2011 in review:

2011 was a weird year. It seems like that's the general consensus for a lot of people I've talked to. That doesn't mean it was a bad year - it's just been an off one. There's been a ton of good to go alone with the weird though:


WORK:
In February, I started to work at Project One Gallery full-time. I did a lot of different things, until finally settling into the Assistant Gallery Director position I was offered. Doing artshows are one of my favorite things - I pour my entire self into them, executing really awesome layouts, installations and transforming the gallery into something totally new every month. It rules!


Lords vs. CoBraS was one of my favorite projects of 2011. I coordinated 2 graffiti crews, for the first time, to paint a massive mural inside the gallery. With 4 industrial sized fans blowing for 3 days, we managed to get the paint smell out in time, for possibly our biggest opening of the year!


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Monster Show was another show that I'm so proud of doing this year. It was a short 2 week exhibit, that was up specially for Halloween. All the pieces were horror movie, monster movie, urban legend and sci-fi/cult film inspired.

For the opening party, all the staff were done up in Día de Muertos paint, which looked awesome!


TRAVEL:
I've been lucky enough to travel a bunch of different times throughout this year --


In April, Jayme, Niall and I went to Detroit for Jayme's birthday. We explored abandoned buildings, saw The Black Lips play and had a pizza party in our hotel bed while watching Roseanne.


In May, I went to LA to spend a few days with my darling friend Stacy, and my now friend Emil. They were there shooting a music video, and since they live in London, I had to take the chance to see them during their stay in California. We had a ridiculous time, went on the biggest rollercoasters imaginable, rode mechanical bulls, and had 'destiny drinks' with British comedian, Fone Jacker.




June I went to New York to see friends, and go to Jeremy's art opening. I got to hangout with Christina for the first time in a couple of years, roamed the streets with Drea all week, hungout with a bunch of Toronto friends who happened to be in NY too, and saw Mos Def play in a park in Brooklyn. It was also 10000 degrees outside.

I had tons of fun, but I still don't really like New York.




In September/October I finally got to travel to Europe. I was in London for 10 days, and loved every single moment of it! Amy and I had gothy adventures to cemeteries, told ghost stories and went to a birthday party in the middle of a field where we shot off fireworks and played with sparklers

Stacy and I had the best time as well! We went out for good pizza, saw The Get Up Kids, then metup with Emil and recreated our party trio from LA. It ruled. So much so, I nearly missed my flight home!


Before London I made a surprise stopover in Toronto for 4 days. My dad was in on the secret and picked me up from the airport, and took me to my sister's house. I rang the bell and when she answered the door she was so shocked!



In addition to traveling, my friends and I would have Epic Sundays where we drive to another city and find adventures, like going cherry picking, to waterparks, fake beach pools, etc. I also drove down to LA a couple of times throughout the year too.


FAMILY & FRIENDS:

In January, my sister gave birth to Greydon, one of the happiest little babies, with the most gigantic blue eyes. His first birthday is in a couple of weeks, and I'm happy I get to be home to celebrate it!

My middle sister Janine got engaged! She's getting married this September. I'm so happy for her! My dad and Alex also got engaged, after 8 years. They're getting married in August on the party deck at my dad's house.


In September my dear friend Matthew died. I've never felt pain in my heart so bad, since my mom died, 10 years ago. I'll miss you forever, MJR. xo.


To my friends who have always been there, and all the ones I've become closer with over the past year - you constantly inspire me, and make me proud. Surrounding myself with such hardworking, creative, successful people, pushes me to be that way too, and I love it. I feel lucky to have you all in my life/to be a part of yours.

I have some really amazing friends, who mean the world to me. Thank you, everyone!


OTHER THINGS

- Got tattooed by one of my favorite tattoo artists, Todd Noble Holloway.
- I was robbed at knifepoint.
- Bleached my hair blonde (worst idea I've ever had!)
- Saw Alkaline Trio 4 times.
- Stole a backpack full of beer from Tommy Lee at Outside Lands.

- Hungout with Pete Wentz.
- Volunteered at 826 Valencia, tutoring kids after school.
- Hung an artshow at City Hall in San Francisco.
- Saw sealions moon-bathing on a beach (it was incredible)
- Went to a Star Trek convention?

- Did a spontaneous photoshoot with Ruthie with 2L of fake blood.


2012:
There's lots of projects already on the go for 2012, and I can't wait.


The soonest one being our February show at P1, which is an exhibit based on symbols. The entire show/gallery in itself is going to be a puzzle to unfold - like our own little Da Vinci code.

Featuring work by:
Dom Smith
Michael Maes
Ryan De La Hoz
Scott Move
Louis Reith
Victor Wild
Jet Martinez
Robert Ogden

More details soon, however show opens on Wednesday, February 29th!

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2011 ended with me having a really terrible head cold and a possible fractured hand. I'm pretty happy to be starting a new year. Bring it on 2012.
Happy New Year, everyone!