2023 starts with Galleries

What a great start to 2023! My work has been showing in the Fabrication district of Dallas, and my students work has been showing in Downtown Dallas. Thanks to Blue Print gallery for inviting us to showcase our top talent.

I’m happy to say that I’m back in the studio creating, and applying to open calls. Applying to open calls can be stressful, time consuming, and awkward. It requires filling out artist statements, sharing new work, processing ideas and putting yourself out there. I used to apply to an open call at least twice a month, which can be a lot of money wasted and time spent never hearing from someone. I don’t know if I will keep applying that frequently, I think i’d like to be more selective about where I send my art out to but i’m not sure yet.

I can’t wait to see where the rest of this year is headed, but so far its a strong start!

Visitor views artwork by Jessica Raff

Bringing back the sketchbook

Sketchbook page 2023

In undergrad at Fresno State I worked in a sketchbook nonstop. It kept my lecture notes, drawings, thoughts, inspirations, ideas. In graduate school I still kept a sketchbook but I was challenged to leave it, that it wasn’t necessary, and that I should work bigger and away from it.

I think this was a big mistake for me. Sketchbooks are tangible places where I can see the beautiful, weird creative things that fascinate me.

In bringing back my sketchbook, i’m bringing back weird ideas. Interesting characters. Research and concept lived there. I’m looking forward to bringing it back, documenting, storing things, and then turning those pages into pieces of art.

the Girl Scout Gold Award

This last school year I was able to work with an ambitious Senior at Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas ISD who was going for the gold. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement and requires leadership, creativity, and true dedication.

I was happy to see her project grow and impact an area of our city that is continually blighted with graffiti.
A mural was planned, organized, and fundraised for. Meetings were held with neighborhood stakeholders, as well as city officials. Now, an area that was covered in graffiti has a warm welcome that reads: Welcome to the Santa Fe Trail.

Being a Girl Scout Gold mentor was a terrific experience. Teaching young girls how to advocate for themselves is important to me as a teacher and a woman. I am happy that there are young girls who are willing to make a positive change in their neighborhood. We worked to develop their presentation and communication skills, I was so happy to share my experience with them and see them increase their comfort with delivering talks and ideas.

I hope to have this opportunity again and can’t wait to see what the future leaders will do.