Happy Valentine's Day

Greetings Artists! 
2026 has gotten off to a brisk start and with Valentine's Day approaching, it is sure to warm up. February invites us to slow down, to look more closely, and to remain present. It is a great time to spread the love and enjoy the small moments with family and friends.
Does the artwork in your mind seem more real to you than the pieces you have completed? I recently read Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland for an art book club. This book is chockfull of tips on how to approach art making. It helps answer these 3 questions: What is your art about? Where is it going? and What stands in the way of getting it there? I highly recommend it. Now let's make some art. 
Bradley Hayes, our new webmaster is back. 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. 
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Here’s what’s happening now in our BE community:
1. As of April 2023, Cathy Loos became a resident of New Smyrna Beach (NSB), Florida. .NSB is a vibrant art community, and it is situated just off of the Atlantic Ocean about one half hour below (south) Daytona Beach. It is home to the 50th annual “Images” and 64th annual “Art Fiesta.” We also have several working artists communities where we can learn additional artistic skills and communicate with like-minded people.I recently joined Urban Sketchers Daytona Beach (Face Book). Our group is brand new, and I am thoroughly enjoying our outings. 2. Nancy Van Ness' artwork is on Charish. She has great sales success with this shopping site. Check it out at https://www.chairish.com/search?q=van+ness .
3. Kathy Corey's painting, "Flames of the Garden Muse" is now on display at The Key West Studios for the Anne McKee Artists Fund Fine Art Auction which will be held on Friday, February 27, 2028.4. 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!5 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/
6. The last week to see 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.
7. 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 happy Valentine's Day!
Warmly,
Kathy