A new year’s triumph emerges! On the eve of 2026, I painted electric hues on skin till woman became art. A walking canvas. Part deer, part siren, part painting. And what a delightful woman she was. She became art, amazing festival goers at AUM and filling my cup up once again.

Meet Jenna.

My sweet model, and fellow noob in the realm of body art. Neither of us were sure of what would come of our efforts, we just knew we wanted to enjoy the transformational process.

And so our time together was full of giggles, wonderment, and great chats with the public as the final reveal happened over the course of golden hour to twilight. Painting on the body is unlike my usual gig…but one that makes so much sense. And seeing her amongst the trees was such a delight.

She was hit for the opening night of the festival.

And as night came on, the black lights did a great job at adding new dimensions to the paints!

After painting her for over 2 hours I was tired…and Jenna did me a solid, she woudn’t let me head off to the tent…she told me to come with her, wander through the crowds and let her turn to me and point to ME as her “maker” – the the pair of us were stronger together.

It’s easy for me to want to hide, to let art speak for itself. But to be reminded that community is there…that we are made to rely on each other…that was a true gift I wasn’t expecting at the end of our project.

A special thanks to the arts community at AUM for sponsoring me to stretch out of my comfort zone and join the amazing artists that create for this wonderful festival.