American Contemporary Art Show

 

The Journey That Changed My Art: My Experience at the American Contemporary Art Show

 

How an Unexpected Email Opened a Door I Didn’t Know Existed

Every artist experiences a turning point. For me, it started in the most ordinary way—while on vacation in Naples, Florida—long before I ever imagined my work would reach China.

During that trip in 2017, I visited Gallery Vibe and met owner Shelby Ward. I showed her a few images of my artwork on my phone and asked if my style might suit her gallery. Her response wasn’t what I expected, but it changed everything. She advised me to research the top art galleries across major U.S. cities, study their style, and send blind emails to those where my art might be a good fit.

When I got home, I followed her advice. I sent out over 50 emails, but most of them went unanswered. A few asked for money. I kept painting regardless. Then, months later, something unexpected showed up in my inbox.

The Email That Set Everything in Motion

The subject line read: Introduced by Dennis from Centaur Galleries.

The message came from Nimin Chen, Vice President of Muzillion Art, an international art and technology company with galleries in the United States and plans for expansion in Asia. She told me they had viewed my artwork multiple times, appreciated my unique and colorful style, and were interested in representing me at the American Contemporary Art Show in China.

At first, I wasn’t sure it was real. I asked questions. I checked references. I vetted everything Carefully, I checked every answer. Even my own inner compass pointed to yes. I had an attorney draft a contract. Nimin signed it exactly as written—no changes.

Soon after, she traveled to Sedona to see my work in person. She selected twelve of my original paintings for the upcoming show. I decided to deliver them myself so I could meet her team and see their gallery firsthand.

Arriving in Guangzhou, China

I arrived in Guangzhou on December 27, 2018, ready for an experience I knew would impact me, even though I didn’t yet realize how much. Nimin greeted me at the airport and became my guide for the next ten days.We explored the old city, the new city, and the quiet villages of Yangshuo and Xingping. We shared meals, conversations, and perspectives about art and culture. I learned how deeply color, symbolism, and emotion are valued in Chinese art traditions.

The American Contemporary Art Show at Grand Tea Mall

The show took place inside the Grand Tea Mall, and opening night felt surreal—red carpet, TV crews, lights, and a room full of private collectors. It was a top-tier production. I stood there alongside fellow artists Robert Waroway and Alexander Franco, grateful just to be part of the moment.

GRAND TEA MALL was the location of the American Contemporary Art Show, the private show.Signage for the show.
对望 Looking at each other
对望-美国当代艺术展
In English, it means Expectation–American Contemporary Art Show.

And then, the real magic took place.

The First Sale: Sky of Grace

The first piece I sold was my original Sky of Grace, bought by private Chinese collector Andy Huang. This was significant not only because it marked my first sale in China, but also because Andy told me it was his first purchase of Western art.

He later explained that he chose Sky of Grace because of its color pattern and how each color symbolizes Chinese meaning.

• Green for life
• Blue for abundance and fortune
• Earth tones for grounding
• Blue sky for the presence of the Universe
• Yellow sun for spiritual awakening

I never painted it with those meanings in mind, yet the painting aligned perfectly with his interpretation. It served as a strong reminder of how art can transcend cultures in unexpected ways.

More Paintings Find Their Collectors

Moments after the first sale, a second collector bought three more of my originals: Fire in the Sky, Enchanted Castle, and Prism Sky. I was stunned. These were deeply personal pieces, and knowing they found a home halfway around the world filled me with gratitude.

Before the show even ended, all twelve originals were snapped up. Some sold on opening night, and the rest were claimed shortly after. It was surreal to see an entire body of work leave the wall so quickly, especially so far from home.

Chinese collectors immediately felt a strong, mystical energy from my Western landscapes, and their enthusiasm still matters deeply to me.

An Invitation I’ll Never Forget

At the closing night dinner hosted by benefactor Arthur Wang, the organizers announced plans for Muzillion Art’s future. They unexpectedly invited me and two other artists to return to China for two to three months to paint—covering airfare, lodging, meals, and everything.

After I got home in January of 2019, the world shifted. COVID hit, travel shut down, and the invitation I received never had the chance to happen. It falls into that well-worn category of “oh well,” but even so, the gesture meant a great deal. It affirmed something I had wondered for years—whether I had something meaningful to share as an emerging artist.

Looking Back Today

If this story reaches even one artist who’s uncertain about their position, I hope it reminds them that doors can open in unexpected ways.

This chapter remains one of the most defining experiences of my creative life. It reminded me that extraordinary things can happen from ordinary moments. A conversation in a gallery. A single email. A willingness to keep going when you’re not sure if anyone is listening.

It also shaped the luminous style I’m known for today—my vivid mystical landscapes, glowing horizons, and Sedona-inspired color stories that later became the foundation of many of my collections.

Collector’s Note

Sky og Grace is available as giclée art prints, canvas gallery wraps, luminous metal prints,view it at the Village Gallery—one of the best galleries in Sedona—and experience my Sedona luminous landscapes up close.