Last night, I was honored to be a part of the 2nd Primrose Night Market hosted by Se7enbites & Smoke & Donuts. Like the first time, it was a fantastic experience.🌟
For one thing, it's awesome to see two powerhouse restaurants join forces to create something so special. I love the fact that in addition to promoting themselves, they bring in local food trucks to highlight other chefs and create a fun culinary adventure. (I got to try a delicious Cambodian soup, a Brisket taco, Coconut hot chocolate, and passionfruit filled donut.)🍜🌮🍵🍩
From an artist's perspective, it's awesome to connect with so many kind, caring people who all want to help each other succeed. At both Primrose Market events I've gone to, I've exchanged a lot of ideas, hugs and art with the other artists. 🎨
Thx ❤️❤️❤️@artsyeryn@parkingspacesforpride@meganhernandezz@tigereggs@binks1431@and_techdesign@authenticallyabigail13
I've also learned a lot just by showing up, setting up, and staying present. I know I'm planting seeds for my future, and helping to nurture and grow a sort of community "art garden" at the same time.🌻
Beyond that, I know without a shadow of a doubt that my art is touching people and making a difference in their lives. Here's one example.🌟
Last night, a young woman from Kenya and her boyfriend came to my booth. I gave them each Positive Thought Card. 🤟
As it happened, the photo on hers was from the Bog Garden in Greensboro, NC. She was really excited because she had just been to NC to see a friend who lives in Greensboro!🌿
Her boyfriend decided to buy her a small magnetic print of "Love is Our Language." After looking at it for a few moments, she exclaimed with glee, joy and wonder, "I found Swahili!"❤️
I think it took her completely by surprise to be acknowledged in that way, to know that I - someone she just met at a random art show on an unseasonably cold Monday night - saw her and loved her before we'd ever met.❄️
As I sit here now, tears of gratitude are streaming down my face. Moments like that are exactly why I created that piece and proved to me once more that I am right where I am meant to be. ✨️
Peace - Love - Ducks
☮️❤️🐥
This is what community looks like 🌈✨
49 spaces.
49 lives.
Infinite love.
Last week I had the honor of painting one of these spaces and I am forever changed.
“Art has always been a form of resistance and healing. If they want to erase symbols of pride and acceptance, then we’ll create even more of them. This isn’t just about paint, it’s about community, visibility, and love.”
Thank you Trina Gregory 🙏🏼
Grateful to stand with so many voices, brushes, and hearts.
Because art is memory.
Art is healing.
Art is love. 💗
#colortheworldkind
One Week Ago!
The Parking Spaces Were Painted! 🤘🎨💕🤩
Here is a sample of some of my favorite murals created during the Parking Spaces for Pride event, that I was chosen to take part in! All of the artists were dedicated to creating these works of art, in the hot conditions of our Florida weather! Just like me, many of these artists were creating large scale murals and live painting for the public to see, for the very first time ! I am so honored to be part of this group who committed themselves to spread joy, positivity and creativity at this event! It was a joy to meet and chat with many of the other artists and I hope we are able to stay connected here and support each others future artistic endeavors! I can’t wait to see the public’s reaction to the hard work and positivity we were able to create for this event! (If I missed your page tag I am still trying to find everyone haha)
The public attendees were able to choose their favorite parking space murals, and the top 5 favorites were announced. These 5 artists get an automatic spot to return again next year and create a new parking lot space design! We hope this project will become an annual event for the Orlando community!
I walked away from this day overfilled with Joy, and Passion for my artistic and Orlando community! I hope the many people who visit these spaces for the next year can feel what the artists felt on this day of creativity and community!
💕🤘🎨
#parkingspacesforpride #prideart #protestart #communityart #muralist #muralartists #orlandoart #orlandoartcommunity ##orlando #orlandoflorida #orlandofl #loveoverhate
So grateful that my gorgeous chicken @alan_loves_world sent some love to the city of Orlando, @se7enbites and @parkingspacesforpride - his message is important and we all need to show more love in this world. Be kind. Be loving. Be human. Thank you Alan ♥️🐣
This piece is a celebration of uniqueness and unity!
Each petal is different, yet together they form a perfect whole. I freehanded the flower so each petal would land exactly where it was meant to be. Its vibrant colors and varied shapes are designed to spark joy and a smile for anyone passing by. I made it horizontal so it greets you when stepping out of your car! This flower is for absolutely everyone to enjoy.
It all began when I saw a call for artists online just days before the deadline. I thought it was exciting, but with no experience, no idea of materials, and no chance (I thought), I didn’t apply. A couple of days passed and they were still accepting submissions, I kept imagining what I’d do and I had an idea. I finally reached out for information, thinking at least I’d know for next time. The next day I did a quick sketch of the flower I wanted to do and explained my color ideas. I didn’t expect to be chosen, but I was! I was so excited but terrified, I had no idea how I was going to make this happen.
I researched, invested in paints and loads of tools, and I even had to cancel commitments like the farmers market. That was tough, I hate having to make those decisions when I want to be in 2 places at once but I’m grateful for Jenn and my Clermont community. She is always so kind and supportive and everyone always cheers me on even if it means I can’t be there with them.
On Sunday we taped and primed (thank goodness for my parents and friends, getting it even was tricky!). That night I felt excited and terrified, but Monday brought joy, support, and such a welcoming atmosphere.
I had only a loose plan to freehand the flower and trust the colors. With my parents help and encouragement all around, I finished on time despite the challenges. It was demanding, but I learned so much. The kindness of everyone from snacks and water to genuine encouragement made the experience so enjoyable.
In the end, the piece became more than art. It’s a symbol of unity and joy, showing how our differences can create something beautiful. I’m so grateful for the journey, the connections, and everyone who made it possible. I’m proud of us and can’t wait for what’s next! 🧡
#TinyRainbowsEverywhere 🌈
@se7enbites | 📍Orlando, FL
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Congrats to the @parkingspacesforpride team on a beautiful first event. 👏 Thank you for providing this space for the community! 🫶
As the world tries to mute and dim our colors, we continue to come back brighter and bolder than ever. A huge thank you to @se7enbites and @cheftrinamgregory for this event. Out of thousands of submissions, I was honored to be painting (and sweating) alongside this talented group bringing the love back to Orlando one brush stroke at a time ❤️🍊💛💚💙💜 #ParkingSpacesForPride #OrlandoStrong #FloridaPride #Pride #LoveIsLove
@parkingspacesforpride was such a wonderful event! 🏳️🌈💖 It was truly an honor to be a part of the community’s response to the Pulse crosswalk being covered up. Big thanks to @se7enbites for putting together an amazing time for the community, and an even bigger thanks to @whoismacdesol and @ohthehorror22 for recommending me for spot #15 :)
And ofc, shout out to Kyle for helping me fill in the purple part of the rainbow 💘 #steadyhand #steadyman
These 49 parking spaces will be around for a whole year, so don’t forget to stop by Se7en Bites for delicious food and unparalleled atmosphere.
I love you, Orlando ♥️🧡💛💚💙💜
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#parkingspacesforpride #pride #se7enbites #rainbow #pulsecrosswalk #pulse #orlandostrong #communityresponse #communitycare #community #babyblue #blue #sunflower #flowers #lightening #love #lovewins #protest #change
Coming together to make a beautiful space for all. @hanaleishaveice@beezer_eats@royalttapas@melted.smoke@cheftrinamgregory@se7enbites@msgraceskettlecorn@pekopeko.orl@hanaleishave we love that we have all come together to support ART its all about the ART in Artist. And we love these 48 who gave of their time, commitment and financial support to paint their spaces from their hearts to the pavement #parkingspacesforpride #pride #orlando #murals #art #artist #orlandoart #orlandoartists #orlandoflorida #orl #dto #se7enbites
