Smart Art

I am learning the art of living large on a small income. This past Thursday I had a chance to go to a reception for solo art show at St. Norbert College featuring the work of a fellow teacher. Since it was on a school night and far from Milwaukee, she rented a bus to take all of those who wanted to attend … and she ordered pizza.

Around 4:30 we boarded the bus. I took along a stack of papers to grade, two magazines, a book and my iPod -- just in case the trip was really boring. But boring it was not. Right after the bus took off -- POP -- the champagne was opened (no I did NOT have any) and the pizza was passed. I handed out napkins and then chatted with teachers, students and some other really funny people. Needless to say, the papers went ungraded.

When we arrived, we were treated to a wonderful show. Everything was done in/on/with paper. One collection was made up of pressed flowers representing each month of the year. There was another collection of pieces that represented trees in various seasons. Finally, "Common Threads" was my favorite. Hard to explain, but very beautiful.

The ride home was less eventful. A friend helped me grade the papers, and then I fell asleep to the sweet strains of an NPR podcast. All in all, it was a great evening. Really great. And the price could not be beat (free).

The invitation.

Waiting for the bus. (Jill on left, Rissie on right.)

Art lovers.

Passing out napkins.

Sam's steady hand.

A toast!

Visiting with students.

One of the better storytellers.

At last!

Trees.

The artist speaks.

I loved "Common Threads" because of its beauty ...

... its intricacy ...

... and its symmetry.


Thank you to Jeff K. for many of these pictures.