MAYA'S FIRST SOLO EXHIBITION

I am very excited to write that I have held my first solo exhibition at my new studio/gallery in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, Woodside. Forty guests joined us for the official opening, which was held on Saturday 20th November 2010. The turnout was fantastic and exceeded many people's expectations.

The atmosphere on opening day was relaxed and cheerful. We received many compliments on how professionally the exhibition was organised. Upon arrival, each guest was welcomed by one of four helpers and served a drink. Chief helper Jennifer and I spent weeks deciding on the best drinks to serve. On the big day guests were offered a selection of NIPPY'S orange juice, BIRD IN HAND Sparkling Pinot Noir (winery in the Adelaide Hills) and MAGGIE BEER Sparkling Ruby Cabernet (non-alcoholic).

Once everybody had a chance to view the artwork, mingle with friends and enjoy their drink, Jennifer gathered the crowd by tapping on an empty champagne bottle with a spoon - how else. Leon began the first speech, which was followed by Jennifer's speech and then mine. Sabine Toh was our official photographer, she took some great photos, a few of which I have included below.

The artwork was very well received, with many heart felt comments left in the visitor's book, some of which I have written out for you at the end of this article.

There were 18 original artworks on display, of which 16 were available for purchase: the new 12 Buddhas Collection, two oil paintings and two new mixed media artworks. I also had for sale prints, cards, calendars and t-shirts, which were greatly appreciated by those who could not afford an original.

Below are are 3 of Sabine's photos from the day, the last photo was taken by a guest using Sabine's camera:

From left to right: Carol Harding (helper), Jennifer Harris (chief helper), Lisa Cassetta (guest),
Leon Woods (helper and print maker), Maya (artist) and Kathryn Pearson (helper)

In the gallery during Leon's speech

From left to right: Lisa Cassetta, Lyn Herde, Maya and Vicky Green
(with a print of Gateway in the background)

Sabine Toh with Maya

Some comments from the visitor's book

"Heart felt works, beautiful"

"My heart is so deeply touched by the beauty
and love in your art"

"Very beautiful, deeply moving, thank you"

"Open home, open heart, open vision - stunning"

"So inspiring, thank you for what you do"

"Magnificent, inspiring, congrats"

"Such a gifted and blessed expression of
Divine Love - congratulations"

"Maya, I am astonished at the art, at the beauty,
at everything you say without words, thank you so much"

"Maya, you are amazing - a wonderful collection.
You are a beautiful example of living your dream.
You are an inspiration"

"Breathtakingly beautiful, your house is
just like a temple"

"Lovely to meet you Maya, I love your work -
transporting my spirit. I think it centred me for
the first time in ages"

"Dear Maya, your FACE OF COMPASSION moved
me to tears! Thank you for letting me buy
it and energise my home"

"Exquisite! Beautiful pieces -
thank you"

"Dear Maya, thank you so much for such a
beautiful experience"