Well, here we are, the final month of the year! What a ride this season has been, full of loop-de-loops, challenges, and inspiration. And you know what? The best is yet to come.

We’re on the other side of Hurricane Helene, but for some areas in our city, the cleanup is still just beginning. Our city officials have done an incredible job getting the process moving and nurturing the community through such a tough time. In November, we had the opportunity to celebrate the Heroes of Helene alongside the City of Augusta, CityServ, and many amazing organizations that stepped up to make a difference. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey.

As for me, I’ve been busy making art happen and learning how others are doing the same in their communities. Thanks to the Augusta Arts Council, I’ve been on what I’m calling my “Art Tour,” gathering ideas, inspiration, and connections to bring back home.

The weekend before Thanksgiving, I attended the Non-Profit Leadership Workshop in Greensboro, NC, which led to an incredible Public Art Tour through the city and several local universities with fellow arts leaders. From there, I visited Roanoke, VA, where I stumbled upon classes at their Local Arts Commission and had wonderful conversations with art leaders and makers in the Roanoke Valley. Their warm reception made me feel like part of their Art Family. In that process I was invited to be a panelist in April at the South and Appalachian Creative Placemaking Conference in Montgomery, Alabama. I’m super excited.

My final stop was in Panama City, FL, where I spent the Indigenous People’s Holiday with family and, of course, worked in some artsy exploration. (Because honestly, what’s a trip without art?) From people as art, to fashion, to unique creative food, live music, murals, sculptures, galleries, and even the landscape itself there’s art everywhere if you look for it.

What I’ve discovered on this journey is that we are all part of the Grand Art Gallery of the Universe.