Hey there, friends! I have some super exciting news to share, and I’m honestly just bursting with joy while typing this. If you’ve been following my watercolor journey or you're a member of my Monthly Animal Print Club, you know how much I love sharing my little creature creations with you. But this week, I get to do something even more special, I get to see your faces in person!
I am so thrilled to invite you to join me at the First Friday Art Walk this Friday, April 3rd! I’ll be setting up shop at the beautiful Rogue Gallery, located at 205 E Moreno Ave, right here in the heart of Colorado Springs. The event runs from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and I would absolutely love it if you stopped by to say hi, look at some art, and maybe find a new animal friend to take home.
What is the First Friday Art Walk? 🐾
If you haven’t experienced a First Friday Art Walk before, you are in for such a treat! It’s a monthly celebration where galleries, studios, and local businesses open their doors to the community. It’s a self-guided tour of creativity, filled with live music, delicious food, and, of course, incredible local art. It’s a totally free event and open to everyone, families, kids, and art lovers alike.
There is a certain magic that happens when the community comes together like this. The streets of Colorado Springs feel so alive! From the SoFA District in San Jose to the downtown streets of Flagstaff, these events happen all over the country, but there is something truly special about our local scene here. It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend and support the artists who put their hearts into every brushstroke.
Come Visit Me at Rogue Gallery! 🖼️
I’ve been working hard in my studio (surrounded by way too many watercolor palettes and coffee mugs!) to get everything ready for this showcase. I’ll have a wide variety of my original watercolor pieces on display.
Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your living room or a cute little addition to a nursery, I’ll have something for everyone. And yes, I’ll definitely have some of my signature pieces that you’ve come to know and love.
🎨 Look out for these favorites:
- Elvy the Frog: My vibrant red-eyed tree frog who always brings a pop of color to any room.
- The Highland Cow: A grayscale beauty with all the fuzzy texture you can imagine.
- Umba the Hippo: A sweet baby hippo that is guaranteed to make you smile.
I’ll be there in person from 5 PM to 9 PM. One of my favorite parts of being an artist is hearing the stories of why people connect with certain animals. Maybe you have a special memory associated with an Oden Elk or you just really love the calm energy of a Shelly Turtle. Whatever it is, come share it with me!
A Closer Look at the Art 🎨
I wanted to give you a little "sneak peek" at some of the pieces that will be hanging on the gallery walls this Friday. These are some of the stars of my collection, and seeing them in person is a totally different experience than seeing them on a screen.
Meet Elvy the Frog
Elvy is one of my absolute favorites to paint. Those striking red eyes and that bold green body just jump off the paper. I love the way the watercolor bleeds naturally to create the soft shadows on his skin. He’s a reminder of how bright and beautiful the natural world is.
The Majestic Highland Cow
On the other side of the spectrum, I have my Highland Cow. This piece is all about texture. I used a grayscale palette to really emphasize the thick, shaggy fur and those impressive horns. It has a very cozy, rustic feel that people really seem to gravitate toward.
Why I Love Watercolors ✨
There’s something so "joyful" about the unpredictability of watercolors. Unlike other mediums, watercolor has a mind of its own. You can guide it, but ultimately, the water and the pigment decide where they want to go. This creates those beautiful, soft edges and surprises that make every piece unique.
When I’m painting my animals, I try to capture their personality in their eyes. Whether it’s the curious gaze of a baby monkey or the playful look of a dog, I want you to feel a connection. Each piece is a little "gift" from my studio to your home.
The Monthly Animal Print Club 💌
If you can’t make it to the Art Walk but still want to bring some art into your life, you have to check out my Monthly Animal Print Club! It is my absolute favorite way to stay connected with you all year round.
For just $10 a month, I send out a curated package of art directly to your door. It’s like a little surprise party in your mailbox every single month!
What’s inside each monthly surprise?
- ✨ One 5×7 Signed Art Print: An exclusive watercolor animal print, hand-signed by me.
- 🐾 Matching Vinyl Sticker: A high-quality, durable sticker of that month’s featured animal.
- 💌 Themed Animal Card: A matching card and envelope, perfect for sending a note to a friend or keeping as a mini-print.
It’s an amazing value and a great way to start your own art collection without breaking the bank. You can find more details and sign up on my homepage.
Event Details At-A-Glance 📍
I know life gets busy, so here is the "need to know" info for Friday night:
- What: First Friday Art Walk (April Edition)
- When: Friday, April 3rd, 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Where: Rogue Gallery
- Address: 205 E Moreno Ave, Colorado Springs, CO
- Cost: Free!
The Rogue Gallery is such a cool space, and the Moreno Ave area is full of great energy during the Art Walk. I highly recommend making a night of it: grab some dinner downtown, walk through the galleries, and soak in all the creativity our city has to offer.
Why Your Support Matters ❤️
Being an independent artist is a dream come true, but it’s only possible because of people like you. Whether you subscribe to my club, buy an original piece, or simply show up at an event to say "I love your work," it means the world to me.
Art is meant to be shared. It’s meant to spark a "surprise" in your day and bring a bit of "joy" into your space. Seeing my watercolors go from my desk to your walls is the greatest reward I could ask for.
Let’s Connect! 🌟
I really hope to see many of you this Friday! I’ll be the one with the paint-stained hands and a big smile on my face. If you’re coming, feel free to leave a comment or send me a message on social media so I can look out for you.
Can't wait to see you there and share all these brand-new and exclusive pieces with you! Let's make this First Friday one to remember.
Stay creative,
Missy
#MissyArt #FirstFridayCOS #ColoradoSpringsArt #WatercolorAnimals #AnimalPrintClub #SupportLocalArtists #RogueGallery #ArtWalk #WatercolorPainting #AnimalArt
Ready to join the club? Check out all my animal friends at missyvr.com/category/missy and sign up for your monthly dose of art!
