OK, I am typing this out a little to get my thoughts written down and to get options open. I am also writing this for opinions, and suggestions, also to let whomever cares know what's going on.

Firstly, my lease ends in May. My room mates, seem to be moving to NYC, or at least they really want to. Many of you know I have lived in 4 places since graduation. I have also had to move studio spaces 6 times. It's really hard to find stable room mates here. Most are students who can't afford it, or people moving on.

I have a great job which has provided me with tons of expendable income. That is good and bad. The good of it has been that I have had the cash flow to go and see other parts of the country, and visit family as often as I can. The bad is that I feel like it has lulled me into a slothful view of life.

My art has gotten progressively better year by year, and I have no complaints there. But Marion, as you know, isn't exactly conducive to a comfortable art "career" or one in general. Although, like I said...I have gotten more commissions and have sold more each year. These are such blessings.

Sorry this is so long.

I have many many many options come May. The 3 I am looking at are Indianapolis, Nashville, and I guess I will let the cat out of the bag...Portland.

Indy has a certain appeal. I have certainly participated in a handful of shows there. I also know about 10 people. Herron School of Art is there, and I was thinking possible graduate work in Painting. It's also relatively close to Ohio, and we all know I seemingly cannot cut the family cord. Other than a few Indianians, my dad is probably my best friend (also a huge blessing)

Ok, on to Nashville. I know 10 to 25 people here. Especially after all the Hershbergers migrate there. It would be a good support group. As far as I can tell Nashville has a good art community for it being in the Midwest. Mary Hackett is one of my favorite artists and she has studio space and shows there. Nashville is also relatively close to Ohio. (See above)

Portland, Ore. My hesitation here is the extreme distance from family. I know nothing about the city (I have been to Nashville only once though, too) I know 5 to 10 people here. I really enjoyed what I saw, and love bikes so that was a plus. Another plus is a good Indiana friend is moving out there (Benji, duh). Also, Lindsey lives out there. I don't want to be like everyone else and just move out there kind of randomly (no offense). I also don't want to be a tag along and have it not work out well and have to move back to Ohio. Seemingly PDX has a pretty good art community, but I don't really know about demand or anything. But I suppose we all need to find a niche somewhere.

Other long shots include: Bloomington IN, Florida, or even Chicago (ew)

Or, I could stay another year and try to stay in this house. The toughy would be to find room mates. I don't want to move to ANOTHER place in Marion.