07/13/2022
The Take Me Home exhibition is over (for now?)! Thanks to all who came, and who supported us on social media.
When my partner Steph and I first imagined this project, I thought it would be a simple little thing: meet a couple artists, have tea, paint some studies, put on a small show, and that's it. Clearly this idea snowballed and became a huge amount of work! However, I'm really proud of what we've managed to put together.
I have had a tremendous amount of support putting this show together and there are lots of people I must recognize. Without them and many others, Take Me Home would not have happened.
Of course, I must show my great appreciation to the Manager of Academician Mrs. Naila Valikhanova, Mr. Sabuhi Akmedov (PhD), and the employees of the Museum for allowing us to use their beautiful space and their help setting up and running the event.
I want to thank all of the talented artists, and their families, who invited me into their homes and allowed me to experience Azerbaijan so authentically. Steph told me that people here were hospitable, but I never could have imagined how much. Which reminds me to thank my neighbor Sevinc and her friends and family. Not only for their help catering the show, but for their kindness and company over the last few months.
I'd like to thank for their technical support and especially Taleh Umudov, our language ninja, for doing tons of great work translating things and running social media.
I'd also like to acknowledge the Canadian Embassy to Azerbaijan for their financial support.
I have to thank my manager Fidan Badalova at . Thank you so much for your tireless effort organizing this whole thing, your wise guidance, and helping me make the right connections.
Lastly, and most importantly, I need to thank my partner Steph. None of this would be even remotely possible without you. You have done so much behind the scenes work on every aspect of the show, and have been my sounding board, problem solver, supporter, and inspirer!
I hope the exhibition sparked interesting discussion, and touched your hearts at least a little bit.