With the year 2018 nearly behind us, it’s a good time to look back at our accomplishments. Here are ten highlights of the year:

#10: Jan’s wrist

It was not the start to the year we were looking for, but it was influential all the same. Jan slipped on winter ice in February and fractured her wrist severely, requiring a metal plate and eleven screws to put it all back together. We weren’t sure that she’d be able to paint comfortably ever again. After what seemed liked an eternity of limited mobility, Jan started getting a more complete range of motion. And, as we moved into December, Janet picked up her brushes and resumed her rosemaling. Looking forward to having more of Janet’s work available in 2019.

#9: The Move

Prompted by her slip on the ice, we moved from our townhome into a home of our own. It’s wonderful to have wall space to hang our work, and spare bedrooms for studio space. Watch for future invitations to visit us at Swan Fox Hollow!

#8: Photographic Gems Talks

We gave two talks this year on the topic of finding and restoring old family photos. First we spoke at the Olmsted County Historical Society, and then we got invited to speak for the Steele County History Society. We even had our presentation recorded and made available on local cable TV!

#7: Contract Work

Rick is doing some contract photography, in which he shoots local businesses so that they have photos to use for their websites and social media marketing. So far he has done one restaurant, a vape shop, and an automotive care center. It’s a nice way to help local businesses succeed.

#6: Rochester Hiding Artists Tour

Even though we didn’t really participate in any pop-up markets in 2018, we did open our home and participated in the 2nd Annual Rochester Hiding Artists Tour. It was a cool weekend in September, and though we didn’t have a lot of visitors, we did sell some pieces and proved the point that Swan Fox Hollow makes a nice home gallery.

#5: Gallery 24

In 2018 we saw lots of activity from Gallery 24, where Rick is a member. Rick became treasurer for the Gallery, and there were a lot of events held there. At the end of August, we vacated our temporary space downtown. Member works are still on display at Forager Brewery. As we re-group, we look forward to finding our new home and potentially re-opening in 2019. Stay tuned!

 

 

 

#4: Art Friends, and Music Friends

One of the things we love about Rochester is all friends we have made here, and how we all support each other. Canvas and Chardonnay, Goodness Gallery, SEMVA, Forager Brewery, Scrub Your Butt Soap Company, are just a few of the local small businesses that feature and promote local visual art. And now we see an increase of music events combined with art. Thanks to the Rochester Posse, John Sievers and the D’Sievers for promoting lots of art and music activity in our town.

#3: SEMAC Grant and Kickstarter

Rick applied for and received a Southeast Minnesota Arts Council grant to develop a photography exhibit which will be held at the Rochester Arts Center in July, 2019. This allows me to further explore film photography, and using coffee as a developer. Plus, I will hold family-friendly science and art workshops in the new year, leading up to the show. Watch for more in a few months!

 

 

 

I also had a successful Kickstarter campaign to help fund the Light Chaser exhibit in April. Thanks to all who contributed!

#2: Small Scale Philanthropy

It’s in our mission statement that Fox and Swan Arts exists to “promote the common good through art.” One of the ways we do that is through our support of other artists and arts organizations. In 2018, we were proud to support the following artists and organizations:

• Rochester Symphony and Chorale
• Tim Cheesebrow – Musician, composer, educator (via Patreon)
• Fred Keller – Musician, storyteller (via Patreon)
• Amarama Art – Fiber artist (via Patreon)
• Riverside Concerts
• Kinstone

 

 

 

#1: Light Chaser

Our big accomplishment in 2018 was the solo art show, Light Chaser, held at Gallery 24. It seems like a long time ago now, but it remains as a highlight of 2018.

So what’s ahead in 2019? Well, watch for news about the following:

• A return to pop-up markets and selected craft fairs, featuring Jan’s paintings
• More musical adventures, as Rick continues to perform with Sterling and the Silver Lining. You may even see a return of the Alchemical Banjo!
• Continued exploits in film photography and coffee developing
• Building the business side of Fox and Swan Arts
• Rick’s upcoming photo tour of Nairobi, Kenya

Thanks for following Fox and Swan Arts!