How it all began – completely on a whim (read: a classic Zoki.art move)
This year I found myself for the very first time at my Art Expo 2025 international debut, at the gorgeous Brdo pri Kranju. And let me be perfectly honest: the idea was not part of any strategic, brilliantly planned artistic or business masterplan. Nope.
It was a plain old “what if…?” thought while scrolling through social media.
I click. I send. I think: “Eh, worst case it ends in ghosting… and we two are old acquaintances anyway.” 😛
And then – hop! An email:
“We’ve reviewed your website. You’ve been accepted into the selection.”
And there I am at the computer like that kitten from the memes when someone tells him he’s a good lad.
From the sales stand, to an exhibition and an art workshop (a trilogy of surprises)
First they invited me to the Art & Craft section, where I could show off my creations, offer them up, explain them, perhaps coddle them a little, because every piece has its own quirks.
And then on top of that:
“We’ve also found you a spot for an exhibition of your artwork.”
And me: “Oh really? I’ve just found a spot in my heart for you too.” 💁♀️
And to top it all off, I also landed in the official programme, where I led an art workshop for children. This is something I hadn’t done since my compulsory placement at uni, but oh well, I’ll surely manage to say something, I told myself. 😛
So from a single spontaneous click a whole package emerged: a mini sales fair, an art exhibition and a little factory of children’s creativity. A combination not even Google could have predicted.
Surprisingly free of nerves (who am I and where did I put myself?)
Since this was my first Art Expo, by the logic of the universe I should have been nervous at least 72 % of the time.
But no.
Nothing.
Nada.
Empty as a packet of biscuits you stare at in disbelief 10 minutes after saying “just the one”.
The Art Expo team? Top notch.
Everything explained, well rehearsed, all clear, none of that: “Ah, you’ll work it out.”
Every last screw knew where its home was.
And so did I – which is rare.
Four days of pure creative energy
The event ran from 20 to 23 November.
The first day was the grand opening, with me in a “am I artsy enough?” mood.
Then three days full of new faces and acquaintances, deep and shallow conversations, old friendships, surprised visitors, favourite suppliers, customers, and also those who said:
“Zoki, we just happened to turn in here because the GPS led us the wrong way.” 😛
The Art Expo was international, with more than 300 exhibitors from over 30 countries.
In short: a colourful collection of creators, as if you’d shuffled up the world and tipped it into a single hall. And so lovely with it!
Surprised at myself – recharged, not drained (miracles do happen)
Usually events like this roll me flat across the floor energy-wise, run me over, chew me up and spit me back into reality. Because I’m a social butterfly who needs a long nap between any two conversations.
But this time …
The energy didn’t go out. It came in.
And then it spread a little, had a dance and said: “Hey, fancy working a bit more?”
I went home full of ideas, full of drive, full of that quiet, thorny path that, despite the scratches, leads me somewhere I like more and more.
I even said to myself:
“Bravo, Zoki. Another plus point for personal growth.” 😛
Grateful, inspired and ready for new challenges
The biggest thank you goes to me – for clicking on that advert, instead of elegantly scrolling past and thinking ”oh, here we go again, some artsy-fartsy thing” :P. Thank you too to my husband, who has put up with all my flights of fancy for 20 years now. Thank you to my Kaja, who is always there to support me and is my most loyal cheerleader! And of course thank you to the whole Art Expo team, for organising an event that gently flings you a little higher than you were before.
Me?
I will most certainly sign up again next year.
If you don’t believe me, ask the energy, it’s still bouncing around me.
Thank you for reading all the way to the end. Goodness me, you’re an absolute star!! 😀
🖼️ My creative little nest: https://zoki.art
🎨 Art Expo info and magic: https://artexpo-center.si
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