Celebrating this mid-winter time of Imbolc I’m amazed at how busy January has been. More than ever I am beginning this New Year firmly committed to the pursuit of happiness and connection through love and creativity. This is my wish for you as well. When I think of the time that has passed since Samhuin, the journey through the dark time of the year, it is one of art and life coming and going.

Going on a fun trip for family time at Thanksgiving, coming back with Children’s Museum germs, gratefully along with sweet grandson memories, cherished son daughter connecting and friend infusions of pure joy. It was such a treat to meet Nancy Anderson of Sweet Bird jewelry; I’ve been an admirer of her jewelry for years.

Nancy Anderson and myself at her Sweet Bird Shop

Nancy Anderson and myself at her Sweet Bird Shop

My mother in law passed away on the Winter Solstice. Gratefully she returned to the light with the Kachina escorts. It made for a sober yet focused Christmas season. One that was full of a depth of spiritual connection. What do I mean? Being sick + a funeral + looking in our hearts = what is = perfection = gratitude for being a part of it all, the all being a part of me. It’s hard to articulate. It’s about realizing that I would not be able to accept this without the support of my ancestors and other spirit helpers.

Paper Stars for the holidays

Paper Stars for the holidays

More about the coming and going: the coming home of art from Rezny Gallery after being a member for four years. There was a lot of art going out from the studio; three healing drawings of prayer sticks were purchased by UK Healthcare,

Drawings by Kathleen O'Brien for UK Healthcare, "Hawk Prayer Stick", "Sun Worship", "Turkey Feather Fan"

Drawings by Kathleen O’Brien for UK Healthcare, “Hawk Prayer Stick”, “Sun Worship”, “Turkey Feather Fan”

Drawings by Kathleen O'Brien for UK Healthcare , getting wrapped up, "Turkey Feather Fan", "Sun Worship""Hawk Prayer Stick",

Drawings by Kathleen O’Brien for UK Healthcare , wrapped in glassine, “Turkey Feather Fan”, “Sun Worship””Hawk Prayer Stick”,

twenty pieces went to Baptist Health Women’s Services for three months through the Art Connects Mobile Gallery,

One wall display of art by Kathleen O'Brien at Baptist Health Women’s Services

One wall display of art by Kathleen O’Brien at Baptist Health Women’s Services

two will travel to the state’s libraries for two years for Kentucky Arts Council’s Illustrated Word exhibit

" Choice of Words" and "Magic Square of Words"by Kathleen O'Brien for "Illustrated Word" traveling exhibit

” Choice of Words” and “Magic Square of Words”by Kathleen O’Brien for “Illustrated Word” traveling exhibit

four pieces went to Community Art Center for New Year, New Art invitational exhibit,

"Charged Space 1, 2, 3 and 4", four collages by Kathleen O'Brien for "New Year, New Art" at CAC

“Charged Space 1, 2, 3 and 4”, four collages by Kathleen O’Brien for “New Year, New Art” at CAC

four artworks went to Visions at the Capital for two months through the Kentucky Arts Council,

Details of four panels by Kathleen O'Brien for "Visions at the Capitol"

Details of four panels by Kathleen O’Brien for “Visions at the Capitol”

all three of my 12×12” panels were accepted into the New Editions Gallery for Gridworks Revisited exhibit in March, going out soon.

"Shapes 1, 2 and 3" collages by Kathleen O'Brien for "Gridworks Revisited" at New Editions Gallery

“Shapes 1, 2 and 3” collages by Kathleen O’Brien for “Gridworks Revisited” at New Editions Gallery

All the coming and going of art was the catalyst for my art storage area to get an overdue reorganizing. I took a good inventory of some special pieces that I plan to put on sale, for the next Sunwise Open Studios Celebration for April 29. Briefly, I needed to postpone the mid-winter open studio so we can visit my mom. Please feel welcome to schedule a visit before then.

Art Loft storage in Kathleen O'Brien's studio

Art Loft storage in Kathleen O’Brien’s studio