When it rains it pours! I’m so grateful to have been able to show my work in three different exhibits back to back to back during these past few months. First up was my solo exhibition at the Spiva Art Center in Joplin, Missouri. Then came my show at Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art in Kansas City, and the trifecta was completed with the recently opened exhibition at the Baldwin Photography Gallery at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It’s been a lucky run for me!
I just returned from Murfreesboro, where I actually did an artist residency (my first). My friend Jackie Kerns Heigle, who I met at a Keith Carter workshop in Tuscany in the year 2000 - and hadn’t seen since – had invited me to MTSU for a show, an artist talk and to teach a couple classes.
I’m not a teacher, nor have I ever claimed to be one. I purposely got an MA rather than an MFA back in the day, because I was far too shy to stand in front of a classroom full of students. Over these many years, though, I’ve mustered up the nerve every now and then to speak to groups (often large ones), so I felt somewhat confident that I could handle being in the classroom. Well, I did OK, and I discovered something new and had something else validated.
The something new was that I really loved working with the students. Being around their energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm was fulfilling on so many levels. I felt motivated to be on top of my game. I felt good about passing along techniques and philosophies, and I was appreciative of those that were passed along to me! There were inspired conversations, good exchange of ideas, and I had fun along the way. Honestly, I think I’d enjoy teaching on a regular basis. Who knew?
The thing that was validated is how much admiration, respect, and appreciation I have for teachers. Jackie and her colleagues in the photography department at MTSU are truly a dedicated bunch. They’re hard working, innovative, resourceful, and generous. They’re great at encouraging their students, challenging them, and supporting them. I saw first hand just how rewarding it is for them to know that they’re having a positive impact on the next generation of learners. I was inspired. Teaching is not an easy route to take, and most teachers I know do it mainly because they love it. It was awesome to witness that from a front row seat.
At any rate, I couldn’t have enjoyed my experience any more than I did. And I must give a shout-out to the talented students and faculty who installed my show, "Hope in All Things," in the gorgeous Baldwin Photography Gallery on campus. It was expertly sequenced, lit, and hung… a beauty of an installation.
Thanks to all who have made these past few months so rewarding and meaningful for me: those in charge of organizing, promoting, installing, and overseeing these exhibitions and all those who came to see them.
I’m indeed a lucky woman.
When it rains it pours! I’m so grateful to have been able to show my work in three different exhibits back to back to back during these past few months. First up was my solo exhibition at the Spiva Art Center in Joplin, Missouri. Then came my show at Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art in Kansas City, and the trifecta was completed with the recently opened exhibition at the Baldwin Photography Gallery at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It’s been a lucky run for me!
I just returned from Murfreesboro, where I actually did an artist residency (my first). My friend Jackie Kerns Heigle, who I met at a Keith Carter workshop in Tuscany in the year 2000 - and hadn’t seen since – had invited me to MTSU for a show, an artist talk and to teach a couple classes.
I’m not a teacher, nor have I ever claimed to be one. I purposely got an MA rather than an MFA back in the day, because I was far too shy to stand in front of a classroom full of students. Over these many years, though, I’ve mustered up the nerve every now and then to speak to groups (often large ones), so I felt somewhat confident that I could handle being in the classroom. Well, I did OK, and I discovered something new and had something else validated.
The something new was that I really loved working with the students. Being around their energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm was fulfilling on so many levels. I felt motivated to be on top of my game. I felt good about passing along techniques and philosophies, and I was appreciative of those that were passed along to me! There were inspired conversations, good exchange of ideas, and I had fun along the way. Honestly, I think I’d enjoy teaching on a regular basis. Who knew?
The thing that was validated is how much admiration, respect, and appreciation I have for teachers. Jackie and her colleagues in the photography department at MTSU are truly a dedicated bunch. They’re hard working, innovative, resourceful, and generous. They’re great at encouraging their students, challenging them, and supporting them. I saw first hand just how rewarding it is for them to know that they’re having a positive impact on the next generation of learners. I was inspired. Teaching is not an easy route to take, and most teachers I know do it mainly because they love it. It was awesome to witness that from a front row seat.
At any rate, I couldn’t have enjoyed my experience any more than I did. And I must give a shout-out to the talented students and faculty who installed my show, "Hope in All Things," in the gorgeous Baldwin Photography Gallery on campus. It was expertly sequenced, lit, and hung… a beauty of an installation.
Thanks to all who have made these past few months so rewarding and meaningful for me: those in charge of organizing, promoting, installing, and overseeing these exhibitions and all those who came to see them.
I’m indeed a lucky woman.