City Exploring - Day 1

This summer has been a hectic one, so I'm taking some time for myself to explore the creative and historic places of Atlanta. My goal is to recharge my artistic passion by taking in the sights and sounds of the city. This is a solo trip, so I'm taking my time to just breathe, see, and take it all in.

It all started with breakfast at Octane, and reading Kitchen Drawer.

Then I visited the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. I've been trying my best to expand my knowledge on historical events around the South, especially when it comes to civil rights.

The inside of Ebenezer Baptist Church is beautiful. It blows my mind to think about all the emotions this place has contained throughout the years.

Next up was the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum to learn about one of our former presidents. I am sad to say that I didn't know much about him at all, but after visiting the museum I'm much more well-informed. I grew quite fond of this wife, Rosalynn, after reading about her compassion and her mental health advocacy. This photo was taken in the gardens behind the center.

There is a replica of the Oval Office inside the museum. How cool is that?!

My stomach started rumbling soon after the museum visits, so I stopped in Little Five Points and ate at Elmyr. Chicken tacos and a beer! Yummy!

Other places on my to-done list is: Young Blood Boutique, Mint Gallery, Wonderroot, the Krog Street Tunnel, and 54 Columns Park.

Photos edited with the A Beautiful Mess app.

More from the ATL soon!

Crowdfunding with the Best of 'em!

Lately, I've been kicking around the idea of starting a crowdfunding campaign to help with buying supplies for the classes/workshops I want to host at my studio. I also have dreams of hosing open mic nights, artists hang-out sessions, and other super fun events there. But of course, this takes money and with the amount I've already spent on upgrading the space, my pockets are bare.

I've been watching other's Kickstarter/Indiegogo videos for inspiration and discovered that I know a few creative folks already in the middle of their own campaigns. Here they are:

My town's movie theatre needs help! My studio is located right around the corner from The Ritz. I think losing this beautiful place would be detrimental to the town square. 

My buddy Chad is always full of great ideas!

This neat place is located in a nearby town. It's a wonderful idea and I wish them the best. 

Then over here on Indiegogo is one of my favorite gals: Sage. She's amazingly gifted and creative and such a huge supporter of anything DIY. 

If you happen to have a few bucks to donate to any of these great campaigns, please do it asap. Then keep and eye out for my upcoming video in the next few weeks.
Do you have a crowdfunding project? Please share your link in the comments below!

Step by Step, Watercolor Painting

Man oh man, what did I do? Drop off the face of the blogger world? Here's to getting back into the habit!

Making Stuff and Doing Things

I spend most of my creative time working on small watercolors and listening to podcasts. I'm a big fan of WTF with Marc Maron and The Mental Illness Happy Hour. 

And here's my latest obsession: stamping on metal cuffs. It's my latest hobby. Now I'm on the look-out for neat quotes to put on bracelets!

On My Desk Wednesday

I'm using some downtime to work on a few projects that have been put on the backburner lately.