IlluXCon is always a wild, wonderful week—equal parts exhaustion and exhilaration. Held at the GoggleWorks in Reading, it fills three floors with some of the best Imaginative Realism artists working today, and I’m always grateful to be part of that creative storm. This year was no exception.
In between making sales, I had the joy of reconnecting with old friends, meeting new ones, and soaking in all the inspiration that fills those walls. I especially treasure my conversations with my mentor, Jane Frank of WOW-Art, who always offers wise words and encouragement that seem to land exactly when I need them most.
In addition to the main show, I also took the stage with my bandmates, Mark Zug and Eric Winter of The Weathercocks, for the IXC Jam—a musical offshoot of the conference where we trade our brushes for instruments. We played some of our own tunes, a few covers, and were joined by some talented friends. It was a night full of rhythm, silliness, and that rare kind of energy that reminds me how deeply art and music feed each other.
A big thank you to Gerald (Jerry) Trapp for the amazing live performance shots— we’re truly grateful!
Yours truly playing bass.
Our Weathercocks trio: center, Eric Winter on drums, and right, Mark Zug, lead guitarist.