Art Village has been in business for over 4 and a half years. These years have been the most fulfilling years of my life so far. I've watched kids grow, attended weddings, funerals, and many birthday parties over the years. I've met artists, and have seen artists develop. We've laughed a lot, and cried a bit. This has been a very unique business. It's really been more like a family.

I have put my heart and soul in to making it a place where people can be inspired to make art. Which is why I am very sad to let you know that Art Village is going out of business at the end of this month (February).

I know this is probably a pretty big surprise because Art Village has been successful in so many ways. However, sometimes economics and personal circumstances are beyond our control.

If you've ever watched a skilled potter make pots on the wheel, you know that it's really fascinating to see. One of the things I love is to do is watch Kristin throw pottery. It's so relaxing to watch because she makes it look so effortless. I know it looks that way because she has been doing it for years. She knows just what to do, intuitively, to get the results she wants.

But the thing that really interests me when watching her throw is when she makes a bowl or cup that isn't quite right. She quickly, without hesitation, cuts the pot off, throws it into the bucket and starts a new one. Sometimes, I wonder why that particular one wasn't a keeper. It is her years of experience that lets her know when to just let that one go. She knows the clay will be reclaimed and made into a cup or bowl or mug later on. Now is not its time.

Art Village is like that piece of pottery for me. I have to let it go now, so I can reclaim it in some other form later. I don't know exactly what the future holds. That's the exciting thing about life. We never really know. I do know that I have learned so much and have fallen in love with the people who have walked through our doors.

I want to encourage you to continue to make art. This is important. In a world where there is so much destruction and chaos, we need to keep creating. We need to keep building. In our small ways, we can make the world a better place. I really believe that.

I am grateful for the opportunity I've had to walk with you for a while down life's road and I hope our paths will run together again in the future. Thank you so much.

Remember. Art Saves Lives.