In my Exhibit Era…

51 happened this year. And so did finally putting myself and my art out there after gentle prodding from friends and family.

So far, I’ve joined a national women’s art competition, four group exhibits – one of which is ongoing and another on July, met many wonderful local artists – old and new, sold three original pieces, and even accepted a commissioned recreation for a bridal shower gift.

I’ve received inquiries about my work too, including one from a local book author considering collaborating with me for her book marketing. Even without a definite outcome yet, I’m grateful that my art resonates with people at all.

My Home Studio

The style I’m drawn to – Modern Naive – isn’t the most popular in the Philippine local market and I’ve had to wrestle with whether to create for marketability, stubbornly resist all feedback, or learn to listen and grow while staying true to myself. I’ve chosen the third. I think that’s where growth happens.

My Watermelon Summer Collection featured at Quarto Arts Gallery in Shopwise Sucat in May 2026

This year, I also joined two online workshops with Art2Life founder, Nicholas Wilton, and became part of a generous global community of artists who offer both encouragement and honest feedback.

I’ve officially said goodbye to my long-time blog, Fully Housewifed, to make more room for art, and I’m slowly building a website for my work. Early this week, I signed up for an upcoming simple café exhibit in the South – the kind where art and coffee and old friends can quietly meet.

I had hoped art sales might help build funds for my youngest son’s therapy needs and recommended classes, but I’m reminded that provision has never depended solely on my own hands. God gave me the gift to create- once through music and movement, then writing, and now through visual art- and I trust Him with where all this is leading.

For now, I’m simply thankful I get to create, to grow, and to meet beautiful people along the way.

Raising a glass to this year’s first-quarter wins. Thank you, Jesus.

If you’d like to take home any of my pieces because they resonate with you, send me a DM on my Instagram page: @maypal_art

Or you can see my pieces in person at the following art exhibitions.

My Art Exhibits in Manila this 2026:

March 14 to 23 – Madison Galleries, Cupang Muntinlupa, Alabang (FINISHED)

April 12 to 28 – Quarto Arts & Events Gallery, Shopwise Sucat Mall Paranaque (FINISHED)

May 24 to June 27 – Art Sphere Gallery, Kapetol Premium Coffee, Better Living Paranaque (FINISHED)

May 30 to June 5 – 1159 Creative Space Gallery, Chino Roces Makati (FINISHED)

June 7 to July 5 – Kulay ng Kalayaan Group Exhibit, Art Sphere Gallery, Kapetol Premium Coffee, Imus Cavite (FINISHED)

June 28 to July 26 – Eternal Collections, Art Sphere Gallery, Kapetol Premium Coffee, Better Living Paranaque (ONGOING)

July 5 – 18 – Serendipity Group Exhibit, Quarto Arts & Events Gallery, Shopwise Sucat Mall Paranaque (ONGOING)

July 19 – 31 – Convergence Group Exhibit, Quarto Arts & Events Gallery, Shopwise Sucat Mall Paranaque (UPCOMING)

August 9 – September 15 – Art Sphere Gallery, Kapetol Premium Coffee, Better Living Paranaque (UPCOMING)

August 16 – 30 – Art Splurge Group Exhibit, Quarto Arts & Events Gallery, Tiendesitas Mall, Pasig (UPCOMING)

13 responses to “In my Exhibit Era…”

  1. Brill Jordan Avatar

    What a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue the gifts God has given us. Your story is inspiring. Congratulations on putting your art out into the world and all the opportunities that have followed. Wishing you continued growth, joy, and success on this creative journey!

  2. Sonia Seivwright Avatar

    I smiled at your description of a café exhibit where art, coffee, and old friends can quietly meet. That felt so gentle and real, and it matches the whole heart of this post. It’s brave to keep creating while carrying hopes for your family too, and I really hope the right people keep finding your work.

  3. Ebony Avatar
    Ebony

    This was such an inspiring read. There’s something so powerful about stepping into a season of creating, sharing, and fully embracing your artistic voice. I loved the energy and confidence throughout this post.

  4. hello.thebroadlife Avatar
    hello.thebroadlife

    This was such a creative and expressive piece. I really enjoyed the confidence and personality that came through in your writing and perspective.

  5. Barbara R Avatar
    Barbara R

    Beautiful post for sure. Love that quote… That God gave me the gift to create. It looks like he sure did! Congrats are in order!!

  6. Andreia Mulligan Avatar
    Andreia Mulligan

    Congratulations on turning 51! That’s a huge milestone. It’s really brave to put yourself out there and show your artwork to the world. Your family was right. You’ve got some great talent.

  7. Gust Avatar
    Gust

    The fact that your art is connecting with people is such a beautiful sign. This feels like the beginning of something really meaningful!

  8. jerry godinho Avatar
    jerry godinho

    Your post beautifully captures the creative exhibit era, blending personal expression, art, and reflection into a journey that feels authentic and inspiring.

  9. GlamKaren Avatar

    This is such a fabulous milestone to share! Did it feel surreal seeing everything displayed? Congrats!

  10. Alejandra Avatar
    Alejandra

    Congrats!! Your art work is colorful and joyful, so cool more people will have the chance to see it.

  11. hematoinfantil Avatar

    Congrats!! Your art work is colorful and joyful, so cool more people will have the chance to see it.

  12. gentlebim Avatar
    gentlebim

    I absolutely love your work! It’s so vibrant and colorful. Just pure joy.

  13. Amber Avatar
    Amber

    I love all of these pieces. You did a wonderful job. The colors are exquisite.

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I’m May

Fifty-something Contemporary visual artist.
I paint stories – real or imagined – in Modern Naive and Gestural Abstracts.

For Commissions, email me at maypalstories@gmail.com

Find me on socials!