"Doomtown" lands at the Smithsonian Affiliate Atomic Museum

May was an unusually busy month and it was the first taste of what it might feel like to have the schedule of a full-time artist.  While my solo show was running I was commuting to Gallery 825 at least twice a week.  There were private showings, my first artist Q&A organized by the gallery, and also my turn to be the critiqued artist in my crit group (since I already had everything hanging!).  While Hollywood traffic at any hour is never a good time, I was absolutely enjoying every single second of it.

The solo show wrapped on the 19th, the day after my birthday, and it took two long days to deconstruct the room, repaint the gallery walls and pack up the furniture and remaining art.  

There was still more to do because "Fly Me" was chosen for the MOAH: CEDAR 38th Annual All-Media Juried Art show and they were kind enough to hold a spot for me until my show closed.   The drop-off day was paired with another very important drop-off planned in Las Vegas the following day.  

Why Vegas?  Well, once my solo show press release was written I sent it off to the curator at The Atomic Museum in Las Vegas and invited him to the opening to see my piece called "Doomtown".  "Doomtown" is my ridiculous commemoration of the 1950s fake town that was built by the Federal Civil Defense Administration just to see what an atomic bomb would do it.  Logistically it was not feasible for him to attend the opening but the result of this invitation was him extending an invitation to hang my piece at the museum.   The Atomic Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and to say that this was a thrill for me is a wild understatement.  Is there a more perfect audience for "Doomtown" and could there possibly be a bigger honor to have it displayed at the entrance of this beautiful, historical museum?  

Well, what topped it was the Instagram post that The Atomic Museum (A Smithsonian Affiliate - I had to say it again!) shared to announce the moment.  

What?  Did they really call "Doomtown" a masterpiece?!   Honestly, I still can't believe this has happened.    

Ok, so the final thing that made this month so very special was that back on May 22, 1993, I got married in Las Vegas to my boyfriend of five years. Who would have known that 30 years later not only would I be back in Las Vegas celebrating the anniversary of a long-term partnership but also toasting a major highlight of a new career?  

Cheers!