Saturday June 22,2013  is a date I will remember for a long, long time. It was the reception for “Art Comes Alive” at ADC Design. The show includes 150 pieces from over 1,500 entries in this nationally juried  show. It is truly an honor to be included in this showcase of talent. Awards are given at the end of the night. Last year I was surprised to be given a Purchase Award. I did not anticipate any award this year. The piece selected for inclusion in this year’s show is frankly, not one of my favorites. But, that is another story. The awards came and went and some of my friends were recognized. I was happy to see Trish Weeks receive the award for “Landscape Artist of the Year.” I guess if I thought I would receive something I thought it may be “Floral Artist of the Year.” So, imagine my surprise when the last award was given for “Lifetime Achievement Award” and my name was called. My painting was shown on a screen that had to be 20 feet wide! And, my name was larger than life. I was absolutely stunned. My friends we telling me to get up and Mark was smiling… it was surreal. I received this beautiful glass statue with my name engraved on it… and a ribbon. A coveted ribbon. What a treat. Litsa asked me if I was ok when I got to the stage. I must have had the “deer in the headlights” look on my face.

Every year I watch the Academy Awards. I am not sure why. I don’t usually see many of the movies. I think it’s the dresses. I like to see the actresses and look at their dresses and hair. It’s a girl thing for me. I judge the acceptance speech and look at the “also ran” nominees for signs of jealousy. Who doesn’t, right? Often we think they are so full of themselves to honor each other for doing their jobs. So, here we are in Cincinnati, watching awards being given for people doing their jobs. Who do we think we are? Well, I have to say. It is darned nice to be recognized for doing a good job.

At the time of my retirement I attended the end of the year meeting of the Fine Arts Association. They knew that I was retiring after 25 years of service to the community. (and 33 years of teaching art.) I watched the moms thank each other for serving on various committees and holding various offices. I waited and waited. Silly me, I thought they might raise a glass and thank me for teaching their children for 25 years. I tried hard to foster a love of the arts all of my life and a huge number of years were dedicated to that school system. Make no mistake, I loved it there. They were good to me. They paid my salary. The parents gave me their support. The students were a dream to work with. But, that night, at that event, not one person said thank you or recognized my contribution to the school and community. My principal was stunned. I was stunned. I walked to my car and cried all the way home. It was hard to go to school the next day. (It’s important to note that my principal and superintendent did recognize me formally in front of the teachers on a later date.)

So, June 22, 2013, I finally got some recognition. One of my former students was in the audience and she was thrilled for me. My new artist friends were happy for me. My husband was happy for me. I finally got my pat on the back. So, being recognized for doing a good job- heck yea! I will take it. Being recognized for doing what you love to do is important when you do it well; when you do it with passion. I had the opportunity to change lives. And I did. Thank you ADC Design for giving me my “15 minutes.” I will be forever grateful!

Posted: Friday, June 28th, 2013 at 8:48 am
Categories: Uncategorized