If holding art shows is an addiction, I think I have it!  My BIG show, “Petals of Color” at one of nicest galleries in Anchorage, Alaska was held last Friday, May 1, 2009.  It features garden flowers grown in my perennial garden and a few tropical flowers, such as Birds of Paradise and a bright red Hibiscus; "Exotic Birds" and "Southern Belle" respectively (found on my website in the artwork portfolio).  When first walking into the gallery, I experienced a strange sensation I can’t quite explain.  Of course, I knew my paintings were there since I delivered them a couple days before, but actually seeing them on the walls of the gallery made me feel different somehow!  It really was quite a rush!

I’ve had paintings in downtown galleries before, but it’s always been with a group such as the Alaska Watercolor Society Signature shows or after being accepted into a juried show.  They have always been exciting, but this was so much more exhilarating! 

Friends were the first ones to arrive at the reception; hugs, hugs and more hugs!   Before long, the gallery was teaming with people; people I knew very well, some only a little and then the ones I had never seen before.  Anchorage First Friday events draw lots of people walking the streets to the many locations local artists are featured with their work.  It has become a monthly “must attend” event for many locals as well as tourists.  Fortunately, Friday was a record-breaking beautiful warm day, which brought out the swarms eager to catch a few rays and actually walk the streets without worries of falling on slippery sidewalks or stairs.  It would have been nice to have a number count, and I’m guessing it was well over 150 people. 

It was wonderful meeting new folks interested in art and seeing a multitude of friends from my many years of living in this great state. 

To have sales of originals is the goal of having an art show, but never counting on it happening makes it even sweeter when there are some sales.   It’s the ultimate compliment! 

After it was over, it was bittersweet.  The anticipation and excitement is over, but a new chapter can also now begin…..Where will my next show be?  What will I call it?  How long will it take to come up with a series of new work?  Within 6 months I have had two shows; a winter mostly landscape show and now an all floral show.  What will the next one feature?  I do have something in mind already.  One must have inspiring goals, don't you think?

“Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain.  An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point.  Climb slowly, steadily, enjoying each passing moment; and the view from the summit will serve as a fitting climax for the journey.”  Harold V. Melchert