SWOP opening in Pine Bluff, AR

Well, I managed to make it to the opening of Small Works on Paper, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas on Friday, January 11, 2008. This place was very impressive. I had been told it was nice, and had high expectaions, but still, I was overwhelmed by it's beauty and lighting. I can't tell you how many mueseams and galleries I've been to that have really bad lighting or flow of space. Whoever designed it should get great recognition. In short, WOW!

The other thing that was refreshing was the kind people there. Everyone was so friendly and caring. I've only driven by Pine Bluff, never actually been there before. Cheri and Sally from the AR Arts Council were so understanding in my need for a chair, because of my health problems. I felt bad and couldn't stand up while the other artists spoke, but it was still nice to hear them talk about their work. I was glad to have an opportunity to speak about my piece, "The Unfurling Life". There was much more that I could have said about it, but I didn't think I could stand there for much longer. I have to say that I was surprised that there wasn't a grouping of chairs considering how large the room was.

My only real complaint is with whoever framed the works, there was a lot of dust in my piece, although that was not as bad as one of the purchase awards, which had a hair in it. I've been frustated by dust when framing my own work too, but usually only one maybe two pieces of dust ever show up in my frames. I find that computer screen clothes do the best job, when trying to capture run away dust on glass or plexi. Granted it takes 2 or 3 times to get it right.

Thanks to everyone who was so helpful. Also thanks to all those compliments, it really helped to lift my spirit.

Gretchen