Exactly A Year Ago

A year ago today, I was born into the art world. I was always meant to be a part of it.

It was just like any other day. But looking back now, I suddenly believe in fate. That somehow people end up where they're supposed to be. Do what they're supposed to do. Be who they're supposed to be.

Life is this crazy adventure, and somewhere along the way, some beautiful people got the notion that they could live it any way they want. With passion and vision and creativity and innovation. It's infectious. It seeps through your skin and absorbs into your bloodstream. It happens slowly, but you realize one day your heart has changed. And now the only thing that keeps it beating is art. You breath it in and breath it out, and the world makes sense.

The dream is big. So big you can't hold on to it. You have to chase it just to see what it will turn into. It's the most impossible thing, but it's the only thing left. In the last year, I've been privileged to meet and work with so many inspired Flagstaff artists who have sprinted after their dreams.

Dave McGraw and Mandy Fer believed in their music so much that they left home for a nation-wide tour to promote their recently released album, Seed of a Pine. They sold out several cities.

Steve Schaeffer created a space for contemporary ceramicists to explode. Across the Divide Art Exhibition has been years in the making. It provides a unique opportunity for non-traditional artists to showcase their incredible talent. (And it's showing at the Coconino Center for the Arts through July 28!)

Anam Cara Dixon is 14-years-old and already has multiple demo CDs, which include original compositions. She's played every tiny restaurant and bar in town; her name is quickly rising in the community. She is a remarkably sweet personality, and she is full of fierce determination.

Matt Beaty and Dano Gruen are set to open Studio 204 on July 6 at the First Friday ArtWalk. Their mission is simple: “Providing workspace for photographers to create, collaborate and grow.” And you'll never meet a funner group of crazies. 

Becky Daggett grew so desperately attached to her character, Zelda, that she performed an encore of the Last Flapper (due to popular demand) after she won the 2012 Viola Award for Performing Arts (which she also emceed). She so hardheartedly supports the arts that it's difficult to find an event she's not involved with.

Just to name a few. To these, and all the other fabulous visionaries (and there are hundreds): thank you for the best year of my life. Art inspires art. And Flagstaff, you inspire me to muster up the courage to follow my dreams. Then fight like hell to make them come true.