💖 The Unseen Backbone: Thank You to the Artists Who Lift Us Up

There's a quiet truth about being an artist: it's terrifying.

It's a daily struggle against that little voice that whispers, "It's not good enough," or "Who are you to share this?" For every piece we proudly present, there are ten others hidden away, victims of insecurity and hesitation. We often see the final product—the finished painting, the completed song, the launched gallery—but we rarely see the scaffolding that made it all possible.

This post is a heartfelt, emotional thank you to the artists—the true visionaries—who choose to be that scaffolding for us.

To the established painter Lionel Lewis who shared his experiences and knowledge when we were just starting. His encouragement and openness helped Marc realize that even the most polished painters have insecurities and face challenges as they create. His genuine friendship and support helped us understand that the life we were breathing into our idea was being envisioned by others. An excitement began emerging from the shadows, becoming tangible.

To my friends at Fossil Up who listened, truly listened, to my fears and ideas and said, "Keep going. You've got this!" You saw beyond the nervousness and the trembling hands to recognize the raw potential in the team that is Marc and me. Those affirmations helped us get through some of our toughest days as we began this journey. You didn't just give advice; you gave us permission. You offered a belief in our potential that, frankly, we didn't yet have in ourselves. Your support wasn't conditional or competitive; it was a pure, generous act of artistic kinship. You understood that the creative world is not a pie to be divided, but a universe to be expanded. You cheered us through some of our most daunting days and supported us through every up and down—which is why we had to make you our very first featured artists of the month.

Two close friends with similar interests, Dawn McIntyre and Deb Ainsworth, joined our gallery around the same time. Both are incredibly talented artists who work with glass and resin in distinct ways. From the very beginning, they have infused our gallery with positive vibes and energy. They eagerly participated in our grand opening news interview and generously donated stunning pieces for our giveaways. Deb even crafted a vibrant palette-style resin art sign for the gallery, which now hangs from our rafters.

The Palette sign created for the gallery by local artist Deb Ainsworth

These are just a few of the remarkable individuals we've met at the beginning of our journey here. There are countless other stories—numerous artists who have now become like family, offering support and forming the backbone of our gallery. Each person contributes uniquely, whether through a simple nod of encouragement or by volunteering their ideas and energy as we learn to thrive and expand here on Monroe Ave in the heart of downtown Arcadia.

I remember standing in the empty space that would become our gallery, my heart a hollow drum. The walls were bare, and the doubts were deafening. I can’t do this. We are not established enough. It will fail.

But then I remembered all those words of support. I remembered the collective energy of the artists who came before me, those who cheer from the sidelines, and those who actively reach out a hand.

Because of your encouragement, your examples of vulnerability, and your commitment to fostering a true community, the key finally turned in the lock. The gallery exists. It stands not just as a space for my own work, but as a testament to the power of artists supporting artists. It is built on the foundation of the faith you instilled.

If you are an artist supporting another—whether through a kind word, a shared resource, or a deep, nodding understanding of the struggle—please know your contribution is monumental. You are the reason so many hesitant creators step up, create, and finally believe in themselves.

Thank you for making the terrifying act of creation feel like coming home.

Do you have an artist in your life who lifted you up? Share their story in the comments below!