The Studio Grand Opening!
I can’t believe my studio is finally complete and open to the public! It feels like we have been dreaming this up for YEARS and it is finally here! I am still pinching myself that this is MY building to paint in, host workshops, and sell my paintings, prints, and products in!!
How is this real!?
I wanted to share all the details of our HUGE grand opening weekend, because my team and I worked SO hard to get everything absolutely perfect! We worked tirelessly around the clock, hanging art, finishing paintings, getting artwork framed, creating balloon arches, and so much more!
(Look how cute my team is— Natalie, Mary, Peyton, and not pictured- Katie)
We had a family and friends night on Friday evening with catered hors d’oeuvres, and all day events on Saturday and Sunday with breakfast bites and doughnuts + mimosas and cocktails at the Bar•Baro! It was a whirlwind of a weekend, but so much fun!
THE BAR•BARO
The Bar•Baro is a fun project that my husband John and my parents and I have been working on for the past several months! It was once a dusty old horse trailer that has now been transformed into a mobile bar. The name Bar•Baro came from a famous derby horse that has a road named after it right behind the Studio. We thought it was the perfect match and represents Kentucky in such a cool way. We had the best time coming up with the design of the trailer and the signature drinks of course! Our favorite being the famous “Springhouse Mule” that consists of bourbon, Ale8, lime, and honey. It was definitely a big hit with our guests.
It’s safe to say The Bar•Baro was a hit at the Grand Opening. The mobile bar is such a great piece to add to any party or reception, and we are so excited to see all the places and parties it will be hosting in the future!
CATERING
Our dear friend DaRae who owns “DaRae & Friends” catered our grand opening on Friday evening. The food was absolutely delicious and everyone couldn’t stop talking about it the whole evening! The menu consisted of Kentucky themed comfort food. I have to admit I went back for seconds for the hot brown and her famous pimento cheese dip.
Her team was amazing and so much fun to work with. The team set a buffet style table in the Studio and the guests were able to travel through seamlessly with full plates, of course. She also had delicious hors d’oeuvres traveling around the Studio throughout the evening leaving everyone reaching for more.
If you’re in need of a caterer for your upcoming event, look no further, DaRae & Friends will exceed your expectations with their food and quality service. You can learn more about her catering company by visiting her website and you can also follow along her future ventures on her Instagram @daraeandfriends.
THE COOKIE SOCIAL
The owner of the cookie social, Rebecca McGrannahan created the most beautiful and delicious cookies for the Grand Opening! She recreated my logo in such a fun way and its safe to say that we got pictures of them just in time before they quickly disappeared! She added such a special piece to the day. They were the best treat for our guests to grab while they were socializing and shopping my artwork!
I would highly recommend her if you have any upcoming celebrations that need a special addition, whether that be a shower, birthday, or in my case a Grand Opening! If you are interested in following along with her cookie creations you can follow her on Instagram @the.cookiesocial. Trust me… you won’t be disappointed!
Did I mention I released brand new originals for the Grand Opening??
ABOUT THE PADDOCK SERIES RELEASE
I have always been so inspired by the movement and intensity of horses while racing, but realized I have never portrayed one of the key components that makes Keeneland and horse racing so enjoyable-- everything that happens in the paddock area.
This past Spring I was able to take in all the details of Keeneland's beautiful grounds and the excitement of the entire experience. After missing the races for an entire year in 2020, I wanted to show the beauty of Keeneland and portray the buzz before the races. Being in crowds, surrounded by people, is something that a lot of us took for granted until this past year-- so being back in the midst of it all again was captivating to me. The atmosphere of Keeneland is second to none and I wanted to show the beauty of the entire experience, not just the races themselves. Grabbing a drink in the bustling paddock, the beauty and simplicity of the Rolex clock, the quiet paddock area in the morning before the crowds, the jockeys in their colorful silks, and so much more!
As I was painting these, I was so inspired by the combination of olive greens and light blues and love the way these two play together on the canvas. I used colorful abstraction and oil pastels to create a playful composition in each painting. I hope you all love this series as much as I do!
You can shop “The Paddock Series” by clicking the link below!!
PHOTOGRAPHY
My close friend Katie Wilkins, a lifestyle photographer in Lexington, Kentucky took our photos for the Grand Opening. She was able to capture all of my dreams coming to life on this day. She knew how important all of the little details were to me and captured it beautifully. Her photography business, Lane Lens, is ready to capture your next big moment. You can follow along with her on Instagram @lane_lens ! She specializes in family and newborn photography!
VIDEO
Here is a behind the scenes look into one of my absolute favorite days EVER!! Every detail was perfect and I can’t thank everyone enough who helped make this day possible! I wish I could relive this day over and over!
Thank you to everyone who came to the grand opening weekend, and to everyone who has come since then! It is still so shocking to me that my art and studio could bring people from all over to come shop! I feel so blessed to be here and I am so thankful for all of you all that has made this possible! Thank you thank you!
Kayla