I'm excited about being one of six finalists for a yearlong residency at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel and the only artist from Omaha in the mix. The artist-in-residence will spend about four days a week working in a hotel studio, engaging with visitors and displaying work. Several public events will occur through the year and the artist will create a legacy piece that will remain at the hotel. Visitors to the hotel lobby can cast a ballot for their favorite artist through Jan. 25; finalists will interview with a committee in January and the name of the resident artist will be announced Feb. 1.

Hotel owner Marcus Corporation has run an artist-in-residence, as well as a writer-in-residence, at its flagship hotel in Milwaukee, the Pfizer Hotel, for several years. Expanding the program to Lincoln has the potential to add a vibrant dimension to Nebraska's art community and I'm eager to see how it develops.

The past 8 weeks have flown by. I’ve packed in lots of activities and a little travel. My most recent inspirations came from attending the “Pecha Kecha” presentations by the second class of Artist INC fellows. (I was part of last year’s inaugural class.) They have spent the past couple of months learning about ways to improve the business side of their art practice with guidance from artist mentors all under the auspices of the Omaha Creative Institute. Gathering at the PS Collective in Benson, we heard the stories about inspirations and backgrounds of artists who write, paint, sculpt, sing, compose across many media. I left feeling grateful to share this community with so many thoughtful working artists.

Wind Across the Sandbar #1 and #2 draw visitors' eyes into one Kris Allphin's batiks at the Fred Simon Gallery, Nebraska Arts Council.

Since I last posted, Kris Allphin and I installed “Waxing Poetic” at the Nebraska Arts Council’s Fred Simon Gallery and were very pleased with the ways it came together. We especially liked seeing our depictions of the prairie displayed on the gallery’s stone and brick walls. The show in up until Nov. 13 and visitors are welcome to walk through the gallery between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

At the Encaustic Art Institute in Santa Fe with my painting "Prairie Road."

Shortly after putting that show up, I spend one long day driving to Santa Fe so I could attend the opening reception of the national juried show at the Encaustic Art Institute, a beautiful gallery on the outskirts of the Railyard district. It was interesting to see other artists’ work and meet several of those who had pieces in the show. It also was great sharing the experience with fellow Omaha artist Robin Zagurski. Having someone to compare notes with is invaluable.

Santa Fe wore its fall colors and the weather was perfect for walking and biking around the Railyard, the Plaza and up and down Canyon Road. Mom and I stayed at the Inn on the Alameda, where we relaxed amid the adobe architecture and lounged in front of fragrant fires. The on-site restaurant, Agoyo Lounge, was rarely crowded, despite the excellent food and attentive, warm service. One evening, I had a perfect piece of salmon lightly dusted with cumin and served with a rich yellow mole and bean salad with pintos and lentils tossed in a vinaigrette. I also shared a prickly pear margarita with Mom. She had one sip.

Mom and I drove to Wichita together, I had a short visit with my sister and nephew and after a good night’s sleep drove back home in time to settle in for a couple of days before the “Waxing Poetic” opening reception, where we had a good turnout.

Now, I’m working on small pieces in preparation for the Hot Shops open house in early December and hope to welcome lots of people into my studio then!