Chocolate & Art
Early November 2019, I was contacted to showcase my art by the organisers of Chocolate & Art, an underground show based in Los Angeles. The organisation raises awareness for the nonprofit Artists for Trauma. They found me on Instagram, and asked me to be part of their two-day event in San Francisco. They encouraged me to contribute to covering the charges of the event and the rent. So I happily paid my dues. I participated in eight paintings. The event took place at the SomArts Cultural Center on Brannan St on Thursday Dec 12, and Friday Dec 13. The venue was huge, with a high ceiling. It was well-lit. Although the crowd was expected to be 1500+, it never felt too crowded. The art was spaced and presented well. There were free chocolate fondue with strawberries, marshmallows and Oreos, hence the name. Many artists did their art live, including body painting. Local musicians & bands played a mix of surf and psychedelic music.
Two days before the event I asked my Instagram & Twitter followers to vote on whether or not pink heels suit a solid plain black dress. Most of them voted yes! I was so stressed out on what to wear. David bought me a little cute classy black dress. But I didn’t want to wear black heels with it! It felt too formal for an underground event, and wearing sneakers would feel like I am at school teaching! So I decided to buy new pink heels!
On Thursday, I worked at school. I really wanted to dress up for my event, but I woke up feeling exhausted already! I was stressed out. So I decided to give myself a break and dress up only on Friday! After school, I curled my hair at the Drybar. But then my hair was too overdressed for my pink prison jumpsuit! So, I went shopping for a dress & heels, headed to David’s Holiday party, then off to the venue. I was exhausted. So, I only labelled my art, spent an hour and headed back home. I didn’t expect anyone from my side to show up on Thursday! The big night was the day after.
Friday the 13th is the night I expected my people to show up, and they did! I took the day off. I went to Salon Nine to get my hair done. I wore my newly bought Ted Baker heels, I went to my work’s holiday party later on. At 8:00 PM, my coworkers and I headed to the cultural centre. This time, I spent the whole night surrounded by my people. I appreciate the fact they took time and came for me. They got to see my art and praised it. I eventually sold two paintings! I had fun, they had fun which was the most important! My husband was by my side, and my family were in the heart. I met many local artists. I listened to them talking about their work passionately, heard their stories and learned about their inspirations. Overall, it was a successful event. Many of us just wanted to enjoy good art and chocolate!
P.S. Always bring a pair of sneakers to wherever you’re wearing heels! They’ll come in handy!
This event wouldn’t have happened without the help & support of the following:
My family, especially, Dina Sofi
My husband, David M. Sosebee Jr.
Chocolate & Art, especially, Danilo Santos
Anna Schmidt & her boyfriend Danny
Chloe Donnelley
Abigail Curtiz & her husband, Tristin
Samah Damanhoori
Nahla Khogeer
Jacqueline Arreola
Those who do not thank people, do not thank the Lord.
