Blog 

August 2025-December 2025

December 2025
New Collections, Creative Additions, and a Year of Milestones

Hello,

December brings the close of a challenging and transformative year, with new artwork and products, continued creative work, and important reflections on a difficult season of major setbacks.

New Collections & Featured Artwork

New Collections:

  • Abstract Acrylic Mug Collection (expanded collection and promoted this month)

  • Mythological Creatures Mug Collection (new and promoted this month)

New Artwork:

  • Quality Time — ink and wash piece added to the Rich Traditions Collection

  • Baby Cheerful — added as an extension to Baby Crying, expanding the Expressions Collection

  • DigAI Golden Jubilee Botanicals Jumbo Mug and DigAI Golden Jubilee Botanicals Tile Jumbo Mugsadded to Abstract Acrylic Mug Collection

  • The Mythological Phoenix — new pencil artwork created and also added to the Mythological Creatures Mug Collection

  • The Mythological Turkey — new pencil artwork created and also added to the Mythological Creatures Mug Collection

  • The Mythological Unicorn — new pencil artwork created and also added to the Mythological Creatures Mug Collection

  • Holiday Scratchboards Set — 7 Holiday Scratchboards offered together as a set with a $95 holiday savings

This month continued the promotion of two major releases: the Abstract Acrylic Mug Collection and the Mythological Creatures Mug Collection. Both collections feature original printed artwork available in jumbo size and also on smaller 11 oz and 15 oz mug sizes in the Abstract Acrylic Mug CollectionCoordinating greeting cards and prints accompany the collections, and all artwork has been showcased across the website and social media as part of the holiday campaign. Two additional mugs officially launched this month as part of the DigAI Golden Jubilee Botanicals series added within the Abstract Acrylic Mug Collection: DigAI Golden Jubilee Botanicals Tile Jumbo Mug and DigAI Golden Jubilee Botanicals Tile Jumbo Mug

New artwork was also added this month. Quality Time, an ink and wash piece, was added to the Rich Traditions Collection, which now includes two colored pencil works and two ink and wash pieces focused on thank-you traditions, handwritten notes, handwriting, country life, dating, and spending meaningful one-on-one time in conversation and visiting. Baby Cheerful was introduced as an extension of Baby Crying, officially expanding and dividing the Expressions Collection into two coordinated sets. Finally, three new pencil art pieces were completed: The Mythological Phoenix, The Mythological Turkey, and The Mythological Unicorn, which were added to mugs.

Collection Re-organization & Updates

Collections were reorganized in December to create a clearer, more connected structure across portraits, expressions, and themed groupings. Portraits & Expressions now includes Little Expressions (Baby Crying and Baby Cheerful), the Vintage Poise Collection (Mademoiselle and Mademoiselle’s Son), and the Charcoal Portraits (Emily and Kathryn)

 

Exhibitions, Events & Community

Three pieces—Baby Cheerful, The Nativity in Gold Ink, and A Musing Chimpanzee—were submitted for the December Gift of Art Exhibition at The Grand Theater. The exhibition status is currently to be determined. The Exhibition List on the Exhibitions Page will be updated once final details are confirmed.

In community events and exhibitions, cHerArtwork attended the Small Business Expo on November 21, taking part in development sessions, visiting exhibitors, and connecting with a broad range of professionals. The following day included a brief visit to Between Gazes and Silences by Ivette Ramos Levy at Art on Main in Dallas, offering a quiet moment to view the work and engage with its reflective themes.

 

Advertising, Promotion & Business Updates

Focusing on more positive events—a major milestone was celebrated this year: the one-year anniversary of cHerArtwork on November 19, 2025, marked with a site-wide promotional event. 

A December e-newsletter was sent promoting the Mythological Turkey Mug announcing this holiday mug and the Mythological Creature Mug Collection with the Mythological Phoenix, Mythological Turkey, and Mythological Unicorn all new pencil artwork pieces completed this month. Holiday sales included cards, scratchboards, and seasonal promotions across the website and social media.

This year also brought substantial digital expansion:
• Two website migrations at the start of the year
• A new fully functioning e-commerce website launched in June
• eBay and ArtPal stores set-up
• An expanded Zazzle store
• Regular social media updates
• The Pinterest Product Catalog launched in August
• A comprehensive inventory spreadsheet list
• Artwork images set-up in social media sizes and covers for all 300 products
• Fifteen web-site sales campaigns using coupons
• A monthly e-newsletter sent out each month
• An updated blog each month on the website
• A pop-up box to capture leads
• New The Story Behind the Artwork section added to the website
• Participation in 15 Exhibitions this year, 2 shows, and 3 art contests

This year had 2 sales, one Frantic Flight of the Cuckoo at the beginning of the year, and a framed mini at an art show for a total of $120 earned. Nevertheless, all 4 Sales Tax reports were submitted to the State of Texas dutifully.

Year-End Summary

Throughout 2025, cHerArtwork introduced new artwork across mediums, expanded collections, participated in exhibitions, established a new website, built multiple sales channels, and created infrastructure for long-term growth. Despite those achievements, the year was overshadowed by sustained sabotage, harassment, digital interference, break-ins, vandalism, and missing artwork—all rooted in resentment, hostility, and a growing culture of interpersonal harm rather than healing or community support.

Long before focusing on fine arts, efforts such as Clean Up Dallas with Culture and Kindness—a year-long writing initiative with more than 300 articles on communication, respect, and etiquette—sought to foster positive change. Yet those efforts also met resistance and hostility, ultimately extending into targeted attacks that continued even as the focus shifted fully into art, quilting, writing, and business.

For those who support creativity, kindness, and authentic craftsmanship, and for those who genuinely wish to purchase artwork, please reach out directly. The door remains open for real connection, despite the noise created by those committed to destruction.

As the year closes, the weight of these experiences remains heavy, but the desire to finish smaller project goals to have them closer to being automated and on a schedule keeps winning out.  With so much modified intellectual property and destroyed artwork, I'm not sure what the next coming months looks like, but for now, what is listed is functioning and is available for sale.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and meaningful Thanksgiving.
Please watch for website promotions throughout December.

Warmly,
Cheryl Vaca
cHerArtwork


Website: www.cherartwork.com
eBay Store: www.ebay.com/usr/cherartwork_cherylvaca
Facebook: @cherartwork
Instagram: @cherartwork_cherylvaca
Pinterest: @cherartwork
Zazzle Store: www.zazzle.com/store/cherartwork

✉️ Subscribe to the e-Newsletter here


November 2025
November Reflections: Gratitude in the Creative Season

Hello Friends,

October was a month marked by organization, creativity, and steady progress behind the scenes!

Exhibitions and Creative Highlights
The Frankenstein Exhibit at The Lewisville Playhouse continued through October, coinciding with the theater’s performance of Young Frankenstein. Featured in the display was Date, an ink and wash piece from The Traditions Collection. Selected for its thoughtful connection to the exhibition theme, Date explores the complexities of relationships—how dating can be both intimidating and “scary” for some. It reflects on respect, etiquette, and the importance of genuine connection, offering viewers a quiet moment of reflection. While other submissions leaned into darker Halloween themes, Date provided a contemplative contrast that resonated deeply with audiences.

Separately, The Letter G, a scratchboard artwork from The Ornate Letters Collection, was displayed in the Alphabet Soup Exhibition at The Grand Theater throughout October. During the exhibition, The Letter G drew an inquiry from a visitor interested in learning more about the piece and its collection.

Operations, Promotions, and Planning
October focused on refreshing the inventory list of all cHerArtwork pieces—a comprehensive reference of details and pricing for nearly 300 items. After months of new artwork and product development, the list underwent a full reorganization, with Zazzle items to be added in November. The month also featured a 15% site-wide sale on October 15, promoted with the “51Wishes” code. Behind the scenes, planning continued for social content and promotions extending through next year. Pre-scheduled posts and website updates will support consistent campaigns across platforms. AI-assisted tools are helping manage the social media calendar through 2026, ensuring alignment with ongoing creative and marketing goals. Finally, Q3 sales tax was submitted online to the Texas Comptroller’s office, reflecting zero sales for the quarter. With refreshed organization and renewed marketing momentum, the groundwork is set for optimistically stronger results in the months ahead.

 

New Collections & Featured Artwork
Two new mug collections were introduced in October and are now available in the cHerArtwork Zazzle store

The Abstract Acrylic Mug Collection, inspired by the DigAI Golden Jubilee Botanicals Tiles Artwork, includes the DigAI Breeze of Medallion, DigAI Golden Tree, DigAI Sea Foam Bloom, and DigAI Whispers of Marigold Mugs, available in 11oz and 15oz sizes.

The Mythological Creature Mug Collection pairs pencil artwork with thoughtful quotes:
  • Mythological Phoenix Mug — “Like the phoenix greeting the morning sun, every day is a chance to rise anew.”
  • Mythological Turkey Mug — “In every moment, find a reason to be thankful.”
  • Mythological Unicorn Mug — “Where purity dwells, grace strengthens and faith endures.”


The Mythological Creature Mug Collection showcases pencil artwork paired with meaningful quotes, each designed to inspire reflection and positivity. The Mythological Phoenix Mug features the quote “Like the phoenix greeting the morning sun, every day is a chance to rise anew.” The Mythological Unicorn Mug carries the message “Where purity dwells, grace strengthens and faith endures.” The Mythological Turkey Mug, part of the broader Pencil Mythological Creatures Collection and featured for Thanksgiving promotions, reads “In every moment, find a reason to be thankful.”

All mugs in this collection will also be available in a blank version, allowing customers to personalize them with their own favorite quotes. Suggested phrases will be provided for inspiration. Select from a variety of options and personalize the mug with a name, monogram, or custom quote in Zazzle to have it shipped.

Both mug collections are now live. The Mythological Creature mugs debuted just in time for Halloween, and the Abstract Acrylic Mugs featuring DigAI Botanical Tiles are scheduled for November promotion, along with the Mythological Turkey Mug. Plans are also underway for a Thanksgiving holiday weekend promotion, with details to be announced soon. This collection has plans to later expand to include a Winged Lion and a Dragon. For now, these are the first mugs offered by cHerArtwork with text phrases add to the artwork, and with the option for customers to customize mugs with their own inspirational phrases.

Community and Connection
October concluded with Art on Main’s The HeART of Resilience Grand Opening—an inspiring exhibition honoring breast cancer survivors through art. The show featured a diverse range of works, from acrylics and sculpture to photography and paper art. It was a pleasure meeting Andrea, the gallery owner, and sharing about cHerArtwork at this inspirational event.

Looking Ahead
Though the pace is easing, it’s far from quiet. With membership in the Visual Art League of Lewisville concluding in September and all exhibition pieces returned, focus will shift toward business organization and managing social media promotions. Work continues on organizing files, records, and creative materials, while monthly promotions, homepage features, and e-newsletters will keep cHerArtwork active and connected. Plans include attending at least one art event each month and exploring new sales opportunities, along with developing a new product concept—details to come next month.

With gratitude and thanks,

Cheryl Vaca
cHerArtwork

Website: www.cherartwork.com
Ebay Store: www.ebay.com/usr/cherartwork_cherylvaca
Facebook: @cherartwork
Instagram: @cherartwork_cherylvaca
Pinterest: @cherartwork
Zazzle Store: www.zazzle.com/store/cherartwork
✉️ Interested in receiving the e-Newsletter? Subscribe here


November 2025

Hello Friends,

October was a month marked by organization, creativity, and steady progress behind the scenes!

Exhibitions and Creative Highlights
The Frankenstein Exhibit at The Lewisville Playhouse continued through October, coinciding with the theater’s performance of Young Frankenstein. Featured in the display was Date, an ink and wash piece from The Traditions Collection. Selected for its thoughtful connection to the exhibition theme, Date explores the complexities of relationships—how dating can be both intimidating and “scary” for some. It reflects on respect, etiquette, and the importance of genuine connection, offering viewers a quiet moment of reflection. While other submissions leaned into darker Halloween themes, Date provided a contemplative contrast that resonated deeply with audiences.

Separately, The Letter G, a scratchboard artwork from The Ornate Letters Collection, was displayed in the Alphabet Soup Exhibition at The Grand Theater throughout October. During the exhibition, The Letter G drew an inquiry from a visitor interested in learning more about the piece and its collection.

Operations, Promotions, and Planning
October focused on refreshing the inventory list of all cHerArtwork pieces—a comprehensive reference of details and pricing for nearly 300 items. After months of new artwork and product development, the list underwent a full reorganization, with Zazzle items to be added in November. The month also featured a 15% site-wide sale on October 15, promoted with the “51Wishes” code. Behind the scenes, planning continued for social content and promotions extending through next year. Pre-scheduled posts and website updates will support consistent campaigns across platforms. AI-assisted tools are helping manage the social media calendar through 2026, ensuring alignment with ongoing creative and marketing goals. Finally, Q3 sales tax was submitted online to the Texas Comptroller’s office, reflecting zero sales for the quarter. With refreshed organization and renewed marketing momentum, the groundwork is set for optimistically stronger results in the months ahead.

 

New Collections & Featured Artwork
Two new mug collections were introduced in October and are now available in the cHerArtwork Zazzle store

The Abstract Acrylic Mug Collection, inspired by the DigAI Golden Jubilee Botanicals Tiles Artwork, includes the DigAI Breeze of Medallion, DigAI Golden Tree, DigAI Sea Foam Bloom, and DigAI Whispers of Marigold Mugs, available in 11oz and 15oz sizes.

The Mythological Creature Mug Collection pairs pencil artwork with thoughtful quotes:
  • Mythological Phoenix Mug — “Like the phoenix greeting the morning sun, every day is a chance to rise anew.”
  • Mythological Turkey Mug — “In every moment, find a reason to be thankful.”
  • Mythological Unicorn Mug — “Where purity dwells, grace strengthens and faith endures.”


The Mythological Creature Mug Collection showcases pencil artwork paired with meaningful quotes, each designed to inspire reflection and positivity. The Mythological Phoenix Mug features the quote “Like the phoenix greeting the morning sun, every day is a chance to rise anew.” The Mythological Unicorn Mug carries the message “Where purity dwells, grace strengthens and faith endures.” The Mythological Turkey Mug, part of the broader Pencil Mythological Creatures Collection and featured for Thanksgiving promotions, reads “In every moment, find a reason to be thankful.”

All mugs in this collection will also be available in a blank version, allowing customers to personalize them with their own favorite quotes. Suggested phrases will be provided for inspiration. Select from a variety of options and personalize the mug with a name, monogram, or custom quote in Zazzle to have it shipped.

Both mug collections are now live. The Mythological Creature mugs debuted just in time for Halloween, and the Abstract Acrylic Mugs featuring DigAI Botanical Tiles are scheduled for November promotion, along with the Mythological Turkey Mug. Plans are also underway for a Thanksgiving holiday weekend promotion, with details to be announced soon. This collection has plans to later expand to include a Winged Lion and a Dragon. For now, these are the first mugs offered by cHerArtwork with text phrases add to the artwork, and with the option for customers to customize mugs with their own inspirational phrases.

Community and Connection
October concluded with Art on Main’s The HeART of Resilience Grand Opening—an inspiring exhibition honoring breast cancer survivors through art. The show featured a diverse range of works, from acrylics and sculpture to photography and paper art. It was a pleasure meeting Andrea, the gallery owner, and sharing about cHerArtwork at this inspirational event.

Looking Ahead
Though the pace is easing, it’s far from quiet. With membership in the Visual Art League of Lewisville concluding in September and all exhibition pieces returned, focus will shift toward business organization and managing social media promotions. Work continues on organizing files, records, and creative materials, while monthly promotions, homepage features, and e-newsletters will keep cHerArtwork active and connected. Plans include attending at least one art event each month and exploring new sales opportunities, along with developing a new product concept—details to come next month.

With gratitude and thanks,

Cheryl Vaca
cHerArtwork

Website: www.cherartwork.com
Ebay Store: www.ebay.com/usr/cherartwork_cherylvaca
Facebook: @cherartwork
Instagram: @cherartwork_cherylvaca
Pinterest: @cherartwork
Zazzle Store: www.zazzle.com/store/cherartwork
✉️ Interested in receiving the e-Newsletter? Subscribe here


October 2025
October Highlights: New Art, Exhibitions, and Creative Connections

Dear Friends,

I’m excited to share this month’s updates with you. October has been full of creativity, exhibitions, organization projects, and community events.

New Collections & Featured Artwork

  • Pencil A Musing Chimpanzee was added to the Framed Pencil Chimpanzee Collection 20" x 16". This drawing was refined to pair with Laughing Chimpanzee, both celebrating expressions and familiar mannerisms that bring a smile. On September 13, I sent out an e-newsletter promotion offering $100 off when both chimpanzees were purchased together. While there were no sales, I’m glad to have expanded the collection.
  • ScratchboardThe Letter G, a 5" x 7" piece on museum Scratchbord™, created as part of the Alphabet Soup Exhibition.
  • Ink and Wash – Date, an ink and wash illustration of a man bringing flowers to a young woman at her door, created for the October art display at the Young Frankenstein play.
  • Photography – Added three new photos: A Leaf's MomentConcrete Framework, and Urban Waterfall.

 

Exhibitions & Events

  • VALS (Visual Art League of Lewisville)
    • Western Days Art Table – Joined in painting rocks and creating western-style Artist Trading Cards. These community tables always become lively creative zones that draw people of all ages.
    • Monthly Meeting with speaker Du Chau – Attended a talk by Du Chau, artist and curator of Fresh Ideas 2025. He shared insights on the delicate process of jurying—how themes emerge, how choices are made, and how some works linger long after the exhibition closes. He also discussed his own creative process, from materials and metaphors to curatorial decisions. It was inspiring and thought-provoking. Read more here.
  • Alphabet Soup Exhibition – Hosted at The Grand Theater in Lewisville, this show runs through October 25, 2025, and features 17 artists, each contributing a letter to spell out IMAGINE THE WORLD AS A CANVAS. My piece, The Letter G, is part of the installation in the South Display Case.
  • Young Frankenstein at Lewisville Playhouse – Running October 2–19, this exhibition features lobby artwork displayed alongside the play. My piece Date has been submitted to be included.
  • Artwork Sighting – Had a fun local moment spotting a live look-a-like of Mademoiselle’s Son at a Starbucks—you never know when an artwork sighting will happen!

 

Business Updates

  • Pinterest Catalog – After a nine-month wait, the Pinterest catalog is officially launched! Pins are now live for many artwork pieces, organized into boards, and set to automatically update with website changes. www.pinterest.com/cHerArtwork
  • Website Organization
    • Updated and archived, categorized and scrubbed...a thorough cleaning overall which is still in progress!
    • Cleaned up my master product list, purging outdated info and adding missing details (with help from ChatGPT!).
    • Revised product details such as the Paper Mache Man with Boy and Bird Digital Collection of Scenes 1-37 set and standarded details on many of the product images overall. Since the full digital collection file (304 MB) is too large to transfer through the site, it is now available as a paid service and delivered by email. Individual images remain available for instant download.
  • Zazzle Store – Removed some items, added others, and made the store cleaner overall. Plans are underway to expand the Fun Artwork Themed Gifts collection.
  • Social Media Prep – Batch-created over 460 promotional images (including variations and group shots) sized for Meta posts for Facebook,  Instagram and other platforms. Built a complete product image library and began creating a library of behind-the-scenes artwork stories to share with members.
  • General Organization – Cleaned up computer files for business use.
  • Business Cards – Received 1,000 new business cards. The pink ones will serve as collector discount cards, redeemable for future savings. I also began using an electronic business card app.
  • Networking – Connected with small business owners through Alignable online, expanding reach and awareness of cHerArtwork online.
  • Subscriber's e-Newletter – Staying in contact with subscribers by sharing exclusive updates on art features and sending special promotional information.
  • Other Projects – Holiday Facebook covers are in progress, and an e-newsletter is being developed to share blogs and behind-the-scenes stories. The first behind-the-scenes edition went out last month, and I plan to send one each month going forward.

 

Closing Thoughts

This month has been full of growth—from creating new artwork and exhibiting pieces, to joining VALS, updating the website, and expanding marketing opportunities. Each step helps build connections and share artwork more widely.

As always, thank you for being part of the cHerArtwork journey!

Warmly,

Cheryl Vaca
cHerArtwork

Website: www.cherartwork.com
Ebay Store: www.ebay.com/usr/cherartwork_cherylvaca
Facebook: @cherartwork
Instagram: @cherartwork_cherylvaca
Pinterest: @cherartwork
Zazzle Store: www.zazzle.com/store/cherartwork
✉️ Interested in receiving the e-Newsletter? Subscribe here


September 2025
New Collections, Exhibitions, and Expanding Horizons

Exhibitions & Events

This month marked the closing of three wonderful shows—All Natural, Nouveau West, and ATC Cards. Each one brought opportunities to share my work with others and connect with the community. I also had the privilege of attending Conversations with Artists for both the All Natural and Nouveau West exhibitions.

During these events, I shared about two of my pieces—Girl Splashing in a Puddle (All Natural) and Queen of Hearts (Nouveau West). It was a rewarding experience to explain the inspiration and technique behind these works, while also listening to other artists discuss the meaning woven into their own creations.

I also joined in on a brainstorming session for the upcoming Alphabet Soup Exhibition, which is currently on display in the South Display Case from August 26 through October 25. My contribution, the Letter G, is a 5" x 7" piece on museum Scratchbord™ and is available for purchase for $5. The installation at the Grand Theater showcases an inspirational phrase built from letters created by local artists—a true celebration of collective creativity.

While I chose not to participate in this year’s 2025 Fresh Ideas Exhibition, I am considering submitting artwork to the Lewisville Playhouse exhibition for the play Frankenstein. I continue to keep an eye open for future exhibition opportunities.

New Collections & Featured Artwork

A fresh addition this month is the Ink and Wash Vintage Art Collection, featuring artwork illustrations in India Ink Line and Wash. Two new pieces—Celeste and Lillian—were introduced as part of a series of vintage-inspired ink portraits.

I also expanded the Colored Pencil and Acrylics & Pastels offerings, bringing in three new collections:

  • Farm Animal Collection

  • Winter Acrylic Landscapes

  • Geometric Abstracts

These groups include both newly spotlighted works and earlier pieces that now have a proper home within curated collections. Additional images were also added to the Photography section, continuing to build a diverse and well-rounded catalog of art.

Business Updates

On the business side, there were several exciting developments this month:

  • Email Marketing: I welcomed two new subscribers and sent out their first emails with a special 10% discount on first purchases (valid through year-end). This promotion continues for all new subscribers. A Back-to-School Sale promo was sent to subscribers mid-month and the Labor Day Special is available all day on Labor Day!

  • Featured Artwork: Spotlight this month included Paper Máche Man with Boy and Bird, my sculptures, the Wild Animal Collection, Pencil Animal Artwork, and the new Framed Pencil Minis. These minis, available in 2" x 3" and 4" x 6", are delightful reproductions of original pencil works—perfect as keepsakes or thoughtful gifts.

  • Website & Marketing Expansion: The website received an update with a bolder homepage and new organization of collections. With the Back-to-School season in mind, this month’s focus turned to decor—helping viewers see how artwork can enrich dorms, schools, and personal spaces, while also offering meaningful pieces for collectors or as gifts. To highlight this, a new homepage carousel was added, featuring a medley of different collections and eclectic works that showcase the range of what cHerArtwork has to offer.

    Perhaps the biggest milestone was the long-awaited launch of the Pinterest Catalog! After the nine-month waiting period, ingestion is complete, with 298 listings now live and actively being organized into product groups. This expansion will help visually extend cHerArtwork across social media and open up new marketing opportunities.

  • Other Platforms: Updates were also made on eBay, though more work remains to align product listings more closely with the website—particularly with the Pencil Minis.

  • Branding: New business cards were ordered in a bold red and white color scheme to match the refreshed website branding. While the first vendor order didn’t turn out as expected, the cards will be useful for broad distribution, and I’ll continue exploring new printing options.

  • Networking & Growth: I joined Alignable, a business networking platform, to connect with new contacts and expand cHerArtwork’s reach.

  • Looking Ahead: In addition to these updates, I began experimenting with video creation as part of an email and promotional strategy. Plans are underway to create a short company video and outline a year-long promotional plan—so stay tuned for more to come!

Closing Thoughts

While September felt like a quieter month in some ways, much was accomplished—from exhibitions and new collections to expanded marketing efforts and networking opportunities. Each step, whether large or small, continues to build toward sharing artwork more widely and connecting with those who enjoy it.

As always, thank you for being part of the cHerArtwork journey!


Cheryl Vaca

cHerArtwork

www.cherartwork.com
Ebay Store: www.ebay.com/usr/cherartwork_cherylvaca
Facebook: @cherartwork
Instagram: @cherartwork_cherylvaca
Pinterest: @cherartwork
Zazzle Store: www.zazzle.com/store/cherartwork


August 2025
Hot Splashes This Summer

Summer heat, puddle splashes, and fresh paint — July has been all about movement and momentum. Between bursts of creativity and gallery visits, I’ve been reaching for paintbrushes, pencils, and even a good book. Here’s a peek at what’s been happening in the studio and beyond.

Making Waves in the Studio
Several new pieces emerged this month, each bringing its own mood and story:

  • Girl Splashing in a Puddle

  • Queen of Hearts

  • Once Upon a Time

  • Mademoiselle’s Son

  • Bird Poised

  • Painting of a Pig

Some have already stepped into the spotlight on gallery walls and the homepage of cHerArtwork.com.

On Display with a Dash of Conversation
This summer’s exhibitions at the Lewisville Grand Theater have been inspiring and full of meaningful dialogue. Five of my pieces are currently on display across three exhibits.

In the All Natural exhibition (July 12 – August 9), Girl Splashing in a Puddle and Bird Poised are featured. I spoke about Girl Splashing in a Puddle at the July 27 “Conversations with Artists” event. Originally a companion to Little Boy and Ducks, this piece was reworked to capture pure, unfiltered joy. Interestingly, I painted it during the same weekend the Guadalupe River flooded, a tragic event claiming the lives of several children. Despite that sorrow, the painting became a quiet tribute to life’s lightness and hope.

In the Nouveau West exhibition (July 20 – August 24), Queen of Hearts and Once Upon a Time are on view. I will return for the August 3 Conversations with Artists event, open to the public, to share more about the story and symbolism behind Queen of Hearts.

Also on exhibit is a delightful series of ATC pencil animal cards in the ATC Exhibition displayed in the North Display Case. These miniature works, each presented on a tiny easel, celebrate national and international days throughout July and August.

Exhibit details:
https://www.cherartwork.com/exhibitions
https://visualartleague.org/2025-exhibition-themes

Moments & Tradition
Two new colored pencil collections quietly debuted this month:

  • Joy and Life, capturing moments that reflect on tragedy while offering a hopeful and positive perspective

  • Rich Traditions, grounded in country and timeless values

Both collections bring unique personalities to the Colored Pencil Art Collections.

Books, Brushes, and Balancing Acts
Alongside creating and exhibiting artwork, I’ve been enriching my perspective through a summer reading program — over 20 books and counting. Two stood out for their deep connection to the art world and my own creative journey:

Seven Days in the Art World by Sarah Thornton offers an insider’s glimpse into diverse corners of the art world — from the highest-end auctions, artist studios, and publications to international shows — capturing the pulse, personalities, and processes that shape contemporary art. Exploring these varied venues gave me fresh insight and inspiration for my own work and exhibitions.

All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley presents a unique viewpoint from a guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His reflections on art and humanity reveal the quiet power of everyday encounters with beauty and creativity, reminding me how every role in the art world holds meaning and influence.

This summer reading journey added new dimensions to my artwork. While much of my time is spent creating, exhibiting, or managing the business side, these books allowed me to explore art worlds I’m less familiar with. From the richest venues on the global stage to the humble, heartfelt perspective of a museum guard who treasured each piece of art, as well as the people he worked with and the visitors he met, these stories deepened my appreciation for the beauty and humanity behind every work. If you enjoy art or storytelling, you might find these books inspiring too.

A Note Before We Turn the Page

August brings more ideas and a new exhibition on the horizon (Alphabet Soup is already stirring). The homepage has been refreshed to showcase new work, and email automation is now in place—welcoming new subscribers with a personal note.

Behind the scenes, I’ve been exploring a range of new tools and updates. From experimenting with emerging AI models in ads to testing out email marketing automation platforms, it’s been a season of tech exploration. I was finally able to merge the Facebook pages (still working on updating the URL), and I’ve updated business cards to match the new website. I'm also developing a new product offering to complement the current collection. This month, I’m looking into Pinterest more closely, now that I qualify for easier product uploads and additional features.

If you are a new subscriber—thank you! If you haven’t already, be sure to hit the Subscribe button to stay in the loop on updates, artwork, and special offers. And feel free to share it with a friend—art is better when it’s shared.

As always, thank you for being part of this journey—whether you’re brand new or have been following along since the beginning. I’m grateful you’re here.


Cheryl Vaca

cHerArtwork

www.cherartwork.com
Ebay Store: www.ebay.com/usr/cherartwork_cherylvaca
Facebook: @cherartwork
Instagram: @cherartwork_cherylvaca
Pinterest: @cherartwork
Zazzle Store: www.zazzle.com/store/cherartwork

Archived Blog: January-June 2025 posts