Fun at the Party!

15″ × 14” – Italian smalti, dinnerware, stained and vitreous glass, gold mirror, sea urchin spines, and millefiori on a hand-built substrate.

Some people have a gift for making everyone feel welcome the moment they arrive. Julia Kay is one of those people.

As founder of the Julia Kay Portrait Party, she created a global community where artists gather to draw one another, share their work, and celebrate the creative journey together. Her vision not only fostered friendships and artistic growth for thousands of artists—it also inspired my own ongoing portrait series of contemporary artists. In many ways, this body of work began with her invitation to connect through portraiture.

I’ve portrayed Julia several times over the years, and one thing always shines through: her playful spirit. Whether she’s greeting friends with finger puppets,  wearing one of her crazy hats, or encouraging artists to keep creating, she has a way of turning ordinary moments into celebrations.

This portrait honors that joyful energy—the kind that reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously, to welcome others with open arms, and to make room for delight.

After all, happy art makes for a happy heart.

# 46 in an ongoing portrait series of contemporary artists