Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Artists! 
As we welcome 2026, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the achievements and challenges of 2025 and look ahead with inspiration and creativity. I'd like to welcome Bradley Hayes, our new webmaster. Please reach out to him at [email protected] or by text at (858) 243-6929 or me at [email protected] or (314) 494-9543. His website expertise is a wonderful addition to BE. Beginning with the return of the monthly email, my aspiration is that this monthly email and the BE Website will be your connection to the BE community for news, artist spotlights, tips, and opportunities to connect with fellow creatives. 

Here’s what’s happening now in our BE community:

1. Spirit of the Trees: A Group Exhibition curated by Mel Watkin features artist Maria Ojascastro. The show runs from January 16 through April 12, 2026, at Red Gate Gallery, 6501 Wydown Blvd, St. Louis, MO. Don’t miss it!

2. Maria Ojascastro’s artwork "Yellow Shadow" will grace the cover of the new poetry book *A Moth Collection* by Anna Ojascastro Guzon, now available for pre-order. You can learn more and place your order here: https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/a-moth-collection-by-anna-ojascastro-guzon/

3. Kathy Corey’s painting "Herons Watch" is currently on display in the juried exhibition Shadow & Light: Island Contrast at the Key West Museum of Art & History. This show, running from December 3, 2025, to February 15, 2026, explores the contrasts of shadow and light throughout the Florida Keys’ unique environment across various mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil, sculpture, pottery, and mixed media.

4. Also, look out for Kathy Corey in The Connections Project: A Mosaic of the Keys 2026. This exciting initiative by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts will spotlight visual and performing artists at 10 “pop-up” events across the county, showcasing nearly 150 canvases by Keys artists alongside live music performances.

We encourage you to share your news and updates with us. Your stories, exhibitions, and achievements strengthen our community and inspire one another. Please send your artwork submissions and news regarding exhibitions to keep us all connected and informed.

Please share your news, exhibitions, or exciting projects  so we can feature you on the website and social media. Together, we can celebrate the creative spirit that drives our community forward.

Wishing you all a creative and fulfilling 2026!


Warmly,
Kathy