For years, I didn’t show my work. Between about 2016-2018, I devoted myself to pure art-making. Painted when possible, wrote songs. Performed on occasion. For some artists and musicians, showing and sharing the work is a pre-requisite. It’s what drives them, the thrill of the stage. For me, after a childhood of performing (piano, voice, trumpet, French horn, acting), I was burned out.. done — I thought. And when I left Vermont in 2016, I was also done with the “business” of selling my artwork..

But you can’t keep a performer from the stage, or an artist from playing “show & tell” with their most magical creations… just as you can’t keep an animal from water. I’ve gradually (or suddenly) returned to both the stage and the business of selling my art, because the joy of sharing what’s given to me is too great to keep closed up in boxes. I took a big leap on 5/22/22, performing original songs for the first time since the pandemic. A lovely audience gathered at ART150 in Jersey City for the Mid-Show Reception of “Impact,” a group show curated by Tarik Mendes & Frank Ippolito.

It was joyful beyond joyful - the best performance I’ve ever experienced.. So, I signed up for another. ;).

I’m thrilled to be showing never-before-seen artwork this June. Join me in attending “Not Your Gentle Flower,” a duo exhibition opening June 3, 2022. Features artwork by myself J.Heloise, and Alexandra Alvarez. Opening reception 6/3, 6-9pm - where I’ll be playing another set of original songs.. Show details below (weekend hours Sat/Sun 1-4pm through June 26). Also a sneak peak at the show’s highlights…

Because… in the words of “Godspell” the musical — “If that light’s under a bushel, it’s lost something kinda crucial.”

xoxoxox J.Heloise