You may now call me madam speaker. (lol)

3/18/25

I Did Something BIG!

I just accomplished something huge—I spoke in front of the largest audience I’ve ever faced!

On a stage.
With a microphone.
Behind a podium.
Under blinding lights.

And not just that—I was the MC for an awards presentation! Me?! The MC?! What universe am I living in?!

Anyone who’s known me for a long time knows how significant this is. I used to be terrified of speaking—even in small meetings. So this? This is HUGE!

And let me tell you—it felt AMAZING to conquer!

But here’s the real shocker… I. LOVED. IT. Every second of it! I know, right?! And now, I want to do more! (I’ve been running around the house exclaiming, “I am a SPEAKER! I am a SPEAKER!”—because, well… I AM!)

Here’s the full story…

I was invited to jury the annual St. Pius X Catholic High School art show in Atlanta, Georgia, and I jumped at the chance to contribute to the creative community and support students in their formative years. What an incredible experience!

I reviewed hundreds of pieces from grades 9-12—without knowing the artists’ names or grade levels. One category alone had nearly 200 entries! The submissions spanned ceramics, 3D models, 2D design, sculpture, painting, photography, printmaking, and drawing. Each category had winners for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, plus honorable mentions—and then, of course, the overall Best in Show for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

The students’ work was exceptional. It was clear that they had exposure to a variety of mediums and styles. Some had significant experience, while others were just beginning their artistic journeys. But regardless, I judged each piece as a finished work of art—not just a class assignment.

The Awards Night

The school also invited me—yes, me!—to MC the awards presentation.

I won’t lie—I felt a mix of nerves, excitement, and anticipation. But once I stepped on that stage, something clicked. I spoke for about five minutes, then presented the awards. And let me tell you—seeing the joy and sense of accomplishment on each student’s face as they accepted their awards was absolutely priceless.

The entire evening was a beautiful reminder of why I love art and community. Being able to give back in a way that felt so genuine and fulfilling was truly an honor.

A huge thank you to the school and teachers who trusted me with this role—I am beyond grateful!

(And if anyone is in need of a speaker, keep me in mind! Tee hee! Or a juror. Loved that, too!)

If you’d like to read the speech I gave, it’s below…

It doesn’t feel that long ago that I was sitting in your seats at a different Catholic high school. But with all the growth that life brings, it feels like a lifetime ago.

I’ve spent my life studying artistic expression, whether or not I realized it. Now, you’re doing the same. Your experiences are already preparing you to be powerful artists. Yes, mastering technical skills is important—learning how to use materials and capture a likeness—but what matters even more is the message behind the work, the feeling that art evokes. Great art draws you in, gives you fresh perspectives, resonates deeply, and sometimes even challenges your beliefs.

I’ve spent a lifetime studying art. As a child, I grew up in a large family of artists, watching my dad, grandfather, aunts, and uncles create and show their work.

In college, I studied graphic design and fine art, earning a degree in visual communications with a minor in art history. In my 20s, I lived in Europe for a year, visiting major museums and bringing my art history studies to life. I can’t even describe how exciting it was to see the works I had studied in books—only this time, I got to experience them in person!

Art is my life. It’s why I’m honored to be here today, seeing your artistic expressions. Your work gives me a glimpse of the possibilities in front of you, whether or not you pursue art professionally. The perspectives you will add to the world of art are exciting to imagine.

For me, art is about expression, a form of communication. It’s not just about technique or making things look realistic, although those skills are important. As an abstract artist, I focus on expressing my experiences in nature, sharing my responses to world events, and exploring the mystical side of life. Painting is a dance between me, the paint, and the canvas—a back-and-forth, a give-and-take.

Once you’ve mastered the skills, you’ll learn that making art is about letting go of rules and embracing expression. The more you practice, the more your techniques become second nature, and you can focus on creating freely.

It has been thrilling to see your work, the variety of mediums you use, and all the styles and techniques you are exploring. Your creativity is inspiring, and I loved catching a glimpse of your lives through your art.

When evaluating the art for this show, I asked myself:

Does it capture a moment?
Does it offer a new perspective?
Does it ask a question?
Does it show me a different life experience or tell a new story?
Does it speak to me on a deeper level?
Does it make an impact?
Does it stop me in my tracks?

All of your work is worth being seen and deserves recognition. It’s hard to judge personal expression, and I want each of you to know that whether or not your work receives an award tonight, keep going. Your voice is powerful, and you deserve to be heard. (I know this can sound trite, but as someone who didn’t win all the awards, I say this honestly.)

So, keep doing what you love. Follow your heart, follow your passion, and you’ll discover your true purpose.

Enough of my musings! Now, let’s move on to the exciting part of the night—the awards themselves!