Recently, Red Barn Mercantile hosted a lunch and learn for interior designers at its store in Old Town Alexandria. In addition to highlighting the new design services at Red Barn, the event featured amazing textiles by Mira Jean Designs and some of my newest paintings.
Kate Hougen, a talented and inspiring artist, owns Mira Jean Designs (www.mirajeandesigns.com). Prior to the Red Barn event, we collaborated in advance to pair our works together in some exciting ways. One of my newest paintings, Fading, was inspired by her colorful and energetic coastal collection. Given our shared love of vibrant colors, I keep picturing Kate's fabrics as a central element of my future lake house! I had a wonderful time getting to know her and her beautiful work!!
Beyond her own designs, Kate can also use your children's art to create the most priceless fabric, pillows, or blankets! As a mom with very artsy kids, I think this is a special way to capture their work permanently.
Our event with local designers was successful, and it was fun to meet several people I've connected with on Instagram. I even got a little choked up sharing my art journey, and the powerful way art and design can touch people. We don't just make things beautiful, we really change lives. I'm so grateful to wake up everyday to do what I love and collaborate with others as passionate about their work in the design world.
I also have the great privilege of working with Amy Rutherford, owner of Red Barn Mercantile, on a daily basis as her design coordinator- just one more great collaboration to add to the list! It's been a really great year working together and I can't wait to see who I get to work with next! If you have any design projects you would like help with contact me at Red Barn!! And if you are interested in collaborating with my paintings please reach out!
Have a great week!
