I recently took a workshop with my all time favorite photographer, Brooke Shaden. I spent the day in a room full of creatives and together we listened to her speak and did some imaginative exercises. I learned a lot that day and one of the many things I took away from my time with her was to not be afraid to put myself out there. It can be a vulnerable feeling showing your art to other people. After I left there a few things happened. 

1. I made some pretty incredible friends that day

2. I received not one, but TWO, magical hugs from Brooke! Seriously, she gives the BEST hugs.

3. I heard words that I absolutely needed to hear for growth

4. Left with an abundance of inspiration

5. Decided to create more from the heart and not be afraid to put it out into the world

6. The next day I looked up art fairs near me. The very first one that came up was called Gary Art Fest. Waaaaaaah?! Waaait, what?! That's my dad's name. My dad passed away from cancer 4 years ago. So I instantly clicked the link. Turns out it is an art fair in Gary Indiana! How cool! I go to Gary as often as possible to photograph all the beautiful abandoned buildings. This has been a hobby of mine for many years. In fact, exploring and photographing abandoned houses and buildings is one of the things that led me into photography. So, naturally, this felt like it was meant to be. I was full of motivation and inspiration from Brooke's words and the very first one that shows up in a Google search was named after my dad. I had to!!!

So that is how I came to vend at my very first art fair over the weekend in Gary, Indiana. It was a full day of meeting some incredible people, delicious food, great music, and was inspired to see so many incredible people in love with their city and dedicated to lifting it up. 

Here is a photo of me with Brooke Shaden along with two recent pieces I've done since her workshop: