Welcome to Paper Talk Podcast, where we uncover the stories, inspirations, and creative processes that breathe life into the beautiful world of paper flowers. In Episode 144, Jessie Chui joins us again to delve into the exciting world of exhibiting paper art and flowers. As one of the original founders of Paper Talk Podcast, Jessie always brings a treasure trove of insights to the show, and we’re so glad to have her back for this episode. Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen: The power of networking and mentorship in the art world. How to showcase art in person and the impact of personal connections. The process of preparing for art exhibitions, including the strategic planning of series and the importance of grant applications. How to balance commission work, teaching, and personal projects. Listen now to hear Jessie, Quynh, and Sara discuss how paper flowers fit into the realm of fine art and how you can navigate exhibitions, commissions, and more. You won’t want to miss a minute, but you can get a sneak peek below.  Navigating the Artistic Landscape Many paper florists in our community do not have a formal education in the arts. We face many challenges and triumphs that come with navigating the artistic landscape without the structured foundation of an art school education. Jessie's personal anecdotes provide a candid look into the hurdles she faced and the victories she celebrated, offering valuable insights for those charting their course outside the conventional art school trajectory. One of the key takeaways of Episode 144 is the paramount role of mentors in an artist's journey. Jessie's experience highlights how finding the right mentors can be a transformative factor, providing guidance, encouragement, and a wealth of knowledge. The podcast underscores the importance of seeking mentorship, emphasizing that the art world is a rich tapestry woven with shared experiences and collective wisdom. Listen to the podcast to hear how Jessie's story illustrates the profound impact of establishing connections within the art community. From fellow artists to curators and organizers, the power of networking becomes evident in creating opportunities, broadening horizons, and fostering a sense of belonging. Community Building and the Power of Collaboration One of the foundational values of our podcast is building community, so it should be no surprise that this topic came up. During the episode, Quynh brought up her experience working with Sarah Simon of The Mint Gardener, who has been a guest on the podcast before. As Quynh shared, “She actually commissioned me to make some paper flower pieces for her watercolor retreat. It was so much fun. She invited me to their after party after their three day retreat, and I actually talked to the students. They used my paper flowers as a model for their watercolor illustration. It was so fascinating to see how they interpreted what I made.” You can hear more about how this collaboration unfolded and how it helped Quynh grow as an artist and explore more options for her work. Listen to catch the entire story and learn how important community building is to us as artists. Balancing Act: Day-to-Day Life as an Artist We understand that the journey of an artist extends far beyond the creation of captivating pieces—it's a complex dance between creativity and the practicalities of sustaining an art career. Jessie, a seasoned paper artist, generously opened up about her strategies for managing time effectively. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the art of juggling exhibit preparation, commission work, and teaching. We explored the nuanced approach Jessie takes to organize her schedule, prioritizing the creation of series for exhibits while still catering to the demands of teaching and commission projects. The discussion delved into the unique challenges faced by artists, emphasizing the constant negotiation between the desire to create meaningful art and the