I have lived in
Richland, Washington, for three years now and Art in The Park has been a highlight every year. It's rare that I get to share my art with so many people and once they step into my booth they are all ears. It's different from an exhibition in that i really get to explain the inspiration behind pieces.
I have never attended the event as a local but have had a booth all three years.
My first year I found nearly everything for my set up on the side of the road marked "free" or from dumpster diving, yet somehow you saw potential in my application.
My second year I bought a couple pieces at Goodwill and a couple used easels from other artists.
This year was my first year with panels for walls and it made a huge difference!
I'm thankful for an arts event that involves the community and has been willing to let me learn as I grow. Art in The Park, you have pushed me to create new work and to engage with the community.
I'm already looking forward to next year and am thinking of some of the changes I will make!!!
Thank you Art in The Park, Allied Arts and Tri-Cities for being pretty stinking amazing!
<3 Love,
Felicia Follum
PS, If you would like to learn more about the work in the image, here are some links below.
My Women & Sisters (Redemption and Stories)
Boats & Bombs (Working with refugees locally and abroad)
The Lily Pad Project (Raising awareness about human trafficking and sex slavery)
Travel Your City (Exploring and Promoting Richland, Kennewick and Pasco)