Sometimes the Best Opportunities Arrive Unannounced

At 9pm on Monday 8 June 2026 I received a message confirming I could exhibit at the McKay Art Centre. Less than twelve hours later, I was collecting the keys and preparing to install my work. My first reaction? "OMGeeeee!" Had I bitten off more than I could chew?

Of course not.

What followed was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding exhibition experiences I have had. Visitors were treated to an incredible and diverse collection of artwork from Shoshana Lock, Vera Walton and myself. The gallery offered a wonderful mix of styles, subjects and artistic voices, creating a vibrant and engaging experience for everyone who walked through the doors.

One of the highlights for me was hearing the reactions to my paintings. Time and again, visitors asked if they were photographs or prints, often stepping closer in disbelief when they discovered they were original paintings. Watching people study the reflections, details and textures that I work so hard to capture is always rewarding and the conversations that followed made the experience even more special.

With the Markham Group of Artists' En Plein Air event also taking place on the Saturday, the gallery was buzzing with creativity and provided a wonderful opportunity to meet with fellow artists. I met many talented people throughout the day, including an artist whose work I had admired on Instagram for quite some time. Meeting her in person and making an IRL friend was a lovely surprise and a reminder of how art can bring people together.

As if the experience wasn't rewarding enough, I was thrilled to sell one of my larger pieces, "Stealth Mode - RWB Top Gun" and one of my Amazon Frog mini paintings "Hopper's Hideaway" during the exhibition. There's always something special about seeing a piece resonate with someone so strongly that they choose to take it home. What made the frog sale particularly meaningful was that it was purchased by another artist. Knowing that a fellow creative connected with my work in that way was both humbling and encouraging, and it made an already memorable exhibition even more special.

What began as a completely unexpected opportunity turned into a memorable exhibition filled with wonderful visitors, engaging conversations and a genuine appreciation for art. Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you never see coming.

A huge thank you to everyone who visited, supported the artists, and helped make the exhibition such a success. I left the McKay Art Centre feeling inspired, grateful and already looking forward to returning next April.

sue@suedio.art

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Susan Bull. Proud member of: