A little story for you…and an art exhibit invite! 🎨 🎉

Not long ago, I got an email from ACOR (Arts Council of Rockland) about their upcoming Poetry-Inspired Call for Art. I don’t usually perk up at call-for-entry emails, since I get quite a few—but this one? It felt like a twinkle of love from above.

If you’ve followed my work lately, you know that nearly every piece I’ve created in the past two years begins with the whisper of a poem… or a prayer. That’s how my process usually flows:
✏️ words first → meditate, let the words inspire images → sketch (on pencil or iPad) → transfer to canvas → paint on canvas.

This poetic call felt like it was written just for me.

But, the timing? Ahhh... I was juggling family stuff when the email came. Still, I made time to visit the Rockland Art Fair - I had a booth there last year, but just couldn't swing all the prep this time around, and that's ok. I wanted to go as a visitor anyway and meet the other artists there - which I did! 

So fun! I was so excited to see Gina (MyriadMirage) 🦋,my “booth buddy” from last year's show and now a dear friend. She had a table full of her handcrafted jewelry. I fell in love with a beautiful bracelet that she made from an actual stamp from Israel. I had to get it, but of course!

While at her table she introduced me to her artist-friend Julie (JuliePKlein) and we got to chatting about the call-for-art. I told her I was thinking about it, but unsure if I’d have time. Julie encouraged me to submit - it was just the nudge I needed. I'm so grateful!

Later that week, while sitting in a waiting room at an appointment, I sketched an idea on my iPad inspired by the poem. And yet again, life happened, and I put off the painting—until I got a follow-up email.

Thanks to the personal touch from Kris and Kelly at ACOR—for checking in on me—something shifted. What started as simply wanting to play with the poem and paint became something more meaningful: a desire to keep my word. It’s amazing how, when there’s a will, there’s a way. I found a pocket of time, and the painting was born.

Has anything like that ever happened to you? When you thought, there’s just no way, there’s just no time, but somehow—thanks to strength or support—you carried on? It’s a powerful feeling, isn’t it?

I went through my usual process - refine my sketch on my iPad - printed it out and transferred it by tracing the sketch onto canvas using my favorite purple pen (Pentel Energel, Violet Ink) and then painted till 2AM (acrylics) and submitted it—no expectations. 

I told myself: "Detach from the outcome." (Been practicing this a lot lately :)

And then… the email came. "My painting is in!!" 🎉

 

I called Julie immediately to let her know. She will be partaking with her art as well, and I'm super excited for her, too! Woo-hoo!

When I dropped off my little 10x10 piece—Peach Pie of My Eye—I met Dorothy Atzl Executive Director, Kelly Ruby, ACOR Program Coordinator, and artist Kris Campbell. Their warmth, passion, and effort to bring this show together… just wow. I left feeling so seen and supported, and inspired by their dedication. Shout out of gratitude to Aviva Sakolsky and Lisa D'Amico who first welcomed me into the Rockland Arts Festival - which is how I got to know and become a member of ACOR. Hugs!!

Here’s the poem that sparked the painting…

The Destiny of Peaches by: Juan Pablo Mobili

I wonder if peaches

get goose bumps

along their terciopelo skin

when they long to drip

down the chins of children.

 

Still, unable to learn

 the language of their flesh

or read the mind of their carozos,

I suspect that

they would rather ripen,

 

all flesh gone,

and wearing their skin

like an old blanket,

sink down in the soil

next to their mother.

And here, my dear, is Peach Pie of My Eye

Here’s what inspired my piece:
The poem reminded me of life’s cycles and a mother’s love. If you look closely at the pit inside the peach (hint: it’s also a womb), you’ll see new life. It could be literal, or metaphorical—like the birth of a dream, a painting, a moment. The pie? That’s life. Sweet and fleeting. But the seeds we plant? They carry on.

Whether it’s the birth of a child or a creative idea, may it all come full circle and bring us what we in Hebrew call nachat—that beautiful mix of joy and pride when what you’ve nurtured blossoms in its own beautiful way.

 

If you’re in the area, come by and say hi and take in all the poetry and art!

The reception is tomorrow,

Tuesday evening, (April 22nd) from 6:30-8:00 PM

Hidden Treasures Gallery 

Palisades Mall in West Nyack, New York, 10994

Level 1 near Macy's.

As always, thank YOU sweet friend for reading and being a heartfelt part of this journey. Your presence means more than you know.

💜 Lotsa love and blessings,