Lunch with my mentor, Hazel

Since Hazel King, 90, my mentor and teacher, was unable to come to my reception, I decided to treat her to lunch at the restaurant that is showing my work, The Mad Platter in Nashville.  She was tickeled pink to join me, and I suspect doesn't get out often other than to teach and to dance (still!)

I was actually nervous (something that I rarely get) when we entered, wondering if she'd like my work or find fault with every piece.  Thankfully, she was gracious, enthusiastic, and even if she wasn't crazy about my paintings, she kept it to herself.  It was a very late lunch and I followed her through the (mercifully near empty) restaurant as she inspected each painting, large and small.  She'd squeal "ooh!  This is good!" at one, and then, "you are very brave" at another.  After reviewing most all of them, we took our seats and dined on a great lunch that the owner generously and unexpected provided gratis.

Miss Hazel was a hoot!  I've got to say!  She was so cute and complimentary with the waitress, folks at the next table, and of course, me.  She kept saying "You are very brave to have tackeled all this!" and "I can't believe you painted all this!"  A few of the things she said rang like music in my ears too:  "You will go far with this," and "You really have what it takes," and "You paint like noone else -- and that's a GOOD thing." 

I don't know how much of what she said was sincere and how much was flattery and appreciation for breaking her free from the confines of her daily routine for the day.  No matter.  To me, it was a day to remember and relish.  Long after she is gone (which, God willing, won't be anytime soon), I'll remember this special day and all of the pearls of wisdom she imparted to me today and along this journey. 

Getting back to normal, finally.

Who would've thought it could take so very much out of a person to have a reception that someone else is hosting on your behalf?  I must have been running on pure adrenaline before the show because, believe me when I tell you, I crashed big time once it was over.  I was utterly exhausted and it wasn't like I was up til all hours of the night beforehand.  It was an emotional thing, I'm sure.

It's a week and a couple of days later and I have finally gotten things in order around the house (no more Moesse cards, invites, or merch floating around on the dining room table), and the studio.  The gardens are starting to show they've been weeded and I even was able to squeeze away to get to painting today!  It was the first time I got to see beloved teacher Hazel since missing her at the show (she could not get a ride and there was a sad mixup!)

I brought her two of my bags and a set of note cards and asked her if she'd like to go to the restaurant with me for lunch or at least to view the stuff.  She's up for it and we've got a plan.  It was great returning to painting class and I worked on watercolors today, painting at a shared space with Lynne P. and Lucilla.  There is something about painting with folks you respect that elevates you.  I really felt lifted and creative and enjoyed the free flowing feel of working with watercolors today after so much restraint lately. 

I've still got some catching up to do, like mailing out cards to those who joined my mailing list.  Next Saturday, the paintings come down and some of the big ones unfortunately did not sell, so I have to make some room.  I view it as kind of a mixed blessing: There is some interest by a few parties in some of them and I'm sure we'll figure out what's what by next Saturday when the works come down.  But even in the worst case scenario that noone buys any of the large ones, I at least get to surround the house with some lovely stuff for a while longer!

Reception's over, but what a time it was!

It.is.over.!  The paintings still hang there for another nearly two weeks, but the reception went off without a hitch, for the most part, aside from the sad absence of my BFF who was unable to take time off to come back down again.  I got there with all my "merch" - additional paintings I had completed recently, sets of notecards I had printed up to sell at the event, canvas bags and little drawstring canvas totes for wine or - in the case of fellow painters - paintbrush bags.

We displayed the merchandise on a pair of tables near the exit, had a pair of "Mailing list" clipboards and other material near the exit too.  My son, Pete, served as host, welcoming guests into the restaurant and I am proud to say, the 76 seat occupancy place was packed at times!  The owner and I estimated we had more than 80 people there!  On a Tuesday night, we figured that was a great thing to pull off.


Highlights of the night were when Pete introduced me to the crowd, and when I presented a painting I had done for the non-profit organization Operation Stand Down Nashville.  Bill Burleigh, the organization's executive director, seemed to be tickeled pink by the painting and I was so excited to present it and inform the crowd about the great organization.

Other standout moments included seeing high school classmates, painting buddies, and others that I really did not expect to be able to come for the event.  Again, mid-week, downtown Nashville, etc.  And near time for the event to wrap up, Ben Leming, the U.S. Congressional Candidate for the 6th District in Tennessee came in with several of his supporters.  It was a great way to end the evening and I felt truly honored that he took the time to show up. 

As for selling, we did far better than I expected, sold many of the smaller paintings, had numerous admirers of the larger ones, notably the Congaree Swamp and "Miracle" one, and had many folks sign up for the mailing list.  Later in the week I'll post another "after action" post. Tired now and finally unwinding after a stellar event!

Showtime: Hectic Day!

Busy day filled with errands to buy last minute supplies, pack the car, stick stickers on everything for sale, and race on into Nashville for the Reception at The Mad Platter Restaurant.  We're expecting over 50 people, but just how much over 50 is anyone's guess.  Good thing there's a supermarket and liquor store 2 blocks away. 

Some media outlets picked up my press releases, including
The Nashville Scene
Now Playing in Nashville
Nashville Arts Magazine
Events near Fairview

The rain should hold off, weather's in the mid-80s, and my eyes are not too wonky so far! 


Exciting stuff!