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I saw this on ArtsKeeper's Art News page and wanted to share in case someone wants to join this competition. Art64, a bracket-style live painting tournament, returns to The Village of Wauwatosa in Wisconsin U.S. in June. Artists have until March 1 to apply to participate. For the third year, 64 artists from across the country will come together to compete for a $20,000 prize. Discover Wauwatosa announced today that ART 64, presented by North Shore Bank, will take place on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8 in The Village of Wauwatosa. During the competition, members of the public are invited to watch the painters create their masterpieces and vote for their favorite paintings online.  There will be three rounds of elimination with the final 16 artists competing for a $20,000 grand prize. The application is open to artists from across the country. All 64 competing artists receive a minimum of $100, with prize money increasing each round. Wauwatosa is a city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 48,387 at the 2020 census. Wauwatosa is located immediately west of Milwaukee, and is a part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area. It is named after the Potawatomi Chief Wauwataesie and the Potawatomi word for firefly.

As we go through the craziness of our daily lives, we can come out on the other end a little burnt out, a little tired, and ready for a week-long nap. For many years this has been my experience, and I can bet you I'm not alone on this one. Often we forget to give ourselves permission to pause. When we start to burn out, our body forces us to take stock and make intentional changes. But, often we aren't listening. Women are especially bad at this. So much noise. Too many appointments. We overcommit ourselves to others and undervalue our own health. It's important to allow ourselves to pause – not to simply do it, but give yourself permission without feeling guilty. If we don't take time for ourselves, we risk burning out. We run on empty and this can affect our energy levels, mood, passion and drive. We become bogged down with details and become less efficient and productive. Emotionally we can feel angry, frustrated, defeated and stuck. Taking a few moments to refuel the gas tank is key to overcoming or avoiding these situations. There are many ways to recharge our batteries -- walking outside, journaling, writing poetry, taking photographs, making art, going out with a friend... maybe even doing nothing but relaxing and getting back in tune with life. Some experts say taking a pause should be intentional and be done with purpose. Sounds like a good idea to me - I think play should be prioritized and intentional.

Art can play a significant role in promoting world peace. Art has the power to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, fostering understanding and empathy among people from different backgrounds. Here are several ways in which art contributes to world peace: Cultural Exchange: Art serves as a means of cultural exchange, allowing people to share their unique perspectives and traditions. This exchange can promote mutual respect and appreciation, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts. Promoting Dialogue: Artistic expressions, such as visual arts, literature, and music, can provide a platform for dialogue on important social and political issues. Through artistic creations, individuals can express their ideas, opinions, and experiences, encouraging conversations that can lead to greater understanding. Building Bridges: Art has the ability to build bridges between communities and nations. Collaborative art projects that involve people from different backgrounds can create a sense of unity and shared humanity. Education and Awareness: Artistic endeavors can raise awareness about social justice, human rights, and other issues critical to maintaining peace. Art has the power to educate and inspire people to take action for positive change. Cultural Diplomacy: Countries often use cultural diplomacy, including the promotion of their artistic heritage, to strengthen international relations. Cultural exchanges and artistic events can help foster positive diplomatic ties. Healing and Reflection: In regions affected by conflict, art therapy and creative expression can be powerful tools for healing trauma and promoting emotional well-being. Art provides a means for individuals to reflect on their experiences and find solace. Celebrating Diversity: Art celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity. By appreciating different forms of art, people can develop a greater understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures, contributing to a more peaceful world. While art alone may not solve complex geopolitical issues, its role in fostering empathy, understanding, and communication can be a crucial component in building a foundation for peace.

What makes you an artist? Beyond what it is you create, but why you express yourself by, creating. Maybe even another step further, look into what sparks your passion to become expressed with your art. Can you identify what sparks your passion, and the language it uses to speak? Passion is different than inspiration. The word itself even sounds more aggressive than the other. Passion can be inspired by, something. For example, my passion, or what get's my blood pumping, is someone being bullied. I absolutely stand-up, help others do so. I rally for the Underdog. Another passion, or dream of mine has always been to write and publish books. The two combined, became a children's adventure series. Real Uechi-Ryu Karate (sister style to Goju-Ryu, in the original Karate Kid movies) is taught within those pages. I was teaching all ages in our Dojo at the same time. In my fierce desire to help anyone being bullied, but particularly children who might find the book faster than a defense class, The Spirit Dragon series fulfilled several dreams. Writing is my passion's language, my art. So far, almost every single story I've written has contained some element of the little guy saving the day and receiving glorious vindication. I wonder what it is like for a painter/illustrator? Or someone who works with ceramics or metal, wood? When you are creating, what are your tools, mediums, colors saying? How do you pick? If passion could be defined by that feeling of a burning compulsion, a call to action? Do you feel better, a sense of satisfaction when you have finished your piece? Maybe it's the reactions of others, that crosses the finish line? That whole process from feeling the emotion motivating you to use your imagination to let it out? That, is what makes you an artist. Thanks for the read! Kerry~ Artskeeper.org

If you find yourself laughing way too hard... You might be experiencing writer's block.... If you are scrolling social media and find yourself searching Google for a "topper"... You might be experiencing writer's block... If you catch yourself counting how many times the curser flashes... you be experiencing writer's block... If you find yourself critiquing (more than 2) profile picture options, of yourself... you might be experiencing writer's block... If you find yourself considering... You might be experiencing... writer's block.... Next time: Meme's for over-coming writer's block..... { Post yours in the comments! } The Jolly Muse.... Thanks for the read! Kerry~

Thanks to FreePik for the perfect photo! Fair warning. This is one of those posts that I rarely make. Full of personal thoughts and opinions about.... Politics... The Presidential candidates. I know, it's okay to run screaming for the hills now. Photo by Disha Sheta on Pexels.com Here in the US we do have to decide some things pretty quickly. Like who should be our next president. I used to get excited about casting my vote. Always kept it to myself as well. I just wanted to listen, make up my own mind without people fighting to change it, or influence me. I didn't want to do it back either. Not so excited anymore. In fact the choices are simply, between evil's as the saying goes. That was the only thing I could come up with to describe the chore it has become. Even trying to research, or find out more information, it just makes me shake my head. How has it come to this? Now, my default, I don't think I can stand to write-in, as would be required. Nope. Not this time. Even if this was a campaign management decision, and not an order sent down through the ranks. If you refuse to be listed on my states ballot you are not asking for my vote. The reasoning behind it is a complete DISS. An insult to something important to the state. Honestly, I looked at some of the other guys. Just to see. I must admit, one shouldn't be there, in my opinion. One just scares me, man, *shiver. The rest aren't much better either. Same feelings about other choices as well. There just isn't anyone I can put my faith into. Makes me sad. And this time I am angry. How can I decide anything? My own President tossed away my vote, unless I, say, oh no, it's okay, I still want you. I'll write you in.... The skies are dark enough out there. The " I " inside, guides how I decide. Maybe this time, it would say more, to not even vote. Say more to myself I mean. There is the point, that by not voting for someone runs the risk of a worst nightmare scenario happening, so to speak. Problem is, right now I can't even determine a worst case scenario. Part of the listless disappointment is due to wondering if any of our votes count at all. I mean, the rest of it seems like a great big game. Standing and saying, no. I will not settle. I will not waste a decision, just to decide. My choice is to keep that check mark sacred. As a mark I put down and it means something. To my own self. If I can not believe in what anyone will do, it would almost be closer to lying. It is still a ways off, the stones are still rolling around, dust hasn't come close to settling. There is time to research and maybe find someone I can vote for. Thanks for the read! Kerry~ The " I " series of articles is featured on the blog: Mindful Manipulation. This focuses on living "on purpose" particularly, actively participating in your own healing. Being mindful has kind of become the new "trendy-phrase" however it is a lot harder to do than might be thought. It is a crucial first step to truly changing your life. To "be the change" you have to be aware of what needs changing first. :) I never was much for complaining without trying to do something to fix it. :) Mindfulmanipulation.com

"Nancy what is wrong with you!!" That's the first thing my mum would say whenever I got home at the end of the term from boarding school. She would try to pry the remote from my hands with an irritated look on her face and the times where she did succeed in doing that, she would change my favorite show "Keeping up with the Kardashians" to something more kid friendly. But that never lasted long. Soon as she stepped out to run errands, 14-year-old me with all the defiance and arrogance of a teenager would switch back to my daily dose of KUWTK. "What did she know?" The Kardashians were the most beautiful and desired women in the world (or so my teenage brain thought) and they were my world. At 16 years old, I was already pointing out problems in myself. Why wasn't I as pretty as Kim or had the desired body type? My major priority was saving enough money and perhaps going under the knife to conform to what my teenage heart considered perfection. Fast forward to 2024 and my mum was right. I am happy that I had parents that put their foot down and made me take a good hard look in the mirror. But when I look around today, I can't help but wonder, what will the social scene look like? The term influencer was still coming up at the time I was growing up and it wasn't a word people tended to think about when they wanted to be like celebrities or look like them. In the past, these celebrities were out of reach. We could see, admire and aspire to be like them but that was it. Now, you can't escape it. Influencers are everywhere - on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and maybe even your local bookstore. Almost everyone understands what it means to be an influencer and countless people want to be. On one hand, the rise of influencer culture can be seen as a good thing (I always try to be the Devil’s advocate). The pandemic stoked the flames of influencer culture and today, it is a $5 billion industry. It created job opportunities for people and in my side of the world, I've seen influencing give people the opportunity to explore their creativity and earn money online. Then there is the flip side -its unavoidable impact on culture and self image. Until my 20s, I didn't realize the impact the Kardashians and other influencers I saw on Instagram had on my self esteem and my perception of worth and beauty. Today I do and in a way, you can help but wonder if the younger generation stands a chance. Teenagers are no longer teenagers. The awkward shy phase is gone and in its place are "babies" trying to look 10 years older. In place of paperback books, educational toys, and playtime with friends, are iPad kids that throw a tantrum when their phones are taken away. Right now, honesty is a rare policy. Just check Instagram and TikTok. Everyone (I'm guilty as well) tries to present the most perfect and luxurious version of themselves. If you do decide to show yourself as you really are, you are described as brave or courageous because you stood in the face of social media pressure and hyper curated beauty and came out strong. For young people, our attention span has been cut short; but for Gen Alpha it is probably going to be even worse. Consumerism and materialism is taking over not because we need these items, but to impress people who don't even know our last names. Everybody is trying to sell you something whether it is an image or a product. You have to be more aware than ever to separate what is genuine from a quick cash grab. Influencing can be a good thing, but it is important for everyone to bear in mind that they are not above its impact. Social media can be a tool for good and can be used in the most productive way. But we have to be extra mindful of the culture growing on social media and its possible impact on our minds. What do you think of influencer culture? Have we gone too far or is there a chance for us to come back? Let's talk!

Please let me thank Starline on Freepik for the Welcome banner. And I love the "Hello" in different languages too, which I found on Shutterstock. Recently I sent out a number of invitations to check out this site. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who did stop by. I thought about each message and did not copy or paste the same words to anyone. Funny- I wanted to say that because of all the A.I. technology out there, it feels more personal to me. More heart-felt and not mass-send so to speak. :) I have never been the type to send out a ton of invites from all my games, or pages. At least not very often and only if I believe it is relevant or really be of interest. So when I do, I try to also reciprocate. Go to a site or something for you. Feel free to comment, so that other's can visit too! Come to think of it, this is exactly what this site is about. The best thing though is it is specifically for all the creative types! But it isn't just a catalog or "list" either! It is a place to talk to each other too. That's huge. Whether you are a professional or debuting your first work, it does feel good to share about it. Maybe even get an opinion, feedback! If you clicked on the link, please do leave your info in the comments. :) whether you join or not. So that I- can say thanks and visit in return! :) And if you do join even better! I can't wait to see your work! Thanks for the read! Kerry~

You know that moment. When you just need to finish that last thought, and something happens, and the frustration just bursts out your mouth! I am here to tell you, it happens toward those, oh so needy pets too! However, I can't help but think the German Sheppard wins when it's your own name, yelled, then Kelly, which I was mistakenly called but not for the last100 years, so I don't even know where that one came from. Guess all the laughing doesn't help drive the point home either... #writerslife #petshuman A Jolly Muse~ Thanks for the read~ :) Kerry~

Goodness! All electronic issues *knocking on wood* have been fixed! I apologize for the apparent disappearance and subsequent absence! I have been taking copious notes, so I hope to catch up quickly! :) Speaking of which, I have a question for you. What are your thoughts about being included in someone's fictional story? For instance, if a horror author used your name as the name of a victim? Personally, I always have asked permission. But if you were asked the same thing, would it feel like a fun opportunity, or would it bother you being killed in a story? If you were a business owner, would you like if your business was listed and used as a back drop? Even if the name wasn't quite blaring, but anyone reading the book within the local area would know? With all permissions granted, and in writing, aside and a given? Can't wait to hear your thoughts in the comments! Thanks for the read! Kerry~ Beware! the danger is real!

In a world that often seems fast-paced and individualistic, the simple act of giving has the power to transform lives and create a ripple effect of kindness. Whether it's a small gesture or a grand philanthropic endeavor, the act of giving not only benefits the receiver but also nourishes the soul of the giver. In this blog, we'll explore the art of giving and how cultivating a culture of compassion can bring joy and fulfillment to both the giver and the recipient. The Joy of Giving: Giving is a universal language that transcends cultural and societal boundaries. The joy experienced in giving is unparalleled, offering a sense of purpose and fulfillment that material possessions often cannot provide. It's a reminder that our actions, no matter how small, have the power to make a positive impact on the lives of others. The Gift of Time: While monetary contributions are valuable, the gift of time is equally precious. Volunteering our time to support a cause we believe in fosters a sense of connection and community. Whether it's spending time with the elderly, helping at a local shelter, or mentoring someone in need, the investment of time can leave a lasting legacy. Small Acts, Big Impact: One of the beauties of giving is that it doesn't always require grand gestures. Small acts of kindness, such as holding the door for a stranger, offering a genuine compliment, or simply listening to someone in need, can have a profound impact. These small acts collectively contribute to a positive and compassionate society. Philanthropy in Action: Beyond individual acts of kindness, philanthropy plays a crucial role in addressing systemic issues and creating positive change on a larger scale. Exploring various philanthropic initiatives and supporting organizations that align with our values can amplify the impact of our contributions. Teaching the Next Generation: Instilling the value of giving in the next generation is essential for creating a compassionate society. By setting an example and involving children in age-appropriate charitable activities, we can nurture empathy and a sense of responsibility towards others. Gratitude as a Driving Force: Cultivating a culture of giving is intertwined with gratitude. Recognizing the abundance in our lives and expressing gratitude motivates us to share our blessings with others. Gratitude is not just a sentiment; it's a driving force that fuels acts of kindness and generosity. Overcoming Barriers to Giving: Sometimes, fear, skepticism, or a sense of powerlessness can hinder our inclination to give. By addressing and overcoming these barriers, we unlock the potential to make a positive impact in the lives of others and experience the transformative power of giving. In the tapestry of life, the threads of giving weave a story of compassion, connection, and joy. Whether through small daily acts or significant philanthropic endeavors, the art of giving is a powerful force that enriches our lives and contributes to the betterment of humanity. Let us embrace the joy of giving, and in doing so, create a world where kindness is the common currency. Want to make a difference? Consider starting by donating to ArtsKeeper.

Begging isn't my style. If you're reading this, you're using ArtsKeeper. Did you know ArtsKeeper is currently run by volunteers. Yes, it's true and while the volunteers do an amazing job, in order for us to provide you with improved services and also open our online store where you can sell your work, we need to hire a couple paid employees. That means we need to raise funds to pay them. We also have operating costs. These are being paid by a couple of our volunteers. Thanks to their generosity, we keep ArtsKeeper up and running. However, we also pass on adding new features because it would raise our costs. Sooo, here's where the begging starts. As you consider whether to give some money to deserving organizations, I hope you will consider making a donation to ArtsKeeper. Donations will be 100% spent on ArtsKeeper operations. Or if you prefer, click our new Tip Jar at the upper right corner. Any loose change will help! To raise funds to pay our planned employees, we will soon launch a new ArtsKeeper Sponsorship program. Over this past semester, ArtsKeeper has worked with the Integrated Marketing Program at Georgetown University in Washington, DC to develop this program. The good news is our target to raise via the sponsorships is very reasonable and we are confident that with YOUR support, we will achieve our goal and soon will be positioned to add even better services! Keep an eye out for more information coming soon, but in the meantime, please consider giving to ArtsKeeper. I promise you will not only receive more and better services in return, but you will be helping struggling artists we have identified as our first beneficiaries of the ArtsKeeper sponsorship program.