My Lecture at Brooklyn Quilters Guild

I had the pleasure of giving my lecture (nARTey – Art in the middle) at the Brooklyn Quilters Guild last weekend. What a delight! In this lecture I talk about how art always lurked around the boundaries of my life and how I managed to bring it into the middle of the mix of my everyday life. It’s an inspiring, educational, and energetic lecture that takes you through the journey of my art career plus lessons you can use. Besides, I show a ton of my work – from the very first piece I made to my current body of work.

Clara Nartey speaking at Brooklyn Quilters Guild | Quilt Guild Lecture | Quilt Trunk Show — Clara Nartey speaking at Brooklyn Quilters Guild

What was so special about this particular lecture was the people. It was a large group, probably about 100 people in the room and others watching live on zoom.

My team and I arrived early so we could find parking and set up. If you know New York City, you know that parking always plays a major role in planning any event. We got a heads up from the Brooklyn Quilters Guild program coordinators about where to park and when to get there before the parking space fills up.

Quilt Guild Lecture | Quilt Trunk Show — The cell phone cameras came out and a ton of photos were taken

So, that was super helpful. It saved us what would otherwise have been a lot of angst trying to find parking in Brooklyn.

Clara Nartey interacting at Brooklyn Quilters Guild | Quilt lecture | Quilt Trunk Show — Clara Nartey interacting at Brooklyn Quilters Guild

Most importantly, this was the first in-person lecture I’ve given since the pandemic hit two years ago. As a result, there was something really special about getting out there and interacting with people all over again. I’m an introvert but I love people. When you see me speaking on a stage, you wouldn’t guess that I’m an introvert.

Guild members looking at my books and my art

It may sound contradictory for an introvert to love public speaking. However, recently, I’m finding more and more powerful speakers who’re actually introverts. Two examples who come readily to mind are Pat Flynn and Glo Atanmo.

Lively group of people at the Guild meeting

Besides, there is nothing not to love about the people at the Brooklyn Quilters Guild. They were such an engaged audience. They listened, laughed, and enjoyed my talk. After an hour lecture, question and answer time went on for almost another half hour.

Clara Nartey signing books — I signed copies of my book for participants who bought copies

Although, the beginning was a little rocky with tech issues ( presenting live to a room and on zoom simultaneously), it was smooth sailing when we took off.

Guild members looking at Clara Nartey's books and art and taking photos — Close Up – Guild members looking at my books and my art and taking photos

Thank you to the Brooklyn Quilters Guild for inviting me. It was my absolute pleasure. From some of the early comments I’ve received, I know you also had fun. Till next time, so long.