A Year in The Gallery

As I look back on 2016, I would say that it has been one of the best years of my life. While I have not been a “New Years Resolution” person. I have always had goals and as they say, these days, a “Bucket List”. This year has been one that has allowed me to cross off several really key items. At the end of December 2015, my husband Charlie had a triple bypass. I did not know what to expect when he came home. It is such an unpredictable situation. Will he have other issues? Will he need a lot of attention? But quickly, he recovered and we both agree he is healthier than ever. At the same time, GFAA moved into their first home. All of us on the Board worked really hard to prepare for this, but if truth be known...we hadn't a clue how it would turn out. We trusted our instincts, made the best decisions we could and moved forward. We got through some minor hitches, but I do believe that we can unequivocally say, this year was a major success. How do I really explain how this whole experience impacted me? When I come to drop off my art for a new theme and I see all the volunteers working hard so that another Exhibit will rise up, I am thrilled with the energy. Standing in the Gallery at a reception, I am awed by the people discussing and enjoying the art and the Gallery, in just the way I had hoped. When I was addressing the members at the social, I couldn't help but see the smiles, hear the laughter and recognize the real interest on everyone's faces. I am like a proud mama, whose children have made A's on their report card. While you might think, how do you beat this year or do better than A's? We can and we will, because we know we have the support we need in our membership. As a mother, you know that there is so much more in your kids and I know there is so much more in GFAA members. You keep proving it every Exhibit with your art. We have some great plans for 2017 and I will share some of them next week. For now, I am going to feel really good about 2016 and you should too.

Image credit: "Bottles and Boxes" by Tim Gier