Artist Reception 6-14-08

To say that I had a most memorable experience at my reception would be an understatement. I can't believe what a wonderful event this really was. The Raue Center for the Arts made me feel so welcome. I was able to meet several people that were on the visual arts committee as well as the jury. They made me feel very special indeed. The beautiful spread, which of course I do not have a picture of, was very sumptuous! Cheese, crackers etc..., and wine etc... I did not even have time to survey the spread. I was so busy talking about myself (which was really weird). I want to thank all those at the Raue for giving me an opportunity to show my work. They are extraordinary.

It was so wonderful to see so many familiar faces come out to support me. My best friend, Joan, sent a beautiful arrangement from a very chic florist. I could not ask for a more thoughtful gesture. Her efforts to come that evening were amazing. She had to pick up her daughter about 45 miles away from the show, go to get a bite with family, drop off a gift for her brother, and then make her way to the artist reception. To top it all, she was early!!!!!!!!! She managed to sneak the tropical arrangement in before I even got there. My children were dancing their hearts out in Coppelia but my family was well represented by my husband Marc and a neighbor, who is like a grandma to my children, Jean. As people arrived, I was amazed at the positive comments I overheard. I think perhaps I was most nervous about those overheard comments. I tried not to spy on people's conversation, but you know how the ears will burn. Those comments alone gave me great encouragement to keep at it. I had a new artist friend, Mary Tefler-Holden, http://www.telfleur.com/home/index.html drop by and she brought several of her devoted students. Thanks to you all for coming and being so inquisitive and complimentary. I loved the questions and was more than happy to talk about my process. It was really nice to receive so many compliments because, well, so often we just don't always get recognized for what we do. I even had an encaustic artist, whose name I do not remember, thank me for sharing my art with so many. She said it is hard to put yourself out there and she was so glad that I did. Wow...was that really my stuff she was talking about? You know, even though you hear all these wonderful words, it is so hard to take them all in and internalize them. I am still soaring but at the same time, in disbelief. To have so much validation is wonderful! There were many more familiar faces, too many to mention, but I must say thank you so much for being there. I do hope you had a nice time

Finally, one of the highlights of the evening was a visit from Mr. Greg Begley and Mrs. Svalander. I would say about half of my work is inspired by these individuals and the ballets that they have choreographed and staged over the years. My children have been dancing with The Judith Svalander School of Ballet http://www.jsvalander.com/school/ for many, many years. I certainly have much to be inspired by. It was such an honor seeing them. It nearly brought me to tears, and as a matter of fact, I did tear up when Mrs. "S" was viewing my work. I could see that she was visibly moved. What more could I ask for? Not much.

One last note...I had so many comments on my little cards, title cards to be exact located under each picture. Most artists list the name of the work, the medium, substrate, size and price...I added a short sentence or two with a dedication for each work or a description of what went through my head when I was creating the piece. I can't tell you how many people said that was wonderful to understand a little bit of what the work means. I am all for letting people interpret things any way they want but I have this thing about being a little more personal with my own thoughts. It worked. I think I will always display like this.

A short slide show will follow. My sweet Marc was very busy socializing and I think he was enjoying the affair as much as I was. Consequently the pictures are few and far between.

k