What An Amazing Time!!!
First and foremost, THANK YOU to Ric & Chris and everyone who worked so hard to make Kolaj Fest happen!!! Thanks to all of the host venues, especially The Domino and Cafe Istanbul! Thanks to all of my fellow collage artists who were so warm and welcoming! Giant thanks to my incredible hosts, Keady and Tony who live in the most beautiful old world NOLA house ever! And, in New Orleans, I ran into the one and only, real deal artist, Don Rock! What a great surprise!!!
I wish I’d taken more photos!
I wish I gotten contact info for everyone I met, and I wish I had attended every session and event, so it goes. I did what I could. I had to fit in some of the beautiful sites of New Orleans and meet new and old friends! I had so much on my list, I barely scratched the surface!!! New Orleans is one of my favorite cities in America, I always say, if I wasn’t here I’d be there!!!
Kolaj Fest 2023 was an amazing expereience!!! It was a blast! I met so many wonderful people from all over, even some here in the pacific NW!! I am humbled by the artists I shared the spotlight with, I am shocked by the level of glue knowledge, and I am honored to have been included as a presenter – Thank you! It was amazing to see the huge variation of work and art, so many styles, so many visions, and it was great to hear other collage artsrs speak of their work. The ‘Collage as Politics’ exhibit was amazing! The old library venue in the Ogden Museum was a visual delight, and the festival was absolutely fantastic!!!
Then of course there was New Orleans!!!
The greatest of foods! The living breathing museum that is NOLA, and of course the music! I ate a cornmeal waffle, a muffaletta, famtasic friend fish, boudin balls, Italian pastries, stroganoff, and even a giant pretzel! I saw Concrete Confetti and other amazing bands at the Hi Lo Lounge on night one, attended the Kolage Fest symposium on day 2. On day 3, I prepped for and gave my presentation, and was graced with the presence of the legend that is Pat Jolly at my talk!!! On day 4, we cruised around and even visited the Tree Of Life!! On day 5, I headed up to see my very dear friend Lonnie in Baton Rouge, and then home I went! What an amazing ride!!!
It was a true honor to participate in the fabulous event that is Kolaj Fest! I am thankful for all of the wonderful people I met, and all the incredible experiences I had!
*Several gallery photos by Pat Jolly. Thank you!
Kolaj Fest, see you next year!!!