by Odia Derksen-Reimer
Opening night on Easter Friday evening was exciting and a lot of folk dropped in. Many we had never seen before. We think over 60 people came to see our work. We were blown away!
During the week a variety of guests came through the doors. There were students visiting the show. It was fun explaining our work to these impressionable minds. There were adults who experienced a lot of different emotions. We had some amazing conversations about life and what it brings to us. A lot of folk seemed very touched by what they saw and experienced. Some went and touched the hem of "His" garment and prayed. Others, rather shyly just stood and prayed, eyes wet with emotion.
Everyone loved the faces and many made new ones as they visited the gallery. It was a fun way to connect with people of all ages, working with clay making faces with interesting expressions.
Then as many of you heard, one of my sculptures, "Dancing David" apparently danced right out of the gallery! At first it really hurt and I grieved for him, wondering what had happened to a very integral part of me, my original creation. My veritable symbol of joy!
Then I decided, once again not to succumb to anger and distress. I realized someone might steal my sculpture of joy but would not steal my own joy in any way. I am now thinking that David is spreading joy where-ever he is. Which was what he was meant to do. It seemed all Winnipeg and beyond came to hear about him! Thank you all for your concerns, prayers and inquiries about Dancing David. I now feel sorry for the person(s) who took him as he will be recognized very quickly by residents of Winnipeg and beyond!
Then there was our "Talk Night" and Odia shared about her art through her journey of infertility. Then the absolute joy of conception and the birth of a very small but healthy "Georgia" just a week before our show opened. What an impact and miracle in light of the artistic installations Odia had on display. We were all moved.
Then, the show came to an end and the time came for us to bring back all our packing supplies and with a lot of mixed feelings carefully, lovingly and with sadness repack all our art pieces into their containers and boxes for safe keeping.
Now, we are on to thinking about our next show a year from now! We already have a working title and ideas of what we need to create in this the next phaze of our lives and journey. We are excited.
Thank you to all who helped in prayers and visits to our art show. We pray everyone who saw it would have gone away blessed and stronger to face the realities of life whatever they might be.
May God bless you all. Thank you.