Taking a Peek: Post-Opening Impressions

How about a peek?

Here's a quick recap of the wonderful opening of my show

"Seeking Sanctuary: places & spaces that restore the soul"

at 

The Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery

Two dear friends found the hotel key-card curtain fun to play behind and got caught in the act!  Isn't that just the best: when art can be experienced?  a huge thank you to the many who kindly saved their cards for me as well as to the college aged collector who bought the piece to take home.

A big treat for me was the out of towners who journeyed to the High country to share this night with me.  Pictured here is my sis from the DC area.  She's promised to keep my pre-show anxiety a secret.

I got a wild notion that as music is an important portal to sanctuary we should surprise guests with a "flash mob" of sorts.  Hubs kindly got on board by, unannounced, playing "Amazing Grace" while viewing the art.  Slowly some (pre-planned) guests joined in for a couple of verses that gave the gallery manager a bit of a panic....she came running up the stairs worried she had left a radio on somewhere only to be greeted to a once-in-an-opening treat.  Thanks dear singers, such moxy.

Here's why we do what we do: the pleasure of sharing our work...I think these gals were eyeing my harmonica player but they did plenty of art eyeing on the same evening.  And did I mention red dots??  I had said previously I loved the year of prep whether it ever "opened" or not....and that is still true however, the red dots were additional affirmation.  Nothing like someone choosing to take your work home to live with...and I was complimented over and over again.  Feeling so grateful.

The ultimate?  When another artist takes the time to study what you have done.  Would I love to hear what is going on in his head, yes...and no.  But I am lucky to have several revered artist-friends who came out to support my efforts.  Watching them intensely view something you have done is a real compliment.

The show is up for another two weeks so if you are in the Linville, NC area give the gallery a visit...there's so much there to see you will be glad you stopped in.  Check them out here.

Color me happy,
Cindy

An Invitation or "Accepting the Challenge"

Be Careful What You Wish For...Sometimes You Get It!!

About a year ago the manager of the Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery approached me about doing a solo exhibition.  "Yes!" I shouted, before responding firmly,"No."  "I'd love to,"I amended quickly, and then stuttered, "but...but...but."  "But what?" Heidi asked.  "You'll do great."  Deal closed.

What a loving show of confidence this woman displayed.  I have cherished every minute of preparation: research, painting, experimenting; and if for some reason the exhibit were never to take place I have still had the most adventurous year of work from which I have learned an enormous amount.  (Like never turn down a challenge.)

Here is my official invite to you:

If you are in this neck of the woods, please join us.  I think you will find the exhibit a little different from some because, well, you know: I like words almost as much as I love color. So I have created some narratives to accompany the journey towards sanctuary and a few interactive, non-2D pieces.

  

You may find an expression that mirrors your own definition of sanctuary.  And if not, at least you'll have an excuse to go out to dinner after a glass of wine with me and my friends.  

Thanks for your continuing support,

Appreciatively yours,

Cindy