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I'm very excited to announce my new gallery representation with Gregg Irby Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia! I could not be more excited to be a part of this amazing team. 

Atlanta is a hot-spot for top-notch design. They work with many interior designers that help find the perfect artwork for the homes of their clients. Gregg Irby Gallery also has locations in Jacksonville, FL, Charlotte, NC, and coming soon to Nashville, TN. So if you live in those areas, I invite you to stop in! 

It has been a crazy journey getting here. When I think back to the past 20 years of it I get dizzy. When I think back on the past 3 months I am amazed. It has taken me 20+ years to hone my knowledge, skill and love of painting, transitioning from representational to abstract, and working in different mediums to know which is the best for me. I have spent thousands of hours and dollars on painting supplies, art classes and business courses, often doubting myself and thinking I should go get a 'real' job. But something inside kept telling me to keep doing this. I feel like I was made to create, and to paint, and to be the best artist as masterfully as I can be.

Keeping up on the business and marketing side of things is just as important as keeping on with my art mentoring group where we meet for monthly critiques. My art group consists of incredible people, all incredible artists. They have become more than my peers, they are my friends and family. I'm so blessed to have them in my life. We have a language that not many understand! It's always a lot of fun, and it's the best learning experience each and every time. 

In July 2020 (yes during COVID...am I crazy?), I began submitting my work to galleries nationwide, which I had carefully researched and placed in a spreadsheet so I could keep track of them easily. I had worked for about 2 years to get a consistent body of work together...about 20-25 pieces or so. Then I put together a digital portfolio, honed my artist bio and statement, crafted a cover letter, and started the long process of asking each gallery with a personalized letter.  After about 72 submissions, I finally got a YES! Gregg Irby Gallery emailed and wanted to know more about me and my work. That was so exciting!! After talking with them on the phone several times and getting the contracts signed, I sent in the paintings they chose. At this point, the paintings are still in transit and it's driving me crazy. The Labor Day Holiday put things on hold, but the paintings will hopefully arrive this week and then I can relax a bit. 

The next step for me is to keep on painting! It has been many weeks focusing on the business side of things, and I'm really ready to get back to my beloved oil paints. I am so excited. Next year I hope to find another gallery to work with. My goal is to be represented by 4 or 5 galleries in different markets of the U.S, plus keeping my subscribers in the loop and other goodies.

I want to give a shout-out to my other awesome gallery in Cincinnati  -- Caza Sikes Gallery -- as they have been so awesome to work with. Great people and such a fun gallery-atmosphere! Plus they have a gallery dog named Bernie who is super cute. 

Well, after all this hard work, there is more good, hard work ahead! I'm looking forward to it very much. I hope this inspires you to never give up going after your calling. 

Cheers~

Heidi

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