From Ink to Gallery Walls: My Second Art Exhibit Experience

Walking into a gallery filled with huge, colourful works of art can feel… a little intimidating. At least, that’s how I felt at the opening night of my second art exhibit. Unlike my first exhibit — which I couldn’t attend in person because I was travelling! — this time I had the chance to be there, to stand among my fellow artists, and to watch people encounter my work for the very first time.

And that’s where the magic happened.

A Different Kind of Presence

While many of the pieces around me were bold and bursting with colour, my art spoke in a quieter voice: just ink on paper, a whimsical line drawing of a home filled with memory. To be honest, I wondered how it would hold up in a room full of showstoppers.

But what surprised me most was how many people came up to me, smiling, eyes lighting up, saying: “I can relate to this.”

That’s the beauty of drawing homes and favourite places. They’re not just buildings. They’re stories. They hold the moments, quirks, and memories that matter most. And even in a room full of large, dramatic canvases, a simple hand-drawn portrait of a familiar place has a way of pulling people in.

Where You Can See It

If you’d like to see my piece in person, the Arts Etobicoke “Territories - Home” exhibit is open until October 4th at Cloverdale Common in Cloverdale Mall. It’s a wonderful chance to explore work from many talented artists - and maybe you’ll even find yourself connecting with a favourite place on paper.

Why Exhibits Matter

Being part of an exhibit isn’t just about seeing my art on gallery walls (though that’s still a pinch-me moment!). It’s about connection… sharing my work with people who might see their own story reflected in it. It’s also about reminding myself that there’s room for all kinds of art: the bold, the quiet, the whimsical, the deeply personal.

A Thank You

To everyone who stopped by, shared a memory, or simply lingered with my piece a little longer - thank you! Your words remind me why I do this. It’s not just about ink and paper. It’s about creating a bridge back to a favourite place, a moment you want to hold onto, or a home that will always feel like yours.

Want to Follow Along?

If you’d like to hear about future exhibits, new artwork, or upcoming commission openings, I share it all in my newsletter, Ink & Heart. Think of it as a little note from my drawing table - full of stories, sketches, and updates you won’t see anywhere else.