It’s not often that I go outside and it’s even rarer for me to do do so just to interact with others, but I had the opportunity to do both recently at my first art event: Artoberfest at Valdosta, GA.

This whole trip started with a more than 4-Hour drive across the state of Georgia to get to where I needed to be. And after driving more than 150 miles straight on a single stretch of highway I was starting to get highway hypnosis. Thankfully, my sister and I got to the hotel safely but the whole driving experience took about 10 years off my life.

Now, I could tell you about the little mishaps that occured, like the wind blowing our portfolio and prints off the table over an over but i’m trying to curb my negativity habit so i’ll move on.

Here’s what stood out to me:

• The music was awesome! (altough a little too loud at times), the singers sang beautifully.
• The organizers were friendly and helpful! There was this dude going around asking if anyone needed a hammer. And it turns out, I did, to stake my tent down. (I asked my sister to get it for me…)
• The weather was perfect. Not too cold or sweat inducing.
• I got to meet all sorts of people! It’s been a long time since I’ve communicated in that way, so I found it very refreshing. Every so often, I’d turn to my sister and say: “I love people!” “I should go out more often!” To which she’d remind me that I’m an introvert and homebody and that I actively do the opposite of that. I’m usually tired after going to eveents but I was energized after this one! So I wonder if I’ve just been going to the wrong things this whole time and finally found something I liked.

Other than that, I also exchanged art with other artists after the event was over.

I ended up getting a spoon from Bob Gronko (a woodworker from Florida) and I received a green (clay?) bowl from Julie Barnes Smith, a pottery artist.

Also i found many new artists due to my sister going around.Exchanging business cards with them all throughout the event.

I can confidently say and genuinely say that I enjoyed my time there.

I vibed, talked to people and sold some art, meaning I achieved what I went there to do.

Here are some pictures that I took :

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