It has been quite the summer. Some highlights:

I did another class at Mesh Baltimore, one of my very favorite groups in Baltimore, where people gather to share knowledge and skills with each other. I taught about making art from recycled materials- it was a blast as usual and students got to take some scrap materials off my hands!

Also this summer, I enjoyed having my first show in Frederick, Westmaryginiasylvanington. As the name of the show suggests, this was a regional exhibition featuring artists within a 50 mile radius of Frederick. Andrea Pollan was an excellent juror and speaker for the show, and Adam Farcus from Hood College did a fantastic job of putting it all together. I really loved the art from the rest of the artists, so it was great experience!

I also finally installed in a new, stable mailbox for #TakeASketchLeaveASketch at Leakin Park at Gwynns Falls Trail. People have been leaving sketches, too! Check my page to see the updates on that.

Another highlight of the summer was visiting my home state Colorado. We went at the end of August before the big rains hit. The flooding is mind-blowing, by the way. For those not familiar with the Colorado climate, it is generally dry throughout the state, even desert-like in many areas. Heavy rainfall is not common at all, and I literally cannot believe my eyes seeing how much water landed over the state. I think this article does a good job explaining how unusual this type of weather is.

Anyway, while we we visiting, some attractions like the Royal Gorge were closed due to wildfires since there has been a severe drought until just recently. But,we did get to see many other areas of the state that are quite beautiful. I particularly enjoyed going to Seven Falls, which has always been within minutes of where I have lived, but I had no memories of actually being there before.

Though my hometown of Colorado Springs was spared the worst of the flooding, I learned from my parents recently that many trails have been washed out by rain, and Seven Falls actually did flood. Anyway, I recommend that everyone visits Colorado, it is a beautiful state with a lot to offer, and, despite the extreme weather, most days are so nice there.

Another thing I really enjoyed this summer was participating in some flash mobs. My friend Mary is doing awesome things as a blogger and an artist (see blog here), so I decided to participate in her Human Rainbow flash mob and Sidewalk Chalk flash mob. Both were at the awesome Federal Hill Park in Baltimore.

I love Mary's projects because they're always fun, bring people together, and I get to see Mary, who is such a positive, joyful, creative leader.

Well, that's it for now. As far as news goes, I will my first solo show in Baltimore this fall at the Notre Dame of Maryland University from October 21 to November 22. I am very excited about that and am currently working on some new projects for it. Also, make sure you visit my #TakeASketchLeaveASketch page to see the latest sketches.

How was your summer?

It's Father's Day, and that naturally gets me thinking about my family. My parents and grandparents still live in my hometown of Colorado Springs, so I unfortunately can't be with them today. It's been a a while since I visited, so I've been missing them and Colorado quite strongly these days.

Colorado has been on my mind for other reasons as well. Unfortunately the extreme dry weather has been relentless over the past couple years there, and areas familiar to me have been effected in devastating ways. The Royal Gorge, which I visited as a child, suffered much wildfire damage last week. Areas around the bridge burned steadily, leaving parts of the bridge singed. The fire is being contained at this point, but it hurts to think of such a beautiful and rugged place being so vulnerable.

The Black Forest Fire, which is still currently blazing and is now the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history, hits close to home as well. I used to visit that area with my grandfather who built a few houses there. Almost 500 homes have burned down in since the fire got started. Hard to imagine.

I am thankful that Colorado Springs has been relatively safe so far this summer, though last summer it was hit hard by a horrendous fire that I only saw pictures of. It sounds cliche to say that disasters make you appreciate your beloved people and places more, but it's true.

Through all this, I have noticed art and design certainly can play a role in helping people cope, show support, and reach out during disasters. I have noticed many new graphics pop up across social media to bring attention to the situation in Colorado. While many of them made me smile and feel a sense of solidarity, others made me cringe a little bit. I'll share a some with you:

So there you have it. A little personal reflection on a place I love, along with some artist reflection about graphic design, its use in social media, and how it can be used and interpreted during times of disaster. Thank you to all the firefighters and first responders in Colorado, and stay strong Coloradoans! I love you.