Posted on 12 Comments

New beginnings…

Hearted by Susan Carmen-Duffy

As I begin this post to you, I feel a plethora of emotions. I feel the thrill of new ideas and opportunities bubbling up, I feel gratitude for the last nearly eight (really ten) years of your support, your faith in my business and mission, and your kindness. I feel that quivering thrill when you begin a new or different project, see something with fresh eyes. I also feel a bit melancholy. 

For nearly a decade, much of my energy has been dedicated to my beloved, “Create Art 4 Good”, a business where I can be all of who I am. Artist, mentor, socially and humanly conscious, and more. It has helped me to grow as a human and businesswoman, it has been my teacher, my inspiration, and my taskmaster.  I have suggested countless times that it seemed to have an energy of its own and I had to try to keep up with it. This comment was said with humor, but it is a fact!

In the first two years, I was sort of a cross between a gypsy and a Tupperware lady for artists. I would do a mini pop-up wherever I found a welcome space. My business plan (yes, I ACTUALLY wrote one!) hoped to get a brick and mortar in five years and even that was a big dream. To my deep heartfelt joy, I was able to give Create Art 4 Good a home at the Hungerford inside of two years. How amazing!

Since then, almost eight years later, the Hungerford has been a most wonderful home for me and Create Art 4 Good. I have hosted countless workshops, encouraging creativity and a moment to breathe from the crazy of life. I have hosted events that reach out to those less fortunate, blessing bags, collections for the homeless, battered women and more. I have hosted cd release parties, a plethora of celebratory events, and a town meeting with the most amazing Louise Slaughter. I have been honored to share the work of literally hundreds of artists featuring a new exhibit every month during my time at the Hungerford. I could go on, but I think you get the picture. 

 

The Hungerford was a dream come true. It afforded me opportunities I could have never anticipated when I signed the first lease. But now, new opportunities are on the horizon. With that, I am excited to announce that I am moving from my current working studio/gallery to Central Creative(s) in East Rochester.

Central Creative(s) is a new opportunity with a small group of artists. It hosts about twenty-three studios, two lovely classrooms, and a huge gallery space! It is an inspiration and collaborative space. I am so excited to be a part of this! I will continue the work and the dream, with perhaps new and different opportunities. 

Please know I am so incredibly grateful for you! You have been a big part of the reason that my work is so fulfilling and joyous. Your support has been the fuel to my fire! Continue to walk with me as I dance in a new space, explore new ideas and push the boundaries. Look for a new website, new workshops, new exhibitions! I promise as soon as I am settled, I will invite you to come to visit! See the new space and meet my fellow creatives! 

Thank you again for every encouraging word, every piece of art purchased, every workshop taken. I am looking forward to the next steps… the best is yet to be. 

with so much gratitude and love in my heart, 

Susan

 

 

12 thoughts on “New beginnings…

  1. Congratulations, Susan, on your new art endeavors! I look forward to visiting you in your new place once you are settled.

    1. Thank you, Ann! You have always been a wonderful support and very kind!
      I am sure it will be a big splash when I get all organized and prettied up!
      Blessings to you!

  2. This new step is going to be fun. Can’t wait to see what comes next, from it. Congratulations!

    1. I believe you! Thank you for always supporting me!

  3. Congratulations! I’m excited for you and look forward to visiting at your new digs!

    1. Thanks, Judy! I cannot wait to share!

  4. So glad for your new adventure Susan. I am looking forward to seeing your new space. Congrats

    1. Thanks, Chris! It is a work in progress, to be sure!

  5. I’m so excited for you💥
    Can’t wait to see what comes next 🌈

  6. Susan, what an exciting next step for Art4Good and how marvelous to be part of a collaborative community of creatives. It feels like a perfect spot for you to continue to grow.

    1. Jeanne, thank you so much! I wasn’t sure I was ready for this big of a change. It seems it is time though!
      Looking forward to the next steps- thank you so much for your constant support!

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