I got into STL’s Art Mimosas and Pancakes!!!

Ndewo fellow dreamers,

I’m writing this lil’ Blurb to you all to first apologize for the abrupt break in writing. A myriad of things were stealing my attentions for a little bit. I also moved! Getting settled into new homes and neighborhoods takes me a little (a lotta) bit. But I’m enjoying it here.

I promise to be more consistent and I appreciate all of you! Old and new friends.

So, keep yer eyes peeled for the next Nro Ala ✨ issue! I’m also working on a folktale inspired by dreams I’ve had called Etunse’s Lost Child that will be posted here and available for purchase very, very soon. 🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾

Before I go, I do have some awesome news

that I’m super stoked to share!!!

DreamLand III: The Very Bad Thing. Oil Paint on 24 by 36 inches; work in progress.

One of my works from the DreamLand series has been selected for the 11th Annual Art Mimosa’s and Pancakes Exhibition, one of the biggest art exhibitions in St. Louis!!! I am beyond excited and hope to see you all there!! Art Mimosas and Pancakes features so many vibrant and talented creatives every year. I am grateful to be a part of it this year…

Earlier this month there was a media day for all artists, vendors and performers. Head shots and a brief interview. I had ballet class that morning and only five minutes to get to media day after class. Slapped make up on in the bathroom. Shit felt like a "go-see" from ANTM. Really fun.

“A one-night group exhibit curated by Brock Seals — celebrating a decade of the St. Louis creative community. 60+ visual artists, 20+ vendors, 9 live performances, and gourmet pancakes from Dan Cakes. One unforgettable night. Featuring 60+ ARTISTS, 20+ VENDORS, 9 PERFORMANCES.”

When: AMP is July 25, 2026, 8pm-Midnight

Where: The Hawthorn, 2231 Washington Ave

For more info and to get your tickets: https://ampexhibit.com/#event

Don’t forget to give them a follow on IG:

Follow AMP on Instagram rn Pookie 🥞🍾🎨

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DreamLand III: The Very Bad Thing

This is the first sketch I did of my Brother-Sisters in Red Water. When I lived in Portland, after The Very Bad Thing, I dreamt constantly of a jungle and even tried to walk there in my sleep, if you can believe it! Ha!! Well, something magic happens when you document your dreams, you know. Your inner world expands and tells you stories and secrets about yourself. I choose to believe what my spirit says about me.

When I first started this piece, I wasn’t sure where I was being led if that makes sense. There was a lot of sitting still and listening. Studying the memories of my dreams. I learned there is a red lake in Tanzania and thought I must be astral projecting there in my sleep to visit the water spirits and my Brother-Sisters. I first felt their embrace after The Very Bad Thing. So, as I said I was stuck with this piece, there was a big emotional block. Then one day, while applying answering questions for an apartment application I see a familiar address but can’t picture the house. I google it, and it is where The Very Bad Thing occurred. I broke. A heavy heaving cry. How did I forget again? So, in the upstairs of the painting, there is a portrait of the house in Portland, Oregon. I am trying to tell the story of how I am still being healed by my dear spirits. The parts of be still held in that house, will be immersed in the red waters soon: reborn. Innocent again.

Thank you for reading,

Talk soon.

Ino Kodjo.