New years rarely unfold the way we script them, and that’s the point. I’m kicking off 2026 with a refresh that actually works: fewer public hours, more focused days for art, teaching, and community projects, plus a renewed commitment to play as a creative tool. That simple shift unlocked a cascade of good things—mahhjong nights at the shop, a monthly hidden art helmet you can hunt for around town, and a lineup of collaborations that stitch art into everyday life.
I walk through how I audited my slowest days, moved to reservation-only windows Sunday through Wednesday, and used that space to plan spring classes, summer camps, and a returning block of private lessons. You’ll hear about students who are stepping into real community work, a group paint night for 16 to 20 women, and an art-meets-music series with the symphony that pairs visual stories with performance. There’s also a peek at upcoming township projects, holiday window painting wins, and commercial work expanding to a nationwide scale—all the ways visibility grows when you show up consistently and keep the process human.
Underneath the updates is a message I needed to learn the hard way: don’t wait for perfect conditions to start. The shop still has its highs and lows, but the larger ecosystem—classes, events, collaborations, public art—keeps the momentum steady and the joy high. If you’ve been thinking about protecting a day for your craft, launching a small community project, or making a bigger leap into the work you love, consider this your nudge. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs a push, and leave a review to help more makers find the show. What one change would free your time for the work that matters?
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