hesitating to hanging

Last fall, while working through The Artist's Way 12-week program, I challenged myself to take small steps that would get me—and my art—out into the world. One of those steps was reaching out to Happy Goat Café. I knew they showcased local artists, but I wasn’t sure how the process worked. So, I put together a few photos of my art and sent an email asking if they might be interested.

Even just sending that message felt like a stretch. It was uncomfortable. Vulnerable. A jump outside what I was used to. When I didn’t hear back, I assumed it wasn’t the right time, and left it at that.

Until two weeks ago.

Out of the blue, the café manager reached out to ask if I’d be interested in showcasing my work for the month of August. I was excited—and also told I'd be sharing the wall with another artist. My immediate reaction was "absolutely"! I had written “say yes to something unexpected” on my July bingo card, and this felt like a clear nudge to follow through.

But then reality hit: I didn’t have enough pieces I felt proud of to show in a public space. I scrambled to gather what I needed and ordered more canvases. Just a few days later, I received another message: the other artist had backed out—would I like to have the wall to myself?

Absolutely.

Then the panic set in.

I threw myself into creation mode. I started watching artist interviews on YouTube, researching styles and techniques, taking mental notes on what drew me in. I bought more paint, tried new tools, and most importantly—I let myself explore. No rules, just curiosity.

Within a week, every surface in our house had become part of the process. Paint-splattered cloths, brushes soaking in murky water, canvases propped up against the walls. It was messy, beautiful chaos.

But in the midst of that chaos, I found clarity.

By diving in fully, I started to recognize what felt most natural to me. I discovered my style, my favourite tools, my rhythm. I learned how to trust what caught my attention, and how to follow it into something real.

There’s nothing like a looming deadline to get things moving.

Today, I get to bring it all together—this journey of showing up, following through, and saying yes—and hang my art in a space where it will be seen by friends, strangers, and maybe future collaborators.

I'm deeply grateful to past-me for sending that email—and proud of now-me for rising to the moment when the opportunity finally came through.

At Happy Goat Cafe (Hopewell location). Photo credit: Julie Rickward