A lot of people ask me if I am part of a chain. NO! I am not! I am an independent. Locally owned and operated. In truth, it is just me, Alena. When I go to networking events I don’t say, “Hello, I am Alena and I am with Canvas & Conversation.” I say, “Hello everyone, I am Alena and I AM Canvas & Conversation!” I think it is important to let people know there is a real person, not a corporation, behind my business. I think it is also important for people to know that Canvas & Conversation was started originally by local Evansville residents, Ann & Greg Jones. When they decided to sell due to health reasons, I thought “this is right up my alley.” And I have not regretted that decision one bit.
I came to Evansville many years ago to go to school at USI as an art major, then I went on to ISU in Terre Haute to achieve my MFA (Master’s of Fine Arts). Soon after that I found myself back in Evansville teaching at USI, Brescia University, Owensboro Community College and Vincennes University as an adjunct and working for a local publisher as a graphic designer. This lead me to eventually meeting Ann & Greg and owning Canvas & Conversation.
I love it. I love meeting all of you and going to local businesses with yummy food and beverages and have felt nothing but welcome in your homes for private parties. As a bonus, I have made some really good friends that come out to paint with me. Thank you!
There are still two open paint events left in March. One is a 10 year celebration of a local business Grateful Threads and one is a fun event at Mystique Winery (only two seats left). The Butterflowers is the canvas for Grateful Threads (3/23 @ 6 pm) and the Flue de Leis is slated for Mystique (3/28 2 10 am). Reserve your easel and come paint with me!
Butterflowers
Flur di Leis (initials)
Be Social