My Gallery Exhibit and COVID 19

I was invited to create a gallery exhibit for the Marcellus Gallery in Hanford, CA. The exhibit consisted of 120 pieces and had three main themes:

• Nature Reveals the Divine - The First Incarnation

• Strong Women

• Illustrations from The Prophet, by Gibran

• I also shared some hymnal page pieces.

For me, this was a year-long exercise in expansion. It was the first time in my life that I’ve created something of this scale on my own, in my own name, for my own show and I was both intimidated and invigorated. I was forced to see myself in a new way and expand to meet another level of potential.

Until this show, I had most often found myself coming alongside other people to enhance THEIR visions (something noble and necessary and something I enjoy). This exhibit, though, was my responsibility. From start to finish it was MY vision. I took seriously the invitation to say with images things I feel are deeply important and beautiful. It was a growth-gift FOR ME.

Invitations and press releases were sent. Musicians and caterers were hired. The art was delivered and hung. Then, on the day of my scheduled opening gala, Covid 19 became a national emergency. Just hours before the exhibition's start, the president announced that gatherings over 250 people would not be allowed. We decided, together with the gallery’s board, that all must be canceled. And there were tears.

The expansion and growth of this creative venture had been a gift, for me.

But I also wanted to share what I’d created. This to say, we all lost and sacrificed during the pandemic. I was not immune.

At the last minute, we decided to do a virtual gallery tour…the next best thing? I felt naked and unprepared but once we got started my fears were quelled. I found I was more than prepared to talk about my art and share my vision. Since posting the video tour to Facebook and YouTube, over 40K people have seen it...so many more than would have come to the gallery, I'm guessing!