choices have to be made...you can't do it all

I never made it to the plein aire event today. I spent the afternoon with a dear friend and we visited St.Luke's charity silent auction for Haiti. I put in a small bid and would love to get one of them but it is difficult to be generous when you have more funds going out then coming in. The atmosphere was gay and free flowing outside with neighbors strolling in and out of shops in the sunshine. I was fortunate to meet the director of the free clinic here in Newark ( she has been very busy lately) and the doctor who makes quarterly trips to Haiti to care for the very poor. The art works were colorful and so joyful with mediums and techniques to express the culture of the families in Haiti. I was reminded of "I am because We are" documentary I saw earlier this week exposing the dire needs in Malawi, Africa. I am moved to help but feel powerless with cross cultural expressions that really work to assist the poorest of poor. I can reach out in kindness and help those close to home aid in their strength and skills to develop marketing tools to help increase their employment opportunities. Hey! that is me too!
I hope the newspapers will cover the plein aire artists tomorrow in Sunday's newspapers...my body was tired and I needed to stop early and reserve my physical strength. I watched the 135th Kentucky Derby and cheered for the small thoroughbred and remarkable jockey who made a historical move from the back of the 19 horses to win by several lengths in the end. I think this race winner "Mine that Bird" paid a 50 to 1 outcome so here is a cheer for the underdogs!!! Calvin was the jockey and a joy to behold!
I have been hearing from my other participants from all over the globe on my disintegration project. It has been exciting to see and hear from others from all over...complete with creepy crawlers and stingers living in the assemblages. I am trying to take my time to study each project so it will be days before I get through all 123 results.
Tonight I continued my stitch by stitch progress and selected the beginnings of the mother of pearl embellishments. On Thursday I received a button bonanza from two wonderful women who brought me an enormous box of buttons to use in my works. I need to wash and sun dry them in stages...some do own a distinct fragrance from being in storage but with a little TLC they will be sparkling clean in no time. WoooHooo! It sure does not take much to keep me happy! I am so blessed in so many ways. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

A day of total Art in Newark, Ohio

The LCA gallery was hopping today as the rush to finish the artist directory edges toward the printing date. The watercolorists were back in their glory and child like wonder making wonderful "circles" to install in our bathroom at a future date. Lyn Logan Grimes and Juan Carlos came for a wonderful visit to our gallery and then went over to Liz Argyle's to see and greet Mr. Don Gunnerson as he makes final preparations for tomorrow's opening night. Tiffany Auman came in and very quickly worked up an article for the Advocate. My hopes are high that they will publish this but with our ever shrinking printed paper it is a flip of the coin. Juan Carlos and Don had a great visit sharing experiences in the architectural world. I asked Juan Carlos to buy a raffle ticket for Tony's wooden bowl and If he wins I will personally deliver it to his studio in Costa Rico. Well I can dream about the warmth of Costa Rica sun during our cold bitter winter months in February. WoooHooo!
Tonight I came home and rested for about 20 minutes and then went over to witness 9 very talented high school actors who performed "The Laramie Project" play about the cruelty of man's inhumanity to man...the Mathew Shepard Story. Weathervane has a year round theater program with C-tec students and I do so wish MORE people could have seen this magnificent performance. Despite the cold evening air and small crowds the evening was a memorable experience for all present. They have performances on Friday and Saturday evening at 7 pm so if you are free you just might want to check out these powerful young actors. There are 9 performers in this production and they employ 86 different characters. Brice Corder worked on the set design and the director Tim Browning empowered his young studies to offer strong authentic performances. I have been working on a piece about the power a mother has in her love and devotion to her son who happened to be born gay. Thought provoking affirmations and prayers for understanding someone who may appear to be different from who we happen to be. After the play we were invited to discuss our impressions and ask questions of the young proteges in their quest to develop as an actor. My words are totally inadequate when it comes to expressing my gratitude for everyone involved in this incredible educational program. I am soooo tired tonight and we have two more busy days planned during this exquisite weather with Arbor Day on Saturday and the Art Walk in Final Fridays tomorrow. Come on down and join in on the fun and family opportunities in Licking County! Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart