New Beginnings

I love beginnings. Of anything. I suppose by definition all beginnings are new, so my heading may be a bit overstated.

I love the hope, the feeling of endless possibilities, the expectations of something new to delight and surprise us.

We’re through the winter holidays, more or less. I still have to take down my house wreath. Please don’t judge. It’s been a busy winter. And I do like having the pretty colored lights around just a bit longer.

But spring is truly around the corner, and the garden is already stirring.

My paint order finally arrived, and I’m itchy to be in the studio!

The Mayor's Art Show is up until February 22, 2026

Regular viewing times:

• Tuesday-Friday, 12-5 p.m.
• Saturday, 12-3 p.m.
• Hult ticketholders may view the exhibition before performances

New Class Coming Soon

Another Painting Workshop is coming, so stay tuned.

Art Print Club Is Growing

Thanks to all who've signed up for my Art Print Club! The January delivery is on its way to you.

Art Print Club is a little piece of beauty and a moment of reflection in your mailbox every month. It's tiny portable art crafted with care and meant to be shared, gifted, displayed, or simply enjoyed.

You'll receive a beautiful signed art card featuring my select artwork, and a letter from me, even a fun art sticker. Delivered from my studio to your door each month for $7.

Help me spread the word. Tell a friend!

Some time ago I was back in Kansas City for a family celebration of life. While I was there I took time in one grieving day to seek refuge in my favorite old haunt in KC - the Country Club Plaza.

This is a place that has held magic and awe for me since childhood. It's a place where beauty and grace seem more important than commerce and a growth model. Time to walk slowly and marvel are more important than the day's checklist.

The Plaza design in 1922 was inspired by the grand plazas of Spain. It features beautiful Spanish Revival architecture with terracotta roofs, intricate tilework, lush courtyards. It holds sculptures and statues and fountains across its 15 block area. Even with the city pressing in on its grace, it's still beautiful.

This week's Art Backstage image is one of several quick sketches I did on this day. I don't know what this statue is called, but I call her "The Spirit of Kansas City'. Her fierce stand against the winds of life speak to me of resilience, strength and compassion. One graceful arm holds a sheaf of wheat, and the other a proud standard.

I had many happy times in KC as a child. We'd drive up for family events. My aunt and uncle somehow fit 2, 3 or even 4 young families overnight in their 3-story stone house. My aunt Lucille ran a tight but always welcoming ship. The men held forth in the family room, or out by the grill. The women all chipped in with the necessary food and cleanup, making up sleeping beds and palettes. Cousins ran around outside in kid-packs, explored secret rooms or played Monopoly in the stairwells. Sometimes we'd go to the Plaza, or take a drive on The Paseo. There was laughter and community, sometimes drama. There were fascinating stories. And always a sense of belonging. I miss the safety of those days.

As I grew up, KC represented my intense need and desire to make art. It was obviously the place where so much art and music was made. 'The Spirit of KansasCity' for me is a symbol of the good things that come and go in our lives. She stands for endless and wondrous possibility. She became my champion.

"Art Backstage" is my tiny gift to you. Each month I include a page from my art journals as high-resolution, printable (300dpi) image files for you to download and collect.

You can print them or color on them, give them out as gifts, or use them as notecards. Decorate your device or your screensaver. Or collect a handful of them over time and use them for screensavers.

​Download January's Art Backstage image here.​​

I hope she brings you some inspiration, joy and courage.

Warmest regards,

Julia