The ‘Family’ Art Show

It was aptly named. I thought Husband was being a little lazy about it, honestly, at first, but man – was it aptly named.

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We felt the love, guys. Seriously.

To The Artists

A huge, massive thank you – again – to all the artists. We were absolutely blown away by how many people jumped in, and then went above and beyond.

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I’ve told this story countless times, but I’ll tell it once more: When we started trying to put this together, we had the idea to ask a bunch of people if they would be willing to donate art. That way, if about half of them say, “Yes!” we’ve got a decent show.

Because people are busy, and we totally get that. These people have families and most of them have day jobs. It’s a huge thing to ask for this kind of draw on someone’s time. Additionally, many of them are trying to make it as artists – to make enough money so they can quit their day jobs. It’s another huge thing to ask someone to give away their livelihood. We would have 100% understood and supported anyone who said they just didn’t have time, or just couldn’t afford it.

But no one did. Not one. 

And as I told this same story to one of the artists who showed up at the event on Saturday, he shrugged super casually and said, “Ya, but Therst – and you – have always supported all of us, so it was just our turn.”

Which I still think was overly generous, but also very sweet.

The point is, they (you) answered in droves and enthusiastically said, “Of course!” So many artists sent not just one piece, but multiples. So many sent prints and stickers and little extras that just made the even that much awesome-er.

I know some people who still wanna argue that online/social media “friends” aren’t “really friends,” but we have known unconditional love and support from this community of artists like few other social groups we know. You guys are amazing, and I can’t say thank you enough!

To The Fans

More hugs and thank yous to everyone who came out to the event, and who participated online. So many people came and just hung out (and ate tacos) all evening. So many more stopped by on their way to another thing. It was amazing to just get to spend the evening with friends and share some of our favorite artists with you guys.

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And we were, honestly, blown away by how much art you guys bought! We are excited ’cause we have a good start on the massive chunk of cash we’ll need to take to China with us in the fall, but we’re also really, really happy that you guys like and appreciate all the great art that came together. We’re super proud of your great taste.

And then so many people actually stuck it out ’til the end and helped us clean up! A pop-up art show is no small project, and we were so grateful to pull away from the curb 20 minutes after closing time.

Art for Sale

Yes, there is still some art available and we will be selling it online. We’re looking into the best way to do that, and hoping to have it up by the end of the week. If you want to be the first to know, keep an eye on Instagram – @therst and/or @estherproject.

Conclusion: You’re Awesome

For months, we collected art and chased down venues and made plans. And then for hours, Saturday afternoon, we moved furniture and hung art and thought, “What if no one comes? What if nothing sells?”

But our fears were baseless. We crashed into bed Saturday night with sore feet and overflowing hearts. I don’t have the words to tell you what it means to us that you were there — in your art, in the flesh, in your online donation, or in your on-site purchasing agent.

Every thing about the adoption process is so big, and there are times when it starts to feel like it’s going to swallow me whole. But then there are times, like Saturday, when I stand in a room crowded with family and friends and laughter and art and tacos and hugs and I realize this is bigger.

Adoption Updates

There aren’t any. The fundraisers for May just ended. We got turned down by another grant organization.

Oh, one change: I told you the link for the monthly t-shirts would never change … but it did. But just this once. The service I was using doesn’t have the functionality I need, so now the monthly shirts will always (for real this time) be at rebrand.ly/therst-shirt. So amateur, I know.

And we’re still waiting for our LOA from China. It seems odd, but this is probably the longest stretch of time that we’ve just … waited. Which is a rare blessing. But still … waiting.