Cerulean Chapter show – what a blast! Curating my show was a beautiful, intense journey made possible with Niki’s invaluable help. The preparation was a whirlwind—selecting which paintings should grace the walls and which should remain tucked in the rack, arranging lighting installations, sending out invitations, framing and labeling artworks, updating the website, and tackling countless other tiny but crucial details that kept us on our toes during the final weeks of 2024. And if that wasn’t enough, I had exams that very same week. Talk about a challenge!

But we made it, and the outcome was worth every ounce of effort. So many wonderful people came to see the Cerulean Chapter exhibition, each bringing their own perspective and sharing beautiful reflections with us. Over the course of three vibrant days, I was completely overwhelmed by the warmth and engagement of our visitors.

Some remarked that several pieces hidden in the rack deserved a spot on the walls—and I couldn’t agree more. Next time, we’ll need a bigger space to showcase everything properly. The guestbook filled up with heartfelt messages, from stories of newfound inspiration to paint, to memories evoked by the works on display. It was a joy to connect with visitors, sharing the narratives behind each painting and answering their thoughtful questions.

After the show, I took a week to reflect and process the experience—thinking carefully about what went well and what could be improved. Here are a few key takeaways:

1. No Winter Exhibitions! Vienna’s winter chill is not art-friendly—even with a garden setup. Despite the cold, our trusty mulled wine cooker saved the day and kept everyone warm. Lessons learned: future shows will bloom with the arrival of warmer weather.

2. Better Lighting for Longer Days Short winter days meant less time to enjoy the art in natural light. An exhibition in autumn or spring will solve this beautifully.

3. Invitations Matter We were a bit shy about inviting people and realized too late that many friends in Vienna didn’t hear about the show until the last moment. Not everyone is on Instagram, so next time we’ll diversify our communication channels.

4. A Vase for the Show It’s a small detail, but one I’ll remember—flowers deserve their place too!

5. Culinary Adjustments We learned our guests’ culinary preferences and will adjust accordingly for future events.

6. A Dedicated Photographer Many photos were taken during the show for private use, however I should have asked for permission to share them. I brought my camera for all three days but didn’t manage to capture a single photo alone. Respecting guests’ privacy is important, so I’ll be sure to hire a photographer next time to document the magic without distractions.

I can’t express enough gratitude for all the thoughtful words, beautiful flowers, and precious time you spent visiting my show and sharing your love with me and my family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

With love,
Nat

P.D. See you soon for the next chapter—when the weather turns warm and inviting!

PDD. Photos are nearly ready and will be published soon. For some impression, please visit Instagram @natusia.