‘Be Fab’ at the yART Sale next Saturday
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- Audrey Christensen is an artist, business coach and creator of the hit backyard art market the yART Sale.
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- Artwork by Hey Be Fab/Audrey Christensen.
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- Artwork by Hey Be Fab/Audrey Christensen.
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- Artwork by Hey Be Fab/Audrey Christensen.
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- Audrey Christensen is a multimedia artist who explores watercolor, embroidery, doll-making, digital art and more.
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- Artwork by Hey Be Fab/Audrey Christensen.
A Q & A with Audrey Christensen of Hey Be Fab
Audrey Christensen, a.k.a. “Hey Be Fab,” is an artist and creative business coach living in Ogden and founder of the hit backyard art market “the yART sale.” During the pandemic in 2020, she thought, “well hell, I got a big yard that’s perfect for an artist to set up safely and still be seen and supported” and the yART Sale was born. It was such a fabulous sensation that Christensen threw another, and another, every season, growing it from 100 to over 500 attendees. The next yART Sale springs back up next Saturday, April 23, with over 80 different artists, live music and food trucks/vendors. More than her artist brand and yART sale host, Hey Be Fab also helps artists grow their small businesses through the “Makers Huddle.” Christensen speaks openly through her writings and artwork about her personal journey from depression and anxiety to complete self-acceptance and freedom of expression. By empowering others to be “the fairy godmother” in their own story of triumph, Audrey Christensen has become the fairy godmother to an entire arts community.
Where did the name ‘Hey Be Fab’ come from?
I struggled with body confidence as a plus size hottie, that everyday I would look in the mirror and remind myself that I was indeed fabulous. I said this so much to myself that it turned into a mantra, one I think others needed too. You know, “Hey! Be Fab.” Because we all are.
What was your very first piece of art?
If you ask my mom she’d say that it was me scribbling on my diaper when I was just a toddler. And hell I’d have to agree with her. Art is my soul. But if you want to know what brought me into this art community it was me making cloth dolls and teaching others to do the same.
What is the most memorable comment from someone looking at your art?
I’ve had a few. … The first one was when I sold my first cloth doll to a non-family member. It was to a little boy, who each Saturday would come to the Ogden’s farmers market just to snuggle the doll I created until finally his mom said yes and she purchased it. I just remember watching him leave holding that doll with such pride that it brought tears to my eyes.
Other times it’s from plus size hotties who spend time analyzing my art and say “wow, I never thought I would see my body look so beautiful.”
Why did you pivot from being an artist to also an artist supporter?
I knew that if I took time in supporting artists who needed it, that this art community would thrive and I believe that when one of us thrive we all thrive. Plus, I find so much joy watching them explore what it would be like to become their full selves — that to me is art. I get to create art within them and within me. That’s why I love being a creative coach, I get to see them put the pieces together.
How does working with other artists influence your own art?
OMG! So much! There is beauty in seeing the world from someone else’s perspective. I get inspired by art to write poetry or to dance. Hell, I love people watching just to see the creativity they have in the outfit they choose for that day. Most of my embroidery pieces have been inspired by that.
What made the yART Sale such a big hit?
Oh god, the connection and the ability for them (artists) to be seen. There is such a variety of different vendors that come together from all walks of life that to see them connect and encourage each other daily in our group chat before the event starts just makes me so d— happy. They create magic which is felt that day.
What core belief drives everything you do?
Connection, community and embracing the whole version of yourself and others around you. There is so much learning in allowing others to shine next to you without thinking you need to damper their light for yours to shine. I love building those connections with others so much that everything I do is in hopes that we all can rise together.
Cocoa Pebbles or Fruity Pebbles?
Well the queer in me has to say FRUITY — ha ha, but yes, I’d go with Fruity Pebbles.
Hey Be Fab’s next Spring yART Sale is Saturday, April 23, at 3746 Madison Ave., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Find more details on social media @heybefab and heybefab.com.