Road Trip!
This weekend, TIOIT took another road trip, this time to Arizona. The adventure began with Anita, a dedicated collector of KrisTs Art. We first met at one of my social art paint parties at a pizza place, where she attended nearly 13 events. Over the years, she’s collected a 6’0 painting, a bodyboard, a mini bodyboard, and now a surfboard. Her love for the art turned into a cherished friendship. We've spent holidays together, and when I was painting a huge mural measuring 25x14 feet, she brought me lunch and liquid aloha (that’s beer!).
Back in 2018, Anita bought a painting named after her, “Anita of the Morning,” which features a yellow hibiscus flower on the ocean. It was displayed in the front window of D Gallery in Palm Desert. As part of the purchase, we agreed to deliver and install it in Arizona. Fast forward to 2024, and she bought an upcycled surfboard featuring flowers and waves, with the same delivery agreement. TIOIT never says no to road trips! With our playlist, snacks, and car cam, we set off. Siri took us on winding backroads through the mountains to Prescott Valley again.
When we arrived, TiMo installed the surfboard, adding to Anita's oasis vibe. We then enjoyed a delicious meal and cocktails at a local Mexican restaurant.
Day two started with a great breakfast at a local spot before heading to Sedona. Our first stop was Bikes and Beans, a coffee shop that also rents bikes. The TV was showing surfing footage, a clear sign that our beach vibes had followed us to Arizona. After visiting a few more galleries, we met Liam, an artist from NY who has been living in AZ for 32 years. Liam has been sculpting since he was seven and has collectors worldwide. His sculptures aim to bring people together. He and his wife, who works at Rowe Gallery down the road, were incredibly kind and invited us to stay longer.
Meeting other artists and learning about their passions was truly inspiring. The landscape was breathtaking. The real adventure on day two began in the AZ desert. The sky ahead darkened with gray clouds and rain. We documented the changing weather from 6:02 pm to 6:29 pm, when the rain started. Within a minute, visibility was reduced to the flashing hazards of the semi-truck ahead of us, but just five minutes later, we emerged into sunshine. We literally Rode the Storm!
Around 8 pm, we realized we were almost out of gas. We pulled into a gas station with only eight miles' worth of gas left, joining five other cars in the same situation. After witnessing a stunning sunset, we saw a SpaceX rocket launch, making our road trip truly out of this world.
This trip was more than just a delivery; it was a celebration of art, friendship, and the beauty of spontaneous adventures.
