What began as a simple morning sketch blossomed into an unexpected opportunity for my first art exhibition. On March 11, 2024, while keeping up with my "draw every day" resolution at Milagro Coffee Y Espresso, I sketched the fresh flowers they set on their tables during the spring—a small moment that would lead to one of the most exciting experiences of my year.

After sharing the sketch on Instagram and tagging the coffee shop, I received a surprising message from Milagro's account asking if I'd be interested in displaying my artwork in their space. As someone who had spent countless hours enjoying their cappuccinos, pastries, and good company, the thought of having my art grace the walls of this community gathering place felt like a dream come true.

The Exhibition

The exhibition ran from June 11th to July 29th, 2024, featuring seven pieces that showcased different aspects of my artistic journey. Rather than displaying numerous small pieces, I chose to focus on fewer but larger pieces, mindful of how visitors would view them from a distance. The collection included four large portraits, two smaller intimate pieces, and a special portrait of my cat, Perlita – marking her debut in the public eye.

The portrait selection was carefully curated to represent diverse subjects and narratives. My choices included historical figures, contemporary subjects, and my first large-scale charcoal drawing – a rendition of Michelangelo's David, a piece with personal significance as we share the same name. Each piece was chosen to contribute to a broader conversation about representation in portraiture.

Behind the Scenes

Dropping off the artwork on June 10th was particularly memorable because I got to meet John, Milagro's owner. His passion for community and genuine love for what he does was immediately apparent. Getting a peek behind the scenes of my favorite coffee shop was exciting enough, but seeing the staff's reactions to my work in the following days was even better – their enthusiastic compliments meant the world to me.

The Experience

Seeing my artwork displayed in such a welcoming and familiar space was incredible. Even more thrilling was when several pieces found permanent homes with buyers who felt a connection to them. Each sale validated my artistic journey, but honestly, just having my work displayed in such a vibrant community hub was reward enough.

Personal Growth

This exhibition marked many firsts: my first public showing, my first art sales, and my first experience presenting my work in a professional setting. It taught me important lessons about curating, presentation, and considering how viewers engage with art in public spaces.

Looking back, what started as a simple morning sketch transformed into a significant milestone in my artistic development. The opportunity to share my work with the Las Cruces community for the first time was both humbling and inspiring, setting the stage for future artistic endeavors.

I'm deeply grateful to Milagro for this opportunity and to everyone who took the time to look at, comment on, or connect with my work. This exhibition marked the beginning of my journey as a displaying artist, and I couldn't have asked for a better starting point!