89 Clouds

As we bid farewell to another calendar year, it's a wonderful time to reflect on the moments that have shaped our lives, and I'm excited to share some highlights from my journey with all of you. This year has been a tapestry of experiences, a blend of joyous celebrations and unexpected opportunities that have truly made it unforgettable.

A Homecoming Wedding: An Epic Celebration

Miranda and Dillon Kelley

The year kicked off with one of the most significant celebrations – hosting my daughter's wedding at our home. The air was filled with love, laughter, and the unmistakable magic that comes with uniting two souls. It was an epic affair, a day etched in our family's memory as a testament to love, togetherness, and the beauty of beginnings.

Artistry Unleashed: From Residency to Solo Show

On the artistic front, the culmination of my artist residency at the White Buffalo Land Trust’s Jalama Canyon Ranch was marked by a solo show, "To Feast On Clouds," at Sullivan Goss Gallery. The thrill of seeing my creations on display was surpassed only by the unexpected joy of receiving notes and pictures from clients who welcomed my paintings into their homes. To each one of you who shared this journey with me, thank you for making my art a part of your world.

The Sweet Surprise of New Beginnings

As projects wind down, there's often a looming emotional slump. But life had a sweet surprise in store for me. Brian Schwabecher, El Presidente of Old Spanish Days 2024, extended an invitation that opened a new chapter – painting the 100 Year Anniversary Poster for Santa Barbara's Fiesta celebration. Delving into the archives to unearth a century of Fiesta history has been a fascinating exploration, and I can't wait to bring the essence of this celebration to life on canvas. Viva La Fiesta!

Circa 1998, Children’s Fiesta Parade, starring my daughter and son and 2 nieces.

Balancing Struggles with Gratitude: The Best Thing Ever!

Life, of course, comes with its share of struggles and disappointments. Yet, as I look back, I am reminded that those moments shouldn't overshadow the joy that accompanies the good. Each blessing, big or small, has been a cause for exclaiming, "the best thing ever!" A gratitude list has been my anchor, allowing me to revisit those victories and relive the joy they brought.

As we step into a new year, let's carry forward the spirit of celebration, gratitude, and an openness to the unexpected. Here's to embracing the highs and lows, to creating, to connecting, and to finding joy in every corner of our worlds.

Thank you for being a part of my journey. May the coming year be filled with new milestones, shared moments, and an abundance of reasons to exclaim, "the best thing ever!"

Cheers,

Holli Harmon

The biennial Crocker-Kingsley exhibition continues a tradition that began in 1926 through a collaboration between the Crocker Art Museum and the Kingsley Art Club. Established in 1892 by fifteen Sacramento women, the Kingsley Art Club supports arts and culture in the community. Since then, the exhibition has become a national juried competition hosted by Blue Line Arts.

This year marks the 81st Crocker-Kingsley exhibition, a show that attracts emerging and established artists. Past Crocker-Kingsley exhibitors include many of the premier names in California art, including Robert Arneson, Kathryn Uhl Ball, Elmer Bischoff, Fred Dalkey, David Gilhooly, Ralph Goings, Gregory Kondos, Roland Petersen, Mel Ramos, Ruth Rippon, Fritz Scholder, Jerald Silva, and Wayne Thiebaud. 

This year, more than 2,428 entries were submitted for consideration, from which juror Emma Saperstein, Chief Curator and Director of Education at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA), selected 134 for display at Blue Line Arts in Roseville.