Art Beat 2024 was filled with activities from start to finish. As per usual, Kamika offers significant discounts on her art once a year exclusively at Art Beat (since it's the only major festival that fits into her busy schedule). Additionally, Kamika and her husband, Tavarus Perry, collaborate with their micro-meadery, Perry Vine, to create an Art + Wine experience in their 10'x20' tent.
Art Beat attracts over 20,000 attendees, making it one of the largest art fairs in the Michiana region. This year, Kamika was uncertain about her participation. She had been dealing with health issues throughout the year, visiting multiple doctors to determine the cause of her unusual symptoms. She experienced vision problems, random blurring, tremors, and fatigue. Eventually, she was diagnosed with Graves' disease and possibly thyroid cancer simultaneously. It had already been a challenging year with her mother frequently hospitalized, along with managing her three young children and two other businesses.
Painting had always been Kamika's refuge during stressful times, and it felt as though this solace was being taken away from her. Despite the obstacles, Kamika managed to bring 20 artworks with her, consisting of 10 abstract shapes and 10 abstract portraits. She sold all but 8 pieces. To cap it all off, she received the "Best in Show" award at the end of the day! Kamika is not one to cry in public, but she certainly wept like a baby when she got home.
"It demonstrates that dedication and passion truly yield results, and regardless of the obstacles, continue pursuing what you love," Kamika says.
