4/3/2024
So many art enthusiast have been reaching out to me over the winter wondering what is the best way to see my work. Back in December we hosted a very successful gallery show here at our home on Main Street and talk at the time was hopefully restoring our early 19th Century barn into, what will be, ultimately our showcase. Our home and my back of the house arts studio is currently moaning—overflowing with new pieces with each passing week. Restoration, as I once knew it, was something that came easy to me, something that I was able to do primarily on my own. Of course there was the occasional request for help to raise a side wall, or bring full bundles of cedar shakes up a 12 pitch roof, but I could do much of it myself. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. My barn project, one that I have been dreaming about since we purchased our 1832 gingerbread-style home nearly 28 years ago, continues to be pushed back. Trying to see blessings and silver linings in everyday challenges continues to be the best way moving forward and I can assure you I haven’t given up on my dream. Following my solo show (Arts of Tolland-May 2024) I look forward to rounding up my very best team of volunteers. The goal will be to reside two sections of the east side of the barn. This will weatherproof the gallery and enclose two old windows that have limited use. From there, the upstairs has about ten board feet of flooring that needs to be completed. When completed, this will free up space on the first floor to begin creating a new space to display my work. Although I can still vision it, and dream it, I will admit there are days filled with self doubt. Even dreamers have bad days. I sincerely appreciate your interest and your continued support. In the mean time, please feel free to contact me regarding pieces you have seen on Instagram, Facebook, or this website (Mark Maciolek Art).
Upcoming Open House
Today is April Fool’s Day, and although I’m fighting temptations to share a practical joke or laugh; instead, I realize I’ve once again positioned myself in a precarious and uncertain position, filled with vulnerability making emotions both exhilarating and somewhat draining. After scanning the calendar, I’ve learned there are exactly 50 days before my first art-studio “open-house.” Seven weeks, peppered with birthdays, baptisms, Easter weekend, and even a NYC wedding (we can’t wait). But how do you transform your daily living space into an art gallery, showcasing pieces you’ve worked on for months–let alone hold, hopefully, dozens of people. That’s the part that leaves me feeling anxious. “Will anyone come?” is a recurring thought running through my mind. Of course, I could have invited anyone I’ve made eye contact with or worked with through the years–the mere numbers would assure the appetizers would be gone by day's end. That seemed unfair to those whose path I crossed, yet time has distanced but not extinguished, perhaps a more private meeting will come. For now, the questions and challenges seem insurmountable, but I realize I have been there before. Nothing in my life has come easy–and for that, I am truly blessed. In the coming days and weeks I thought I’d spend a few moments, not necessarily sharing artwork and projects, but sharing some of the challenges of what lies ahead. If our 1832 home could only talk–I’m sure it would begin with assuring me: “We got this!” Funerals, weddings, bar mitzvahs (and I’m certain bat mitzvahs too), birthdays, showers, pizza parties, graduations and countless anniversaries, have enjoyed the comfort of this old house always on the mend. Regardless of who walks through the door, this I can assure you, we will do our best to make you feel right at home.
