My little exhibition at the local bagel shop is finally up!

https://coreyartusimagery.com/blogs/musings/my-first-personal-exhibition

#art #Artistlife #prints #ArtforSale #RedwoodCoast

I swear every day I live in some kind of fantasy fairytale land up here in Eureka, CA along the Redwood Coast in northern California.

This is literally the city park. I mean, deep redwoods, 10 minutes away from everyone’s house. It’s like stepping into another world. I keep expecting to see some Big Bad Wolf step out from behind a giant tree.

That being said, there are indeed bears.

They just don’t talk.

As an artist, I can tell you that I am blessed with an overabundance of photo reference. Ha!

#RedwoodCoast #Redwoods #artistlife

Today I do a bit of a reconnection to my local art world by volunteering as the Docent in their member-run gallery for five hours this afternoon.

I try to volunteer somehow once a week or so. It is *deeply* validating. It’s a happy place for me.

I get to work on my art surrounded by beautiful pieces made by new friends. I get to listen to soft music, converse with visitors, handle sales.

I can’t tell you how good it feels to be useful, to be actively engaged in contributing to something that brings light and hope and positivity to the world. I could go to a soup kitchen or help with some environmental efforts, but I feel like this is something I can do that others can’t. It parlays my skills into something that needs doing, that others can’t really do.

It makes me feel needed. Relevant. Hopeful. And it’s something I can choose to do to help cleanse my darkening soul a little from feeling utterly depressed and helpless. It’s not a lot, but it’s at least *something*. Every bit of positivity helps.

So I’ll take my iPad and an art history book I’m working on, and simply contribute by being there. It does truly help.

https://www.redwoodart.net/

#art #artistlife #Artlife #Volunteering #RedwoodCoast #EurekaCA

I’m volunteering today for art check-in at my local art co-op gallery for the next show. I get to see all the artists who bring in their work for the exhibition—all deeply creative locals just trying to express themselves.

I have a lot of fun doing it. It gets me out of my head. I get to interact with real people. We all joked and laughed so hard last time I did this! Of course, most of them have known each other for years now, so it was like a friendly meetup. It was a wonderful experience!

Afterwards, I’m joining a fellow artist friend tonight for a drink at a local inn’s lounge, which has a yummy comfy interior and a fire place. And we’ll talk about art and life, and share our anxieties and laugh with each other some more.

It should be a good day!

https://www.redwoodart.net/

#art #Artistlife #Artist #RedwoodCoast

Today, I'm sharing my second set of Redwood Coast bird greeting cards. These images were requested by various folks who stopped by my booth this last year, seeking bird cards I hadn't made. As they requested them, I learned more and more about the local flora and fauna, and I've slowly been working on pieces featuring local birds.

This set includes an Osprey, a Northern Spotted Owl, a Marbled Godwit, a California Brown Pelican, a Raven, and a Blue Heron.

https://goimagine.com/illustrated-birds-of-the-redwood-coast-variety-pack-of-greeting-cards-2-5x7-with-envelopes/

#Art #Illustration #GreetingCards #Birds #Birdart #RedwoodCoast #IndieArtist #MastoArt #FediGiftShop

So yesterday, a block of downtown Arcata, CA burned to the ground taking several businesses and upstairs residences with it. It was ten minutes north of where I live.

https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2026/jan/2/updating-huge-fire-downtown-arcata/

Ironically, many of the occupants had just moved in—a new gaming store called Dandar's had just relocated there a couple months ago and had a growing, devoted community.

A local public transit bus driver had just moved in a month ago and was notified while they were on a route.

Yet another couple had just completed moving in all their belongings *that very day* and were sitting in their new living room with their two cats when they smelled smoke.

Northtown Books had just become their own employee-owned bookstore after forty years and were excited about the future.

Nothing survived.

Arcata is a lovely old Victorian-styled town, home of Cal Poly Humboldt, fiercely liberal, and sometimes derided by outsiders as a "Hippie Mayberry". But the people there love each other, and there’s a history of openness and acceptance. And the quaint shop where I have some of my greeting cards was literally across the street.

The businesses have insurance, I’d think, but will have to start completely over. The employees are without jobs. And the residents literally lost everything...

If you can find it in your hearts to help, here’s a linktree to all the current fundraiser drives:

https://linktr.ee/gayfish

#MutualAid #MutualAidRequest #ArcataCA #RedwoodCoast #NorCal #Bookstore #Gaming

Just completed my 21st event of the year as an art vendor, having moved here to Humboldt County in northern California eight months ago.

i’m deep tired.

But I’m proud that I did it. From shifting my career away from academia toward freelance art, I found a home that would encourage me and events where I could find my people. I started making work that was of interest to the people of my region, and learned a whole lot about what they wanted and needed.

These events have been exhausting and validating at the same time. I couldn’t have asked for a softer landing after choosing to relocate to a new home with no safety cushion, no acquaintances, and no orientation to the area. It was the most terrifying leap of faith I’d ever done. And it is slowly paying off—maybe not in money but in community networking and encouragement.

So I’m tired now. I’m going to pick up the pieces this next week and assess what comes next. Tonight, however, I am indulging in an adult beverage and a warm yummy comfort-food dinner or cheesy hamburger rice. And a good audiobook I’m enjoying.

Whew. Big time exhale.

#art #artlife #artistlife #RedwoodCoast #EurekaCA #IndieArtist #artvendor #Craftfair

Today I’m wrapping up all the packaging and printing I can get done for my last holiday market craft fair this weekend in Arcata, CA.

I got my bookmarks tassled & all the greeting cards I could make before running out of ink.

Now it’s time for a haircut.

Woosh, it’s all coming to a close. Oy!

#artlife #artistlife #craftfair #artmarket #holiday #RedwoodCoast #Arcata

I’ve been getting prepped the last couple days to do an event this coming weekend, the last fair/festival I’ll be doing this year. It’s the Arcata Holiday Craft Market.

https://www.cityofarcata.org/368/Holiday-Craft-Market

I’ve been printing illustrated birds in Santa hats greeting cards and my new 2026 calendar like crazy. I kept selling out of them this last weekend at another holiday fair, so I’m hoping they’ll do well at this next one, too.

#art #illustration #IndieArtist #Fair #Festival #RedwoodCoast