one month to go

UFFFFFFFFFFFF
in less than a month the Installation will be open. Everything will be set up a month from today, Ferbruary 10th.. Decided. The Vernissage done, the exhibition open to the public... UFFF.
It is like giving birth in public.
Yesterday was a good day. Early in the morning a letter from Hanne saying they have reserved the two days for setting up and work with us.  How generous they have been, such friends Life has given us during the Installation work. Gracias, Hanne and Bruce.  

The second good news, yesterday I received a letter with small grant: exhibition assistance from the ONTARIO ARTS COUNCIL. Thanks, OAC!!! A good support to pay for the Gallery fee, materials to set up, big plastic crates to transport the work, metal hooks and wire to hang my sculptures and part of printing expenses, such as posters. I had asked for three times that sum, which I have already spent from my own pocket. But now $500 are welcome. 

Third good surprise. I have a lovely friend from Mexico who works at a photocopier. I was having some prints made to see how they would look on paper. When she saw the proof samples she was thrilled with the show and its meaning. How much will you earn from this work? she asked.  How much do you sell the sculptures for? if they are not for sale, then... Why do you do it?

-Yes, Karen, I do it, because I must. I have always been committed with women's education, life process, awakening, empowerment.  And the way I have done it is through Social Research and ART. If some of the visitors to the Gallery see my work and ask themselves questions, become aware of what is behind the way we cover our body, remember something they felt at my show when they see women's garments in the street, well  that is a good reason for doing my art work. She just stood there, staring at me. I cannot believe it....... it's so beautiful... she replied.

A fourth good thing that happend was my visit to the Colombian Consul,  Monica Beltran to bring Invitations for the Ambassador, for her and staff at the consulate, Victor Manuel and Maria Clara. I told the four of them about the exhibition. They all were interested, asking questions and I felt I did touch their hearts. It is something you feel, when you talk about the meaning of our work as artists. It gets there, in the core, or just drips off. This time it did. As soon as the invitations are done, I will bring them with a poster for the Embassy and Consulate. Monica offered me the wine for the Viernissage. What a beautiful gesture for I had not asked "oficially" for it. Gracias, Monica.

So what will the Vernissage be like? I still don't know. What to offer, how to do it, finger food, goodies... but a glass of wine will be there. Another item for the "to do list": Get wine glasses, napkins, etc. 

Then the last beautiful gesture was last night. I was very excited telling my son about the day and I heard Lysanne on the background saying: cheese, grapes, finger food, ham, chips. I will help you!...  I was touched. Thank you, Lysanne. Such spontaneous response.

So yesterday was a good day for the Installation. I overcame fears and felt love and understanding and support. Great.