The Art Studio

On our way home, we passed by this little building on top of the Redondo Beach pier. The number caught my husband's attention - it’s the same as our house number. Then we started peering in, noting that it was empty, and a very cute octagon-shaped space. Chris turned to me and said: "I see this being your studio." He then had me stand in front of the building and took this picture. Did you notice that bemused look on my face? I was thinking: "Huh? I have not even thought of having a studio outside the home. This beautiful space has not even entered my wildest dreams." Chris took my hand and he prayed over the building.  Then we continued walking. I didn't think about that little building again, until four months later. 

[ Here’s a quick backgrounder for those who have not been following my art journey. In April 2020, I was prompted to put one painting a day on the front yard of our house.  The pandemic has shut almost everything down, even the beach for a few weeks. This was my way of sharing beauty and joy to my neighbors. People started walking our street daily to see what painting was out there. Then in September, my husband suggested: "Since there is no fiesta hermosa this year, why don’t you do a big art show on the front yard? Not just one painting, but maybe all of them." So we set out a popup canopy and hosted an outdoor gallery show during Labor Day weekend. It was a hit. Neighbors and friends came by to enjoy the paintings and have fun. The daily art show, with one painting a day, continued thereafter.  On special occasions, we’d do an outdoor gallery show.  Then we finished 2020 with the "25 Days of Christmas" art show. ]

After Christmas, I took a break from the daily art show and we visited family on the east coast. During my early morning quiet time, a thought came to me. "It would be good to have a permanent shop to display paintings and not have to take them down when the day ended." We played tourist that day and drove along the coast.  Everything was closed, maybe for the winter or because of the pandemic.  But then there was this one art gallery that was open. We went in, met the artist, chatted with her and prayed for her.  When we were back on the road, I shared with Chris about my thought that morning, and how this was shown to me on the same day - a physical example, how amazed I am.  My husband led us in prayer about these things. Then we went back to sightseeing and enjoying our time with family. 

We got back to California a couple of weeks later. Early the first morning, the thought popped into my head, "Start researching about what’s available."  So I typed in variations of "retail space rental" on my browser.  Many available space listings came up, but they were beyond what I’m comfortable with. Too big, too expensive, or a good price but not in the right places. I kept looking. Then one listing came up: a former barber shop just two blocks from where we live. The rent was still a stretch so I prayed, "Lord if this is where you are leading me, I trust You will bring the sales to pay the rent." I showed the listing to Chris later that day and we went to check it out.  As is his way, first he lifted up the place in prayer.  Then he reached out to the owner, who connected us with his realtor, who agreed to meet with us at a later date. As we waited for our appointment with the realtor, Chris prompted me to do more searching. So I did. Lots of listings but same factors: too big, too expensive or too far. Then bam!!! 113 W Torrance Blvd, Redondo Beach, showed up.  Yes, the one where Chris took the picture I shared with you at the beginning of this article. Yes, the space that didn't even enter my wildest dreams. And yes, we serve an awesome God! Four months later, we got the key to the unit. Thank you, Jesus, that we now call this space Esperanza Deese Art Studio. 

There is a lot more story to tell about what happened between January and now that we're getting ready to open. But that’s for another conversation. Right now, I would like to invite you to join me in celebrating the Grand Opening on July 1 to July 3, 2021.

YOU ARE INVITED!

GRAND OPENING: JULY 1 - JULY 3, 2021, 2:00 PM TO 6:00 PM   

Details to follow.  Click here to view more pictures of the Art Studio.

"The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way." ~ Psalm 37:23