Art Connex U Journal | September 2026

The Art of Discovery

Connecting Artists. Building Community. Creating Opportunity.

Editor's Note

Discovery is part of every artist's journey.

Sometimes we discover a new medium, a different way of working, or an unexpected direction in our practice. Other times, discovery happens through people—a conversation, an exhibition, a studio visit, or encountering artwork we've never seen before.

As we move toward the final months of 2026, Art Connex U continues to create opportunities for artists, galleries, curators, and cultural organizations to connect and discover one another.

Because you never know where the next connection might lead.

The Art of Discovery

Stay Curious

The creative journey rarely follows a straight line.

An artist may begin with one idea and discover something completely different along the way. A gallery visit can introduce a new perspective. Meeting another artist can challenge an established way of thinking. A conversation can open the door to a collaboration that wasn't imagined before.

That's the value of discovery.

At Art Connex U, we're interested in creating those moments—making it easier to discover artists, exhibitions, ideas, and opportunities within the contemporary art community.

You don't always need to know where a connection will lead.

Sometimes, you simply need to be open to finding out.

Artist Spotlight

Featuring an Art Connex U Subscriber

Marcie Richstone, Photographer

This month, we turn our attention to Marcie Richstone, whose artistic practice offers another perspective on the many ways creativity can evolve through photography.

With several decades of experience behind the lens, Marcie brings a seeing eye and heartfelt approach to every photograph she creates. Known for her soulful in-home children’s photos and portraiture of all kinds, she loves storytelling through imagery.  Clients praise her sensitivity and skill in capturing more than just a face—she captures the true essence of a person, a place, a moment.  She has a keen sense and passion for turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.  

When she’s not creating compelling business portraits or showcasing milestones, Marcie can be found wandering in faraway corners of the world with camera in hand, drawn to light, color, and culture. Her travels fuel her creativity, and she finds joy in transforming those fulfilling moments into lasting memories and wall galleries for her clients—artful arrangements that make homes and workplaces alike feel more alive.

Through her work, Marcie invites you to slow down, look closely, and join her in exploring these moments—to celebrate the beauty of life in all its forms.  She hopes to cross paths with you sometime soon…

Discover her work:
Website|‍ ‍Instagram‍ ‍Moments by Marcie‍ ‍Children

Around the Community

Small is Beautiful — December 1–6

Planning continues for Small is Beautiful, the Art Connex U collaboration with Studio M Gallery.

Art Connex U members will have the opportunity to exhibit 1–5 small-format works, no larger than 12" × 12", free of charge.

Studio M will manage installation, the opening reception, and gallery presence throughout the exhibition.

Opening Reception: Thursday, December 3 | 5–8 p.m.

What began as a conversation at a community gathering is now becoming a shared exhibition.

That's discovery in action.

Why Join Art Connex U?

More than visibility. A place to be discovered, connected, and remembered.

For Artists

Put your work where people can discover it.

  • Be Discoverable — Establish your presence within Art Connex U.

  • Tell Your Story — Share your practice through interviews and editorial features.

  • Promote Your Exhibitions — Give your events additional visibility.

  • Build Connections — Meet artists and cultural organizations beyond your usual circle.

  • Grow Your Visibility — Build an ongoing presence beyond the social media feed.

Join as an Artist

For Galleries, Curators & Art Organizations

Put your programming in front of an engaged arts audience.

  • Promote Exhibitions — Bring attention to shows and openings.

  • Reach New Audiences — Connect with artists, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts.

  • Be Discoverable — Maintain a lasting presence on the platform.

  • Share Your Programming — Promote talks, panels, collaborations, and events.

  • Build Cultural Connections — Become part of a broader creative community.

Join as a Gallery, Curator or Organization

Looking Ahead

With only a few months remaining in 2026, we're looking forward to more interviews, exhibitions, collaborations, and opportunities to discover the people shaping our creative community.

The next connection could be yours.

A Question to Consider

What might you discover if you stepped outside your usual creative circle?

Closing Thought

Be Seen. Be Discovered. Be Connected.

Connecting Artists. Building Community. Creating Opportunity.

— Art Connex U