow and Support Jon & Christy:

KinardStudio.com Instagram: @KinardStudio

JonDavenportAt.com Instagram @JonDavenportArt

ChristyKinard.com Instagram Twitter @ChristyKinard





Happy New Year! My First Studio VLOG is LIVE!

by Mari Robeson


Happy New Year & New Decade! I Love New Beginnings! I painted this while my girls were home this Christmas and we all were creating around the kitchen table. 2020! So much fun to even say!

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Today is super exciting! I usually interview a different artist every first Wednesday of the month and a different creative entrepreneur every third Wednesday of the month but since January 1st fell on the first Wed. I’d thought I’d challenge myself and try something NEW! So today I’m launching my very first Studio VLOG over on my YouTube Channel. Goodness…hats off to all those YouTubers out there because creating a video is not only a lot of work but there are a lot of things to learn! This is my first, so be kind! ha ha

And don’t worry, I have some amazing artists lined up to interview in the New Year!

That said, on today’s VLOG I’m sharing with you how I create my Vision Journal for the New Year. I use my Journal almost every day. It goes with me everywhere and is an important tool in my work since my job is all about visualizing and then creating.

I’m sharing why I believe that adding the element of being creative in the journaling process, instead of just writing goals and intentions, is a helpful way to attract the life you want to manifest. There are also a couple of fun processes anyone can implement into making their own journal. Let me know what you think and if you’d like to see more videos from my studio.

Wishing you a very Wonderful New Year full of great health, love & happiness!

xoxo

Mari

As promised in the video here are some words you can use to print out and use in your journal. You have permission to screen shot them and use for personal use! Cheers!

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December's Featured Creative Entrepreneurs - Kristin Alexander & Suzanne Smith

by Mari Robeson


EPISODE 32 is LIVE

I can’t think of a better way to end the year then recording with two of my very good friends, Kristin Alexander and Suzanne Smith! I’ve known these two lovely women for quite some time and their bright and beautiful energy is simply contagious! Both of them are ACE (American Council of Exercise) certified personal trainers who have multiple group certifications such as Les Mills, Aqua, Insanity, Zumba, Spin etc. Kristin is also a Certified Weight Management Specialist and additionally Suzanne works in Cancer Well Fit but I know her as my personal Bootcamp Trainer!

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Suzanne and Kristin owned a fitness studio together (the Edge) where the goal when starting it was to appeal to people that were intimidated by gyms. With over 20 years of fitness training experience they shared their passion for helping people achieve their best in all aspects mind, body, and soul. Now they are continuing that passionate work at Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa where Kristin is the Athletic Director.

On today’s Episode we are talking about their Top 5 Tips on How To Stay Fit and Focused in 2020! They offer some really helpful advice that I hope will get you excited about your fitness goals in the New Year!

Happy Holidays! May they be full of Joy, Great Health, and Happiness! xoxo Mari

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE

Website: Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa

Kristin Alexander Email: kristin@avilabayclub.com

Suzanne Smith Email: suztsmith8@gmail.com


December's Featured Artist - Ari Robinson - Episode 31

by Mari Robeson


I couldn’t think of a better way to wrap up 2019 then with the Art of Ari Robinson! On today’s Podcast Episode we talk about the fascinating way she creates her vibrant & colorful work!

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I met Ari when she contacted me on Instagram to be on the ‘other side of the interview’ for a post over on her other business, Club Artrepreneur. You can read my interview HERE. We also talk about the Club Atrepreneur business model she created for artists to track and manage their time and expenses. Brilliant!

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I was so impressed with this young creative entrepreneur that I wanted to interview her and hear her perspective of the art world from her young (still in her 20’s) perspective. It made me feel very optimistic for the future of the Arts!

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Ari is definitely one to watch! If you are looking for a fun Episode to Listen & Watch while you are baking your delicious holiday cookies, HERE YOU GO!

Happy Holidays! Mari

Other places to follow and support Ari Robinson:

Website: Ari Robinson Art

Website: Club Artrepreneur

Instagram: @ ArirRobinsonArt & @ClubArtrepreneur


November's Featured Creative Entrepreneur - Lauren Haskell

by Mari Robeson


On today’s Episode I have the very talented Lauren Haskell of Lauren Haskell Designs and LO Home. Not only is Lauren a very talented interior decorator she also is the creator of LO Home - sophisticated and sustainable home decor.

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I first learned about Lauren through our mutual friend on Instagram, Kristy Wicks. Lauren was helping Kristy with the design of her living room in her beautiful Sacramento home. Not only did Lauren help design the space but she also created many of the products as well.

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As an artist I’m always fascinated by creators that work in other mediums. I love pottery but I also know it’s not one of my creative strengths. However it certainly is one of Lauren’s! I first fell in love with many of her ginger jars and other ceramic beauties but she also creates stunning textiles, wall decor and art. Her colors are soft and sophisticated and certainly have her stamp of signature style.

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I am impressed that she went the extra mile to make her product sustainable and earth friendly. She also works with local artists and crafts people to help her create some of her products.

Lauren and I are both dancers as well which was an instant connection for us. Although she is not dancing right now, she is definitely channeling that creative energy beautifully into the world of home decor.

If you are looking for an inspirational episode about what it’s truly like to launch a creative business you can listen to (and watch) the full Episode HERE.

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL HERE

Follow & Support Lauren Haskell:

Website: Lauren Haskell Designs

Shop: LO Home

Instagram: @LaurenHaskellDesigns

Facebook: Lauren Haskell Designs

Pinterest: Lauren Haskell Designs





November's Featured Artist - Kelli May-Krenz

by Mari Robeson


EPISODE 29 with Artist, Illustrator, Graphic & Textile Designer, Kelli May—Krenz is Now LIVE!

But first, I have an interesting story to share with you today!

So……. I have my artists scheduled-out in advance for when I want to interview them for my podcast. I usually follow up a week or two before to confirm and make sure we are still good with the day and time etc. But for the first time since I started this a little over a year ago, I had an artist cancel on me literally 10 minutes before the interview. Uggg…. So I texted my incredibly talented artist/author friend, Christine Mason-Miller, knowing she has many equally talented artist friends, and she gave me the name of Kelli May-Krenz.

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When I went to look at Kelli’s social media, I could see we were completely on the same page when it comes to using our art as away to share support, connectivity and joy! Christine introduced us and within a half hour we were on the phone talking as if we had known each other a lifetime. We truly connected on so many levels, some very deep and meaningful.

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So the moral of the story is; stay positive! Everything is always working out for you - even when it looks like things aren’t working out, they absolutely are! A big ‘Thank You’ to the artist that cancelled on me at the last minute because I would have never met such a bright and beautiful soul!

I am so appreciative that Kelli jumped right in with me on the heals of her big debut of her new fabric line for Free Spirit fabrics (she was literally driving back from the Trade Show where she revealed her new collection!) That just shows you the type of person she is!

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I’m so glad we were able to do this interview because this blog post would be ten pages long just to try to explain a tiny bit of her accomplishments! You are really going to like this episode! Kelli is a mixed media artist, a graphic designer, an illustrator, an on-line course creator (her 10th class is coming out soon!) and now she is a featured textile designer for Free Spirit Fabrics. In this episode she shares how it all unfolded for her, along with some really great advice!

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Thankful Spirit Warrior By Kelli May-Krenz

Thankful Spirit Warrior By Kelli May-Krenz

I’m so pleased that Kelli is my Featured Artist and for the month of November she is offering 20% of the sales of this print to the Louise Monforte Memorial Art Scholarship - June 2020.

You can follow and support Kelli May-Krenz here:

Instagram: @KelliMayKrenz

Facebook: KelliMayKrenzStudio

Website: KelliMayKrenz

https://youtu.be/-bBRMHiQff4





My 'Illuminate' Collection is now Live!

by Mari Robeson


‘But my darling, there is no Light at the end of the tunnel, You are the Light.”

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate International Artists Day - then by launching my New Collection of paintings that I’ve been working on for the past few months. This quote sums it all up perfectly. When life is happening all around, you can chose to react or respond. If you choose to go within, you will see the power of your light!

When I created this collection I spent many hours in quiet thought, even though the music was blasting, I had a lot of time to think about my calling in life. I know I am meant to create - it is where I find my connection to JOY - My Light. My wish is that it translates through to the viewer.

I explain a little more about my quest to Raise My Vibration and Find My Light HERE.

VIEW THE ENTIRE COLLECTION HERE! Thank you so much for Supporting The Arts! xoxo Mari

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October's Featured Creative Entrepreneur - Photographer, Kirsi Kilpelainen

by Mari Robeson


I have a such a fun Episode for you today! Meet my friend and incredibly talented photographer, Kirsi Kilpelainen of LK Photoshoots!

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I met Kirsi in my Bootcamp Workout class and when I asked her what she did for a living I thought she would be a great person to interview. It was especially fun because we recorded it right after doing a photo shoot in my art studio.

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Kirsi is known for her Senior Portrait photography, in fact she is a Hot 100 Recipient two years in a row! “A selection of the top 100 senior photographers across the globe!” By Senior Style Guide

Kirsi shares what it’s like to run a photography business. Her background in cosmetology, formerly running an online clothing boutique, and having a degree in business, all play key factors in why her photos are so sought after!

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Just take one look at her portfolio and you can see why anyone, including myself, would want to hire her! This is a fun lighthearted interview loaded with great advice if you are someone interested in pursuing a career as a photographer!

YOU CAN LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Other places to follow Kirsi Kilpelainen

Website: LKPhotoshoots.com

Instagram: @LKPhotoshoots


August's Featured Artist - Laurie Buck

by Mari Robeson


I have such a sweet interview for you today! Introducing the incredibly talented Laurie Buck.

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I fell in love with Laurie’s florals on Instagram and became an instant fan. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate artists to share for the month of August.

I never guessed that Laurie did not receive a formal art education. In fact, she was an English teacher before becoming a self taught artist. I think this is a powerful story for those of you who would like to pursue being an artist but perhaps do not have the means or time to study formally. There are many paths to following your passion and Laurie’s creative journey is inspiring!

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Laurie also shares a sweet story about how she found her place at Art and Light Gallery. Her work is currently represented by them. Recently she had her first one woman exhibit there and she is sharing all about how she pulled it all together. It was a huge success!

I also fell in love with her charming new studio space and how she turned it into a magical place to create. She works with a few other artists there and she shares how they all support one another. Lots of great advice on this episode too!

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For the month of August Laurie is sharing 20% of the proceeds from the sale of her most popular print, ‘Sweet on You’, to the Louise Monforte Memorial Art Scholarship. Such a beautiful bouquet of happy flowers!

You can Listen & Watch the Full Episode HERE.

Follow and Support Laurie Here:

Webiste: LaurieBuckStudio

Instagram: @Laurie_Buck

Represented By: Art and Light Gallery






July's Featured Artist - Jennifer Allevato

by Mari Robeson in


I have the most beautiful Video Podcast for you today! I can’t think of a better Artist Interview to kick off Summer than with the very talented Jennifer Allevato! Not only does she create gorgeous florals, interiors, and landscapes she has some really helpful and interesting advice about she created a successful career for herself.

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In this Episode we discuss her journey starting out in costume design and then switching over to making her living as a full-time fine artist. We discuss the business side of being an artist, from having a beautiful and informative website, to using platforms such as Pinterest, to reach new collectors. We also talk about her big break in working with bloggers and how how a simple mention on the Young House Love blog helped launch her career.

Photo Credit: Anna Meyer Photo Courtesy Of Jennifer Allevato

Photo Credit: Anna Meyer Photo Courtesy Of Jennifer Allevato

Jennifer not only sells her original creations but she also licenses her work. Her art has been featured in Anthropologie, Minted, Artfully Walls and on the cover of HGTV magazine just to name a few places you may have seen this lovely and talented artist.

Photo Credit: Anna Meyer Photo Courtesy Of Jennifer Allevato

Photo Credit: Anna Meyer Photo Courtesy Of Jennifer Allevato

We also talk about her Artist In Residence at the Torpedo Factory Art Center and how that experience was for her. Of course I also had to ask about her orange kitty who she claims is a 'grumpy old man' but she loves him anyway. We end with some really helpful advice that we can all benefit from. She will inspire you to want to pick up your paint brush and start creating!

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For the Month of July, Jennifer has generously offered 20% of the proceeds of these three large original florals on paper to go to the Louise Monforte Memorial Scholarship! Aren’t they GORGEOUS?!!! You can purchase one, or all three HERE!

You can Listen & Watch the FULL EPISODE HERE

Follow & Support Jennifer Allevato here:

Website: https://jenniferallevato.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allevatojm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferAllevato

Please share these helpful videos with all your creative friends and even better I would deeply appreciate it, if you subscribed to my YouTube Channel!



June's featured Creative Entrepreneur - Lani Colhouer

by Mari Robeson


I had so much fun interviewing my good friend, Lani Colhouer, founder of Simply Clear Marketing on today’s Episode! I met Lani years ago when I had my little boutique in the Village of Arroyo Grande. She’s one of the most intelligent women I have ever met and I have enjoyed collaborating with her on many projects. For the past three years I have had the privilege of being a contributor to her gorgeous magazine.

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Under the umbrella of Simply Clear Marketing she has three divisions; digital marketing and strategies, print shelter magazines, and home exhibitions.

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As a founder of Simply Clear Marketing, Inc., Lani Colhouer is passionate about marketing and events. She was raised in the San Luis Obispo County and loves the area. Her background includes event management, advertising, marketing and sales, and exhibiting at international trade shows. She has been in the marketing industry for 20 years and loves the stories behind each business that keeps them going. A true entrepreneur, she loves to build community by helping small businesses be more innovative in their marketing strategies and implementation.

In this Episode we take a deep dive into her marketing advice specifically for artists and how they can sell their art effectively and with ease. We discuss everything from how to make the right connections to what words to actually say to close the deal. Lani has years of experience in marketing and advertising and she generously shares some very helpful advice for artists!

To receive the breakdown of what we discuss and her Free pdf of;

5 Marketing and Sales Tips for Artists, head on over to her Contact Page at SimplyClearMarking!

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Other places to Follow & Support Lani Colhouer:

Simply Clear Marketing & Media, Inc.

Office:805-772-4600

SimplyClearMarketing.com

LivingLavishlyMag.com

InspiredExpos.com


Introducing June's Featured Artist - Lena Rushing

by Mari Robeson in


Here we are already half way into the year and I have yet another super interesting Podcast Episode for you! This months Featured Artist is Contemporary, Narrative, Surreal Artist - Lena Rushing.

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I’ve known and followed Lena for many years. She is local to the Central Coast so we were able to have the interview in my studio which is always extra fun.

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Although Lena is primarily self taught her work is incredibly skilled and masterful. Whether she is crafting an intricate shadow-box or painting a surrealist image of a strong female surrounded by intriguing objects of symbolism, her work is a testimony to her boundless imagination. We talk about her experience participating in group shows and curating art events. She also shares the meaning behind many of her symbolic images and why she chose painting as a way to "compartmentalize" her emotions in that way.

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Lena is also a big believer in finding a work-life balance and staying healthy while pursuing her art. She offers great advice and really interesting ideas as well as her thoughts on living life as a full time artist. 

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For the month of June 2019, Lena is generously offering 50% of the proceeds from the sale of this gorgeous shadow box titled ‘The Deep’ to the Louise Monforte Scholarship Fund. You can view the details on her website HERE!

‘The Deep’ by Lena Rushing

‘The Deep’ by Lena Rushing

YOU CAN LISTEN & WATCH THE EPISODE HERE

Other Places you can Follow and Support Lena Rushing:

Website: LenaRushing.com

Instagram: @LenaRushing


Introducing Jane Gianarelli - April's Featured Creative - Episode 16

by Mari Robeson in


If you follow me, you probably have a love for Interior Design and Room Renderings. Well, I have a real treat for you today! Meet my friend, and fellow Italian, Jane Gianarelli! In today’s Episode we talk about how she combined her two passions of Interior Design and Fine Art into a thriving niche business!

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I have followed Jane for a long time on Instagram because I love a good room sketch! Jane’s work is so incredibly beautiful and well executed. We have similar backgrounds as Interior Designers. We discuss how there is just no way you can illustrate a room like this without understanding all the details that go into Interior Design. What she creates is a true ART-FORM and can not be replaced by a tech app! Like Jane, I too loved the rendering part of the Interior Design process (which I am now turning into larger fine art paintings) where as she has created a thriving business rendering for top Interior Designers all throughout the United States.

Credit to Shay Geyer & IBB Design

Credit to Shay Geyer & IBB Design

This is such a fun Episode and just another amazing example of how you can turn your art into an abundant and joyful day job!

YOU CAN LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE!

You can follow and support Jane Gianarelli here:

https://janegianarelli.com/

https://www.instagram.com/janegianarelli/

https://www.facebook.com/jane.gianarelli



April's Featured Artist - Aaron Christensen of Embellishments Studio - Episode 15

by Mari Robeson


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I’m so excited about this month’s Featured Artist for a couple of reasons. Introducing Aaron Christensen of Embellishments Studio! First of all, Aaron is a very good friend. We met years ago at the ABC KIDS EXPO in Las Vegas when we were both designing a lot of products for the children’s decor industry. It took about a minute to feel like we had been friends for a very long time. I was there with my BFF Stacy Axan and between the quick whit and banter of the two of them I was left in tears, laughing for hours. So it’s no surprise that his personal charm would translate easily into the gorgeous art he creates for Boys and Teen rooms.

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When I started this podcast I knew I had to have him on, not only because he’s such a wonderful creative soul, but because I’m fascinated by how he has created a profitable niche for his art. This is something I wanted to share with the younger artists out there, that finding a niche and mastering your craft in that niche, can be a very viable way to make a living as an artist.

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Aaron has designed for major retail companies such as Target, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Z Gallerie just to name a FEW! He’s also been featured on Apartment Therapy, HGTV, MTV Cribs….designed for celebrities etc…the list goes on and on! So how honored am I to have had the opportunity to pick his brain on this Episode AND even more honored that he is donating 20% of the sales from his New Rough Game Sports Collection (for the month of April) to the Louise Monforte Memorial Scholarship!!! WOW!

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Speaking of the Scholarship, I have received the applications and they are ALL SO GOOD!! I have already selected the recipient of the Dance Scholarship and I can not wait to share her story and that of the selected Visual Artist with you! Look for a future YouTube video on that! The Scholarships for 2019 will be awarded on June 4th and of course I’ll be posting about that here as well!! It’s going to be so fun to follow these young creatives on their amazing journey’s! Thank you so much for supporting this Mission to Support The ARTS!!

I hope you will really enjoy this Episode with Aaron and there is a pretty funny Bonus Episode at the end where we talk about ‘The Squirrel’ Soooo cute!

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