![Last week we installed our artwork in the lobby of Penn National Insurance [2 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101]. This exhibition features thirteen of our original acrylic, mixed media, and oil on canvas artworks which are all part of a Community Exhibition through the Art Association of Harrisburg. The exhibition will be on display through the end of April 2026; so, be sure to check it out while you're there!
In the lobby from left to right [upon entering from the front doors] are: "Darkness Can Make You Feel So Small," "No, This Is Not The End," "Sunset Slurred & Scrambled," "Fiery Phoenix of Five," "Helluva Horizon," "Painted Praise Series I:VI Rebirth," "Sea Salmagundi: Surge, Surf & Sky," "Hold Onto Your Hope," "It Pisses God Off If You Walk By…," "Beyond Barren Branches," "Stepping Out Into A New Territory," "Dragon Dance," and "Boogeyman Belts The Blues." All the artworks mentioned that are part of this exhibition are available for sale by calling the Art Association of Harrisburg!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreia6avtrqhgzqwlvo5vbnqtppkp57326ninvqt763im77sufk3zmnm)
Last week we installed our artwork in the lobby of Penn National Insurance [2 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101]. This exhibition features thirteen of our original acrylic, mixed media, and oil on canvas artworks which are all part of a Community Exhibition through the Art Association of Harrisburg. The exhibition will be on display through the end of April 2026; so, be sure to check it out while you're there!
In the lobby from left to right [upon entering from the front doors] are: "Darkness Can Make You Feel So Small," "No, This Is Not The End," "Sunset Slurred & Scrambled," "Fiery Phoenix of Five," "Helluva Horizon," "Painted Praise Series I:VI Rebirth," "Sea Salmagundi: Surge, Surf & Sky," "Hold Onto Your Hope," "It Pisses God Off If You Walk By…," "Beyond Barren Branches," "Stepping Out Into A New Territory," "Dragon Dance," and "Boogeyman Belts The Blues." All the artworks mentioned that are part of this exhibition are available for sale by calling the Art Association of Harrisburg!
![Last week we installed our artwork in the lobby of Penn National Insurance [2 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101]. This exhibition features thirteen of our original acrylic, mixed media, and oil on canvas artworks which are all part of a Community Exhibition through the Art Association of Harrisburg. The exhibition will be on display through the end of April 2026; so, be sure to check it out while you're there!
In the lobby from left to right [upon entering from the front doors] are: "Darkness Can Make You Feel So Small," "No, This Is Not The End," "Sunset Slurred & Scrambled," "Fiery Phoenix of Five," "Helluva Horizon," "Painted Praise Series I:VI Rebirth," "Sea Salmagundi: Surge, Surf & Sky," "Hold Onto Your Hope," "It Pisses God Off If You Walk By…," "Beyond Barren Branches," "Stepping Out Into A New Territory," "Dragon Dance," and "Boogeyman Belts The Blues." All the artworks mentioned that are part of this exhibition are available for sale by calling the Art Association of Harrisburg!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreibnnl2rmsbzmxauifwyn7k7xkkz6uvcqzsbxjt3z7l42fz5hepaxa)
Last week we installed our artwork in the lobby of Penn National Insurance [2 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101]. This exhibition features thirteen of our original acrylic, mixed media, and oil on canvas artworks which are all part of a Community Exhibition through the Art Association of Harrisburg. The exhibition will be on display through the end of April 2026; so, be sure to check it out while you're there!
In the lobby from left to right [upon entering from the front doors] are: "Darkness Can Make You Feel So Small," "No, This Is Not The End," "Sunset Slurred & Scrambled," "Fiery Phoenix of Five," "Helluva Horizon," "Painted Praise Series I:VI Rebirth," "Sea Salmagundi: Surge, Surf & Sky," "Hold Onto Your Hope," "It Pisses God Off If You Walk By…," "Beyond Barren Branches," "Stepping Out Into A New Territory," "Dragon Dance," and "Boogeyman Belts The Blues." All the artworks mentioned that are part of this exhibition are available for sale by calling the Art Association of Harrisburg!
![Last week we installed our artwork in the lobby of Penn National Insurance [2 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101]. This exhibition features thirteen of our original acrylic, mixed media, and oil on canvas artworks which are all part of a Community Exhibition through the Art Association of Harrisburg. The exhibition will be on display through the end of April 2026; so, be sure to check it out while you're there!
In the lobby from left to right [upon entering from the front doors] are: "Darkness Can Make You Feel So Small," "No, This Is Not The End," "Sunset Slurred & Scrambled," "Fiery Phoenix of Five," "Helluva Horizon," "Painted Praise Series I:VI Rebirth," "Sea Salmagundi: Surge, Surf & Sky," "Hold Onto Your Hope," "It Pisses God Off If You Walk By…," "Beyond Barren Branches," "Stepping Out Into A New Territory," "Dragon Dance," and "Boogeyman Belts The Blues." All the artworks mentioned that are part of this exhibition are available for sale by calling the Art Association of Harrisburg!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreic4tls4nubdfzc3sl2wkerthvtjdynkazed2bb2kyzreq72yddw6e)
Last week we installed our artwork in the lobby of Penn National Insurance [2 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101]. This exhibition features thirteen of our original acrylic, mixed media, and oil on canvas artworks which are all part of a Community Exhibition through the Art Association of Harrisburg. The exhibition will be on display through the end of April 2026; so, be sure to check it out while you're there!
In the lobby from left to right [upon entering from the front doors] are: "Darkness Can Make You Feel So Small," "No, This Is Not The End," "Sunset Slurred & Scrambled," "Fiery Phoenix of Five," "Helluva Horizon," "Painted Praise Series I:VI Rebirth," "Sea Salmagundi: Surge, Surf & Sky," "Hold Onto Your Hope," "It Pisses God Off If You Walk By…," "Beyond Barren Branches," "Stepping Out Into A New Territory," "Dragon Dance," and "Boogeyman Belts The Blues." All the artworks mentioned that are part of this exhibition are available for sale by calling the Art Association of Harrisburg!
![Last week we installed our artwork in the lobby of Penn National Insurance [2 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101]. This exhibition features thirteen of our original acrylic, mixed media, and oil on canvas artworks which are all part of a Community Exhibition through the Art Association of Harrisburg. The exhibition will be on display through the end of April 2026; so, be sure to check it out while you're there!
In the lobby from left to right [upon entering from the front doors] are: "Darkness Can Make You Feel So Small," "No, This Is Not The End," "Sunset Slurred & Scrambled," "Fiery Phoenix of Five," "Helluva Horizon," "Painted Praise Series I:VI Rebirth," "Sea Salmagundi: Surge, Surf & Sky," "Hold Onto Your Hope," "It Pisses God Off If You Walk By…," "Beyond Barren Branches," "Stepping Out Into A New Territory," "Dragon Dance," and "Boogeyman Belts The Blues." All the artworks mentioned that are part of this exhibition are available for sale by calling the Art Association of Harrisburg!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreigpjwjthdq7cye6vexjvvui34j4l5akbheiamdruwkyxdgw4leujm)
Last week we installed our artwork in the lobby of Penn National Insurance [2 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101]. This exhibition features thirteen of our original acrylic, mixed media, and oil on canvas artworks which are all part of a Community Exhibition through the Art Association of Harrisburg. The exhibition will be on display through the end of April 2026; so, be sure to check it out while you're there!
In the lobby from left to right [upon entering from the front doors] are: "Darkness Can Make You Feel So Small," "No, This Is Not The End," "Sunset Slurred & Scrambled," "Fiery Phoenix of Five," "Helluva Horizon," "Painted Praise Series I:VI Rebirth," "Sea Salmagundi: Surge, Surf & Sky," "Hold Onto Your Hope," "It Pisses God Off If You Walk By…," "Beyond Barren Branches," "Stepping Out Into A New Territory," "Dragon Dance," and "Boogeyman Belts The Blues." All the artworks mentioned that are part of this exhibition are available for sale by calling the Art Association of Harrisburg!
Downtown Display -
#artwork #acrylic #mixedmedia #oilpainting #abstract #abstractart #abstractartist #abstractpainting #communityexhibit #communityexhibition #artassociationofharrisburg #harrisburg #harrisburgpa #pennnational #pennnationalinsurance #harrisburgartist #controlledchaos #craigscanvases
![Nothing that's been ripped from your nightmares or objects to be superstitious about today! This is your reminder today's the final day to enter our March 2026 Compliments of Craig; so, be sure to share 'Lucky' with us before midnight tonight: Friday, March 13, 2026! You're still eligible to enter by commenting on this post, emailing craigscanvases@gmail.com, text / direct messaging, or somehow sending us 'Lucky' [defined as having, bringing, or resulting from good luck] as a photo, meme, gif, emoji, bitmoji, etc. [Note: Post reactions do not count toward the prize drawing; but, please know we appreciate them].
Remember it's whatever 'Lucky' [a throwback Britney Spears moment, a rabbit's foot, a horseshoe, a four-leaf clover, an amulet, a mushroom, a coin, a charm, crossed fingers, or whatever lucky is or looks like to you]- you need to get it to us! All entries must be received before midnight on Friday, March 13, 2026. Each person who sends something will receive a confirmation that their entry was received. We'll get in contact with the winner to get them their March winnings, Compliments of Craig, before announcing it across social media!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreiaxltj4gnfznl74xy23rxw2tegjg5oqj7vh24nkqw3aankqgdzlpa)
![Weekly Wednesday Wisdom -
"If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own backyard. Because if it isn't there, I never really lost it to begin with." - Dorothy Gale [Judy Garland] in The Wizard of Oz
A portion of the quote above was utilized for the title of today's featured artwork, "Further Than My Own Backyard" is a 12x16" Mixed Media on Paper completed in February 2026. The original artwork is available for sale at https://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/further-than-my-own-backyard
Please Note: This image may look familiar as we shared in about a month and a half ago with a post relating to it being in its work-in-progress state. At that time it was just pen-and-ink with watercolor washes defining the areas; but, has since been completed.
Artist's Statement / Backstory: In the January posting I noted, 'You'll be able to see this finished artwork with more watercolor, oil pastel, colored pencil, and/or marker!' Thankfully it is completed and on a day sooner, rather than later! The overall composition is the same; although, areas have been more well defined, values added, and the artwork completed with more watercolor, colored pencil, and marker. As I sat working on this piece, I was originally drawn to do something more yoga-based with 'heart center.' As I spent more time with it, I continued to feel pulled toward the Wizard of Oz which ultimately won out for the title instead! Quick Preview: We're not neglecting paying homage to yogas as yoga's going to be featured in a big way very soon; so, stay tuned!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreib4h5s7eweys5gbjixkkuo6la2bn2y5be2aveclhy7jcxui2q2kjy)
![Next Sunday will be Daylight Savings Time and our March Cocktails & Canvases Event! Everyone's favorite mixing of alcohol and acrylics, Cocktails & Canvases, will be occurring on Sunday, March 08, 2026 starting at 3:00 PM in The Brownstone Lounge [412 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102]. We will be featuring our "Springtime Sparks" artworks; however, you can use your creativity to create any artwork you would like to make as your own!
As always, everyone is welcome; which includes everyone's skill set! Painting experience isn’t required for this event; so, come learn, have fun, a couple drinks, and leave with your own original artwork!! If you don't want to come by yourself, you can always invite a friend or buy a ticket for them at https://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/03-08-cocktails-and-canvases or one of our 2026 Gift Certificates available at https://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/2026-gift-certificate
We can't wait to see what everyone paints and we'll see you there!!!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreihjtpprbxjeo7izgqp4oyb5idamkbu3or7v5l53nc4pludbayfpou)
![Our first scheduled session for Creative Arts in 2026 was cancelled due to snow; but, thankfully the rain, snow, and mix of wintry precipitation held off long enough yesterday that it wasn't two in a row! This was the first time in over three months that we were able to create an artwork as part of a worship service. [The canvas was initially prepared for last month with the accompanying sketch from January's rehearsal].
We're so thankful for our ability and to share our artwork with The Journey Church community. It feels like it's been too long since we were part of worship; but, we know there will be more coming up in the near future! Speaking of the future, we'll be sharing the artwork [and probably the sketch too] in the coming weeks; so, stay tuned for that! In the meantime we hope you're staying safe and warm with our most recent Snowy Sunday into Monday!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreieaujjxdjsywcxp2oui22htst7cubdh6eupneee7p7pc4xsgd5f3y)
![The weather is unpredictable; yet, people get paid money to do it! The last time we were to be creating an artwork as part of worship we got snow and there's more forecasted for this Sunday; so, who knows?!?! We're going about pretending like we're not going to get snowed in [or at least as not as much snow as the last time] so that we'll have service this week!
The details are that we are scheduled to be part of the Worship Team this coming Sunday, February 22, 2026 at both the 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM Services. You're [who are reading this posting] are welcome to attend those services held at The Journey Church located at 750 South 29th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Ultimately if you can't make it and/or the weather doesn't work in our favor; more will be forthcoming in 2026 and/or we'll share all the artwork we create with you here on social media, too!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreicge5v2acj76gtss7lpobzvi73ie22wefqra5ge4wmgcn73zfzsha)
![“Life is a garden, not a road. We enter and exit through the same gate. Wandering, where we go matters less than what we notice.” ― Kurt Vonnegut, Cat’s Cradle
The title for today's featured artwork is pulled directly from the first sentence of the quote above, "Life Is A Garden, Not A Road!" is a 12x12" Colored Pencil on Paper from February 2026. [The original artwork is available @ https://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/life-is-a-garden-not-a-road] This artwork has been in a sketchbook, with about half a dozen partially completed works, that we've recently began working to get completed! Most of them were started in the latter portion of 2025 and were left to sit as other things for the holiday season took precedence. In cleaning things up to get ready for some changes in the studio, we rediscovered the book and have recently set about getting all the artworks completed.
Artist's Statement / Backstory: This artwork was started next to a sketch for an artwork that has already been turned into a painting. We started with the bright lime green to define some areas and then began adding in a few other colors. As we worked we realized there was an area that took the form of a bird, another had a sort of mountain outline, and one other space that looked like some wings. It's always amazing the way the free-form lines of our subconscious create familiar objects and shapes. This was a fun piece to start and stop as the colors we used last fall seemed even brighter and more vibrant during the dull winter days. The next problem to address would be a title; but, when we stopped for lunch one day last week a dear friend posted the quote you see above and that's how it all came to be!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreief7m5y6kxpbikwhscffj2rivzla3wf75qidn4pfzgzb77b2iwp3u)
![We never shared with all of you our Compliments of Craig January winner and we just recently drew our February 2026 winner! Today's a double-feature post as we're happy to Congratulate Barb Yarosh as our January 2026 Winner & Corey Lau as our February 2026 Winner! Barb received one of our Winter Bundle Boxed Card Sets and Corey received one of our Heart Bundle Boxed Card Sets! Both sets feature five different card images from our collection of blank note / greeting cards [available from our website].
If you missed this Compliments of Craig Giveaway Prize Contest Extraordinaire; no worries, we'll be having another one coming up next month! If you're someone who likes to be in the know and/or plan ahead; we announce our next prize window ahead of time in our monthly Newsletter! Our February publication will be sent out later this week; so, you can mark your calendars early!!! If you're not already receiving it; please let us know, we'll get you signed up for our once monthly communication!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreihf7ejr3wgmfiwexipdpeuadljf6idhl52mnvvb42hqpzuy4bpmgq)
![Skillful SuperBowl Sunday -
Last Sunday was our February 2026 Cocktails & Canvases Event held in The Brownstone Lounge!! We're so happy to continue being Harrisburg's gayest paint & drink monthly event; where we embark on our adventures in alcohol and acrylics to create some amazing artwork!!! We had three of our artworks on hand as inspiration; but, most chose to find inspiration elsewhere and that's part of what makes for a great event! At the end of the afternoon, each person put their own aesthetics and imagination into an artwork that's truly one-of-a-kind!!!
Mark your calendars to join us for the next Cocktails & Canvases; to be held on Sunday, March 08, 2026 starting at 3:00 PM at The Brownstone Lounge [412 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102]. Registration for the event is currently discounted to $25 and available to be purchased for you and your crew at http://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/03-08-cocktails-and-canvases
Our March theme will be "Springtime Sparks;" as we'll be gathering on Daylight Savings Time a.k.a. 'Spring Forward.' Hopefully you'll be ready for some Spring blooms and to paint them or whatever else you might dream up!
We'll see you there!!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreid5niy37cp3biwm6hf3dfwfi764kduw4c37wzqfrhj43fd4hohf6a)
![Skillful SuperBowl Sunday -
Last Sunday was our February 2026 Cocktails & Canvases Event held in The Brownstone Lounge!! We're so happy to continue being Harrisburg's gayest paint & drink monthly event; where we embark on our adventures in alcohol and acrylics to create some amazing artwork!!! We had three of our artworks on hand as inspiration; but, most chose to find inspiration elsewhere and that's part of what makes for a great event! At the end of the afternoon, each person put their own aesthetics and imagination into an artwork that's truly one-of-a-kind!!!
Mark your calendars to join us for the next Cocktails & Canvases; to be held on Sunday, March 08, 2026 starting at 3:00 PM at The Brownstone Lounge [412 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102]. Registration for the event is currently discounted to $25 and available to be purchased for you and your crew at http://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/03-08-cocktails-and-canvases
Our March theme will be "Springtime Sparks;" as we'll be gathering on Daylight Savings Time a.k.a. 'Spring Forward.' Hopefully you'll be ready for some Spring blooms and to paint them or whatever else you might dream up!
We'll see you there!!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreiaixek7jxgwlg3rk743km3uvh66mgh3s67l42g2jhiphskdcqtlpq)
![Skillful SuperBowl Sunday -
Last Sunday was our February 2026 Cocktails & Canvases Event held in The Brownstone Lounge!! We're so happy to continue being Harrisburg's gayest paint & drink monthly event; where we embark on our adventures in alcohol and acrylics to create some amazing artwork!!! We had three of our artworks on hand as inspiration; but, most chose to find inspiration elsewhere and that's part of what makes for a great event! At the end of the afternoon, each person put their own aesthetics and imagination into an artwork that's truly one-of-a-kind!!!
Mark your calendars to join us for the next Cocktails & Canvases; to be held on Sunday, March 08, 2026 starting at 3:00 PM at The Brownstone Lounge [412 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102]. Registration for the event is currently discounted to $25 and available to be purchased for you and your crew at http://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/03-08-cocktails-and-canvases
Our March theme will be "Springtime Sparks;" as we'll be gathering on Daylight Savings Time a.k.a. 'Spring Forward.' Hopefully you'll be ready for some Spring blooms and to paint them or whatever else you might dream up!
We'll see you there!!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreiczhlf5zmwlbbhb2tohd3c47afm77fr7xqn43xnvvzv2imqnqsfhu)
![Skillful SuperBowl Sunday -
Last Sunday was our February 2026 Cocktails & Canvases Event held in The Brownstone Lounge!! We're so happy to continue being Harrisburg's gayest paint & drink monthly event; where we embark on our adventures in alcohol and acrylics to create some amazing artwork!!! We had three of our artworks on hand as inspiration; but, most chose to find inspiration elsewhere and that's part of what makes for a great event! At the end of the afternoon, each person put their own aesthetics and imagination into an artwork that's truly one-of-a-kind!!!
Mark your calendars to join us for the next Cocktails & Canvases; to be held on Sunday, March 08, 2026 starting at 3:00 PM at The Brownstone Lounge [412 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102]. Registration for the event is currently discounted to $25 and available to be purchased for you and your crew at http://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/03-08-cocktails-and-canvases
Our March theme will be "Springtime Sparks;" as we'll be gathering on Daylight Savings Time a.k.a. 'Spring Forward.' Hopefully you'll be ready for some Spring blooms and to paint them or whatever else you might dream up!
We'll see you there!!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreieccnyvbqlskww7tarqiegt5ufgwo22beoickphw3x72ig36qpxcu)
![We've had several people pre-register and may be on their way [or will soon be] to this afternoon's Cocktails & Canvases! If you didn't and are in need of an amazing afternoon of alcohol and acrylics [before the Super Bowl]; please join us! Tickets are still available at https://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/02-08-cocktails-and-canvases or you can show up and we'll take care of your admission at the event! We'll be getting things started at about 3:00 PM today: Sunday, February 08, 2026 in The Brownstone Lounge [412 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102].
The theme for our featured artworks this month is "Warmer Weather Wishes;" however, you can use your creativity to create an artwork truly your own at Harrisburg's Gayest Sip & Paint! As always, everyone is welcome; which includes everyone's skill set! Painting experience isn’t required for this event; so, come learn, have fun, a couple drinks, and leave with your own original artwork before the big game! If you don't want to come by yourself, you can always invite a friend and/or buy a ticket for them!!
We can't wait to see what everyone paints today!!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreic2s5kbnz2i734s2ohq27zb5ngo7pt2epkrogq2kxppbfaow2gtcu)
![Forecast for FUN!!!
It doesn't matter what Punxsutawney Phil said this morning, we have some "Warmer Weather Wishes" coming your way really soon! Our February 2026 Cocktails & Canvases will be occurring on Sunday, February 08, 2026 starting at 3:00 PM in The Brownstone Lounge [412 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102]. We will be featuring our selected group of "Warmer Weather Wishes" artworks; however, you can use your creativity to create any artwork you like that's truly your own!
As always, everyone is welcome; which includes everyone's skill set! Painting experience isn’t required for this event; so, come learn, have fun, a couple drinks, and leave with your own original artwork!! If you don't want to come by yourself, you can always invite a friend or buy a ticket for them at https://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/02-08-cocktails-and-canvases or one of our 2026 Gift Certificates available at https://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/2026-gift-certificate
We can't wait to see you at everyone's favorite mixing of alcohol and acrylics!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreifkp62fjjjp2wh3mr6bfrfit7czklidodfq6liabpyaq4kkwvk7oa)
![Sometimes things sit around the studio on easels, tables, or propped up along a wall or other surface, for a [hopefully short] period of time, until we're able determine what else is needed to finish them. Other times they get tucked away like a lost treasure awaiting the joy of their discoverer when they resurface at last! This sketchbook had been on an easel, since sometime last year, opened to a different page; but, we recently flipped through to rediscover this started composition. In total there are about four to five uncompleted works in this pad that need 'a little more' to be completed!
Artist's Statement / Backstory: This piece started as a pen [Sharpie Ultra Fine Point to be exact] and ink on watercolor paper. I was doodling with some different techniques that I like to use and revisiting some that I'd not worked with in a long while... I left the piece alone for a while until I decided it needed some watercolor washes to enhance some of the areas. I began layering in some washes in the way in which I wanted to divide areas of the composition and then stopped. As of today, I'm no longer able to recall what I needed to focus my attention on; but, I know that this piece got lost to time. One day in the near future I'll sit and work to complete the incomplete pieces in this sketchbook and you'll be able to see this finished artwork with more watercolor, oil pastel, colored pencil, and/or marker!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreib4psujxgbi4arg5rgpwlshbbvdslfa7ra3x6b5gfptbnfzsdfj7e)
![Working Wednesday!
Today we're sharing two WIPs or Works-In-Progress, as opposed to a completed artwork, for "Working Wednesday!" These two artworks were started right around the beginning of this calendar year and will need a lot more work before they're ready to be presented as finished compositions. The one on the left of the photograph is a 16x20" canvas covered in various types of paper, some acrylic paint, and a few other found objects before the paint had begun to be layered on. The one on the right in the photograph is a 10x10" canvas with the textured areas being created completely from dried and/or layered acrylic paint.
Artist's Statement / Backstory: I've been working with adding textured elements to many of the artworks I create and people seem to respond really positively to them and/or are inquisitive about my artistic process. For 2026, I wanted to start the year revisiting the two different ways I've achieved textured elements in the past before experimenting to see what else may be possible! When I begin working on heavily textured pieces, I always seem to find that the composition goes in a completely different direction than what I was first intending. Even when planning and laying the pieces out, what actually winds up occurring in the end, looks far different! I think that adds to my enjoyment in creating pieces such as these!
Thanks for sharing your lunch break [or whenever you're reading this] with us! We'll soon be heading back to work in the studio and hope that your 'Working Wednesday' is going well!!! Stay tuned later this year when I'm sure these pieces will one day be featured as completed artworks!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreietuf4xhlyucpyvf2w3zg4s4tbyrnlo3br62fqvidpv56ltxlplse)
![We're starting off our 2026 Wednesday series with the quote, "I touch the future, I teach;" from Christa McAuliffe. This year will mark the fortieth anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster [which occurred in 1986]; but, her notion that educators shape tomorrow by guiding students today continues on as part of her legacy. This sentiment is also being carried through the "I Touch the Future" Exhibition occurring at Carlisle Arts Learning Center [38 W Pomfret Street, Carlisle, PA 17013] which opens this Friday, January 09, 2026 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM. This show features one of our original artworks ["Sun's In My Eye," a 20x16" Mixed Media on Canvas from August 2024], and eight of our hand-painted scarves!
Artist's Statement / Backstory: When I first heard the show was being called "I Touch the Future" my gut reaction was cringy and gross. In taking a moment to pause and reflect on the sentiment of the quote, I realized it was beautiful and not as I'd initially thought it to be! My submissions for this show are the one mixed media composition and eight completely new scarf designs. As I've worked more and more with my acrylics on the silks over the past few years I've been watching how the colors bleed, move, mingle or separate, and can be layered with drying time. This grouping contains a few of my favorite designs to date; which hopefully means there are even more amazing things on the horizon in 2026!
Hope to see you Friday at the Opening or be sure to check out this exhibition at CALC before the end of the month!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreididqdfzbgmayqxowxwykffaxovtw4kffyo6jmm2h4biatbpsfqmm)
![One week ago we posted the awesome artwork created at our December Cocktails & Canvases event with an error; so, we apologize for the chaos and confusion it created! Corrected information should read as follows: The next Cocktails & Canvases will be held on SUNDAY, January 11, 2026 starting at 3:00 PM at The Brownstone Lounge [412 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102].
If you're still reading this, then go ahead and get pre-registered now as registration for the event is currently discounted to $25!!!! Purchase tickets for you and your crew at http://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/01-11-cocktails-and-canvases
Our January theme will be "Arctic & Affectionate;" we hope you'll be ready to paint something for wintertime, a loved one, or whatever else you might dream up! \
Final thought for the evening is you can also 'gift' someone their registration to Cocktails & Canvases by purchasing a 2026 Gift Certificate @ https://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/2026-gift-certificate. They are currently discounted to $25 as well; so, you can buy now to save money in the New Year!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreihaxsee6frc7me7mljgr3rngpg6b4a6of4pgcifbb7miluzqz6yja)
![We are sharing the artwork created one week ago, by some hard working artists, at our December 2025 Cocktails & Canvases held in The Brownstone Lounge!! We're so happy to continue being Harrisburg's gayest paint & drink night where we look forward to embarking on our adventures in alcohol and acrylics each month!!! We had three of our artworks on hand as inspiration; some chose to find inspiration from ours with others chose to seek inspiration elsewhere. At the end of the night each person put their own aesthetics and imagination to work in creating artworks that were each one-of-a-kind!!!
Mark your calendars to join us for the next Cocktails & Canvases; to be held on SUNDAY, January 11, 2026 starting at 7:00 PM at The Brownstone Lounge [412 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102]. Registration for the event is currently discounted to $25 and available to be purchased for you and your crew at http://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/01-11-cocktails-and-canvases
Our January theme will be "Arctic & Affectionate;" we hope you'll be ready to paint something for wintertime, a loved one, or whatever else you might dream up!
We'll see you there!!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreihdoiybqdwobypmqryejpijazo72ayfy2rak3umemxlgyjnqqjywe)
![We are sharing the artwork created one week ago, by some hard working artists, at our December 2025 Cocktails & Canvases held in The Brownstone Lounge!! We're so happy to continue being Harrisburg's gayest paint & drink night where we look forward to embarking on our adventures in alcohol and acrylics each month!!! We had three of our artworks on hand as inspiration; some chose to find inspiration from ours with others chose to seek inspiration elsewhere. At the end of the night each person put their own aesthetics and imagination to work in creating artworks that were each one-of-a-kind!!!
Mark your calendars to join us for the next Cocktails & Canvases; to be held on SUNDAY, January 11, 2026 starting at 7:00 PM at The Brownstone Lounge [412 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102]. Registration for the event is currently discounted to $25 and available to be purchased for you and your crew at http://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/01-11-cocktails-and-canvases
Our January theme will be "Arctic & Affectionate;" we hope you'll be ready to paint something for wintertime, a loved one, or whatever else you might dream up!
We'll see you there!!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreib3hdjrwt76xz2opn2vzbsovbroyqm565h27uyalidsw4tpelvsyi)
![We are sharing the artwork created one week ago, by some hard working artists, at our December 2025 Cocktails & Canvases held in The Brownstone Lounge!! We're so happy to continue being Harrisburg's gayest paint & drink night where we look forward to embarking on our adventures in alcohol and acrylics each month!!! We had three of our artworks on hand as inspiration; some chose to find inspiration from ours with others chose to seek inspiration elsewhere. At the end of the night each person put their own aesthetics and imagination to work in creating artworks that were each one-of-a-kind!!!
Mark your calendars to join us for the next Cocktails & Canvases; to be held on SUNDAY, January 11, 2026 starting at 7:00 PM at The Brownstone Lounge [412 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102]. Registration for the event is currently discounted to $25 and available to be purchased for you and your crew at http://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/01-11-cocktails-and-canvases
Our January theme will be "Arctic & Affectionate;" we hope you'll be ready to paint something for wintertime, a loved one, or whatever else you might dream up!
We'll see you there!!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreid6ysviedc3w2o7rrhttdm4vxc4zpvnrxxw2xjgqhev4oesnvr5na)
![Hopefully you've decked your halls, trimmed your tree, and are doing all things festive and fun this holiday season. We wanted to share with you a photo we received from one of our customers showcasing their SnowPeople Series Ornaments adorning their tree! It warmed our heart to receive this photo with a message stating how much they enjoy them and how they're already looking forward to 2026's installment!
If you're in need of a last minute gift [that a wonderful fits inside a stocking] you can grab one of these today or one of our mini-masterpieces. We have things available and are happy to help you with any last minute gifts you need this holiday season! Reach out, comment, or visit the shop on our website!
If you're done with all your shopping and enjoying something you purchased [or were gifted] from us; be sure to share your photo! We'd love to see how you've incorporated our original artworks and/or products featuring them into all the places and spaces you inhabit!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreihwhbkem5qat4mo7ai3w2viqzxhwb2pzxafmjky2o5bkhvb7osfsm)
![We've had several people already pre-register and are on their way [or will soon be] to this evening's Cocktails & Canvases! If you didn't and are in need of some holiday cheer; please join us! Tickets are currently available at https://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/12-16-cocktails-and-canvases or you can also show up and we'll take care of your admission at the event! We'll be getting things started at about 7:00 PM tonight: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 in The Brownstone Lounge [412 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102].
The theme for our featured artworks this month is "Happiest Holiday;" however, you can use your creativity to create an artwork truly your own as we mix alcohol and acrylics! As always, everyone is welcome; which includes everyone's skill set! Painting experience isn’t required for this event; so, come learn, have fun, a couple drinks, and leave with your own original artwork! If you don't want to come by yourself, you can always invite a friend and/or buy a ticket for them!!
We can't wait to see what everyone paints tonight!!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreiftk4gg5sqorxz5pcxf6x7zapiyn5s7dldjyuocq6jojfx72f2vue)
![We forgot to put out our one week reminder for Cocktails & Canvases; so, you can save $5 on us today instead! You read correctly: If you register before midnight tonight, Thursday, December 11, 2025 for our upcoming Cocktails & Canvases your registration will be $25 instead of $30! To get you [and your crew] in on the savings visit: https://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/12-16-cocktails-and-canvases
Everyone's favorite mixing of alcohol and acrylics will be getting underway on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 starting at 7:00 PM! We will be featuring our "Happiest Holiday" artworks; however, you can use your creativity to create any artwork you like that's truly your own! As always, everyone is welcome; which includes everyone's skill set! Painting experience isn’t required for this event; so, come learn, have fun, a couple drinks, and leave with your own original artwork!!
Get signed up today to save and we'll see you there next week!!!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreiej64mz5pws5cpyen4eug5fo2nj4zuxwmffghe2q5zuz7pl4lddly)