In February I along with other creatives was given the opportunity from Somewhereto_ to access a space I have been passionate about for several months. 
I spotted the old Rachel Hammond Salon in the Highcross last year it was vacant and I thought it would lend itself so perfectly to an art exhibition. It's blank walls, enormous windows and alcoves were perfect for it, finally in February I got the chance to exhibit. 

'Striped Vogue Collection' painting sold while being exhibited in the Twickenham branch of Harris & Hoole,
 so pleased!

Over Half Term in Leicester I was given the opportunity from SomewhereTo_ to exhibit my work in the city shopping centre the Highcross. They have a campaign called the 'Highstreet Heist' for this Re:Store we used an empty space that has been vacant for quite a while. Along with other creatives we took over on old Virgin store I was given space to display my paintings and stitchwork. 
During this time I was also painting some new pieces within the space which allowed passers by to see me at work and a little of the behind the scenes of my working process. 
On the last day a make up artist Kelly Odell painted me in the style of one of my paintings. It was a really cool experience to see how someone else would interpret my painting style. 

With the help of somewhereto_ I had a stall at this years 'Our Leicester's Day' on the 25th August within the Leicester Market. I was able to showcase some of my paintings and my stitchwork. 
There was also the Leicester SkyRide going straight past the Market and lots of other events going on throughout the city. So there was lots of excitement and buzz going on around the center. 
I had a really lovely day and had some great comments from people looking at my work, I am looking to do a lot more events like this so check my events page to see what I have coming up. Thank you to everyone who popped by to see me you support is so appreciated! 

I was lucky enough to be one of the winners in the competition with Somewhereto_ John Lewis Oxford Street. My painting 'My Week with Marilyn' which is Acrylic on Canvas was shown in the Brasserie of John Lewis for 10 days between the 22nd - 31st of July. 

I'm so pleased to say that someone contacted me through my website who wanted to buy the painting. 

So here is 'Marilyn' all wrapped up and ready to go! It's always so strange when I sell a painting and knowing that this is probably the last time I ever see it in person (photos never properly do the paintings justice), but hoping that she enjoys her new home!

In the summer 2012 I took part of the Hampshire Open Studios with the help of my parents who helped convert their garage into a studio for me. The Open Studios includes artists from all over the Hampshire area and it was a great experience to get a face to face reaction that people have to my work. 

It was the first chance that I have had to display my whole portfolio in one place. You could see a progression of skill as my style has changed and adapted into what it is today! I had some lovely people visit and some touching notes left for me!

Didn't quite keep to my resolution at all but in my defence I haven't had the internet for points and I have moved house twice in the past two months so that is a lot to contend with but anyway, back to making and creating uploaded lots of new designs my stitch website  http://sarahmichelledesigns.weebly.com/ and new paintings added to sarahmichellepaints.co.uk quite a few commissions on the horizon and I'm pleased to say that I am going to be involved with Hampshire Open Studios this year running from the 18th-27th August 2012 more info for this will come when I have it. Here's some examples of what I have been doing for the past two months.