In preparation for my participation at the Cherokee Art Market, October 11 & 12, 2008, I’ve been excited about the fresh work that we’ll display. Speaking with a few artist colleagues, it was a feeling of anxiety that trying “new” stuff would scare away potential buyers. Another conversation with a trusted collector was the thought that nobody would remember or know me, at first a potentially frightening dilemma, however, it seems to be the possibility that I’ve been looking for. I need a new audience, I would actually be increasing the buyer base by including the inventory of “new” stuff, along with some recognizable Padilla styled artwork. Please accept this invitation to come out to view the “hot off the easel” originals; also I’ll be doing on site demonstrations in my booth area. Looking forward to all of that.

The last weekend of September, what a long summer it seems to have been, I hope yours was eventfully unforgettable. We have transitioned somewhat into our “new” surroundings of Bethany, OK. I’ve been on the roads and highways of this great state and re-connected with good friends and acquaintances from Roger Mills County, to Payne County towards Hughes and Okfuskee counties and back. Lately, we’ve been laying the groundwork for upcoming ventures and projects that may prove to be an exciting adventure for all of us. Hoping to keep our presence in the ministry we also want to expand our outreach far beyond just the local church arenas. We still believe we have our stories to share and God’s message to communicate, with and through every means and resources at hand. What we hope to achieve is reassuring everyone of God’s presence among us, to visually experience the power and energy of the Spirit’s life in ours, and to stimulate our senses to be more fully aware of God’s love towards each one of us through Jesus Christ. I will be offering my gifts and talents to churches of any size attendance and of any denomination for a live demonstration of art in motion through the spoken word, dynamic music, and with a blazing display of an artist going wild on canvases and panels. This is nothing new for church or for me, about ten years ago at Mayfair Heights UMC, Pastor Michael Fletcher-Taylor and I teamed up on Palm/Passion Sunday to relate the last week and days of Jesus Christ with the pastor’s spoken words and my chalk rendition of Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, Christ before Pilate and the Cross of Calvary. That was probably the longest sermon ever preached at that church, about 45 minutes! My personal challenge is to do the same but with only a ten to fifteen minute time frame. Keep your eyes and ears open to one of these worship experiences to come to your area, our first one will begin where it all started—Mayfair Heights UMC on Sunday November 23, 2008 at 11 am in the sanctuary, with Pastor Robert Younts “Christ the King Sunday” sermon. Make plans to come visit with us, mark it on your calendars now, and if you can’t make it a recording of this event will soon be available afterward. I’m so excited, are you? God’s grace and peace abundantly flow through your heart and life.