Stone Arch Festival: An Absolute Blast & Selling a Monster (Literally!)
Before I dive into the joy, it feels important to acknowledge the heavy hearts many of us in Minnesota carried, even amidst the celebrations of Father's Day weekend. The tragic loss of State Representative Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their beloved dog Gilbert, deeply affected our community. My thoughts remain with all those impacted by such senseless violence.
Now, on to the festival itself! Okay, friends, I know I'm notoriously behind on updates, but oh my goodness, everyone! Stone Arch Festival was an absolute blast! Seriously, the weather was just perfect, and Minneapolis truly showed up and showed out. It fills my heart to bursting to see my art making so many people happy and, most importantly, smile. I really think my work ignites some deep emotion or a happy memory for folks, and that's just... everything.
Let's talk about the mini art vending machine, because WOW! Last year, it was a total sell-out, so this year, I went all out and made twice as many pieces. Guess what? SOLD OUT AGAIN! At least this time, I managed to run out right at the very end of the last day, which felt like a victory in itself! I just utterly, truly, love, love, LOVE how much fun people—young and old—have seeing what unique treasure they get when it's their turn to take a spin. You use a token, spin the knob, and out drops a surprise piece of Lumps of Clay magic! It's pure joy to watch.
But wait, there's more! I also sold freaking ZAIN!!!!! Oh my gosh, to those of you who don't know who Zain is, let me enlighten you: Zain is one of my OG monsters. He's got about 40 multi-colored eyes, he's a round monster roughly the size of a basketball, and he sports these epic Viking-like horns. I don't take Zain to many shows because he's... well, Zain. But this time, I decided it would be so much fun to bring him along.
To the incredible woman who bought Zain, THANK YOU from the bottom of my clay-covered heart. I was in shock for like, two days straight, I think! I just never truly imagined someone would fall in love with something so wonderfully different (and fun!). I really, truly hope she is enjoying Zain and I'm so thrilled she had big plans for him! That just made my whole weekend.
My husband and I left Stone Arch feeling absolutely overflowing with joy and so much love for Minneapolis. Especially being right there in the area where we used to live, it felt like coming home in the best way possible.
So, thank you, MSP! You were amazing, and we truly hope to see you next year!
