Looking back on SLOpoke 2025
When I was accepted into SLOpoke, my first juried art exhibit, I felt both thrilled and intimidated. I decided to bring a mix of everything I love to create — scratchboard drawings, oil and acrylic paintings, charcoal, colored pencil, and pastel work. I wanted to see what would resonate.
What surprised me most was how people connected with my scratchboard art. Viewers leaned in close, fascinated by the fine lines and deep contrasts. Their enthusiasm opened my eyes — this was the medium where my voice felt clearest.
Another unexpected gift from SLOpoke was the people I met there. I made some truly interesting artist friends, and I loved talking with them about their work, their lives, and what inspires them. Those conversations were full of laughter, insight, and encouragement — a real sense of connection that went beyond the art itself. I’m grateful that we’ve stayed in touch, sharing updates and cheering each other on long after the show ended.
Since SLOpoke, I’ve focused on creating more Western-themed scratchboard art, adding two new animal portraits and even experimenting with color scratchboard for the first time. Each piece teaches me something new about light, texture, and patience.
That first exhibit didn’t just show my work — it showed me a new direction. Now, as I prepare for more juried shows, I’m using everything I learned there to refine my craft, trust my instincts, and keep chasing the spark that scratchboard ignited in me. More than anything, SLOpoke reminded me that art isn’t just about creating — it’s about connecting. The friendships and inspiration I found there continue to shape my path as much as the art itself.
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