First Harvest in the Wilderness with Pileated Woodpecker by Valerie Hegarty

Surprise Monday greetings collectors! I'm sneaking in a day early but not a moment too soon to introduce First Harvest in the Wilderness with Pileated Woodpecker by Valerie Hegarty: a benefit for the Brooklyn Museum.

Over the weekend the ever-friendly 20x200 team meeted and greeted many of you at the Museum's Target First Saturday. It was lovely to see you there and we're happy to have you here! A warm and hearty welcome to 20x200 newcomers — I hope you'll enjoy seeing new art in your inbox.

Today, we have a special treat for 20x200 friends silver and gold — pick up one of Valerie's prints and receive a one-year membership to 1stfans. 1stfans is the Brooklyn Museums' socially networked membership. Join and you'll have access to all kinds of artist-created online content and exclusive events at Target First Saturdays — an insider's peek into what goes on behind those burly columns.

And, you'll have this gorgeous print to hang on your wall. As this collaboration with the Museum came together, I was delighted when I heard that Valerie had agreed to participate. I've known her sculptures for some while, from stumbling over bits on the internets and putting the pieces together with works that I already know and love. When I came across Niagara Falls, I linked it back to photographer Alec Soth's series NIAGARA. I've been looking forward to seeing what she would create in two-dimensions especially for 20x200 and 1stfans.

It turns out that Valerie's a super kind person to boot. She visited 20x200 HQ several times to check out her proofs as the edition came to fruition, then flattered me with her presence at the 1stfans meetup on Saturday. I gave a short presentation to 1stfans (one of those exclusive events I was just mentioning!) and was dappled with a smattering of smart questions from the audience. I was happy to be fielding inquiries about collecting, our artists, photography and fine art, all the things that make 20x200 so great.

I have two other short-but-sweet announcements to make! It's the last day for guaranteed shipping for Valentine's Day. Get your orders in before midnight EST to do right by your loved ones. Still grappling with what to get? I've recapped our heart-day editions below and you can always defer to the good taste of our artists. Don't delay!

The deadline for Valentine's Day shipping is TONIGHT, Monday 2/8, at 12:00 midnight EST.

And congratulations to Alissa from Coquitlam, British Columbia, the winner of our Lisa Congdon giveaway with Chronicle Books!

I won't be seeing you all for our usual Tuesday date, but will be back on Wednesday with some fine photography. We'll resume to business as usual next week.