Never say never! 2018 came at me hard with a cold, then flu, then bronchitis, then a hospitalization, and then my fathers heart surgery… not to mention a pipe bursting and flooding our home while we were in Pensacola by his bedside…but I decided to push back!
In March, at the age of 52, I entered my own artwork for the first time ever in a juried art show, ArtsQuest, a local event that I have been attending for more than 22 years in my home of South Walton. And, was delighted to receive an invitation to participate!
Art came naturally to me after taking classes at LSU, followed by several years of working with children in the classroom as an elementary school educator. I then began to paint when I was recovering from a near fatal head on automobile collision in 1998. I was heavily involved in the art program and spear headed the art auction when my two children attended Butler Elementary school (1999-2005). When they moved on to Seaside for middle school (2005-2008), I became involved in Via Colori, a street art project and fundraiser, and did show my a few examples of my work in a couple of small galleries no longer in existence.
My art took a back seat during their high school and college years, but after my sons move and my daughters wedding in 2017, I decided I would jump back into painting with both feet and brushes in hand! Time for me. I haven’t looked back and I am excited to see what the future holds!
You can find me, and more than 150 other talented artists, at the 30th annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival at Grand Boulevard’s Town Center THIS WEEKEND. Produced by the CAA and presented by Grand Boulevard, ArtsQuest includes a CAA Member Exhibition, live art demonstrations, continuous live music and performances, delicious food and beverage options, ImagiNation: where kids rule, and an exhibition of the Underwater Museum of Artsculptures!
ArtsQuest is a rain or shine event open to the public Saturday, May 12, 10am – 7pm and Sunday, May 13, 10 am – 5pm. A $5 donation per person is requested at the gate. A list of artists, the entertainment schedule and other details can be found online at ArtWeekSouthWalton.com.
You can find my work at susanbentonart.com and follow me on instagram at @susanbentonart.
I am touched and so thankful for all of the support and encouragement that I have already received! Thank you!!
