DeGrazia left an amazing gift to artists, locals and visitors in the Tucson community. The gift is not only the Little Gallery. The entire Gallery in the Sun Museum is a gift and historic treasure. The grounds are peaceful, rustic, and inspiring. I treasured my time as the guest artist in the Little Gallery.

I entered this show an artist intending to show my work, but I departed an artist who spent 78 hours in two weeks sharing with friends, family and strangers, and once again, growing as a person.

The purpose of the Little Gallery (https://degrazia.org/exhibitions/little-gallery/) is to connect artists to the community. This purpose served me well, as I visited with interesting people from around the world. As I reread the comments written in the guest book, I was heart-warmed, entertained (thank you, Lick McCracken!), and inspired to continue to create and evolve, as I should… My two weeks were about art and people…sharing, listening and learning. For even though I had a story to tell, every person that visited the Little Gallery had a story, as well. Many people took the time to listen and to share. It wasn’t about the sales, even though it is honestly exciting to sell a painting. It was about the interaction, the commitment, the conversation, and the experience.

The guest artist in the Little Gallery is required to be present throughout the course of the show while open. It began with a highly energized opening day with family and friends, and continued though my gifted time. Visitors explored my creations and shared their connections. I cannot write about everyone, but I must share a few.

Mike and Jacquie collect predator art, and I learned about their collection. They were drawn to Evening Song, my musical version of the coyote singing in the light of the moon. JR took home Chief, a fond reminder of his days attending Miami of Ohio, when the mascot was proudly a redskin. My vibrant version of Giverny went home with Mec, an avid gardener. The Eiffel tower went home with a beautiful soul who is terrified of heights, but bravely ventured to the top of this monument to share a glass of champagne with her sister.

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Anita lived in Tucson for years but had not been to the DeGrazia Museum. She was wonderfully drawn to my painting of DeGrazia’s Mission. June admires mixed media and follows mixed media groups in Southern California. She has shared great insight and decided to make “Body” a part of her personal collection. Mabel created a paper works association in Tucson and was a fantastic advisor for connections in the local art scene.

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A darling gentleman from South Korea visited with his daughter and son-in-law, his interpreters. He wanted to know about Divine Magic, which he called “Maria,” and purchased a print for his Catholic sister, who he thought would enjoy it. A lovely couple, John and Karen, who are embarking on a new beginning together, knowingly purchased a boot called “Partner”.

I met people from Australia, a Mexican man from London, a South Korean medical student who loved the architecture of the gallery, and delightful Tünde, a new American from Hungary, who was joyously determined to find her village on the European map hidden in my mixed media piece, “Embrace”.

I welcomed children, like Lorelei, who brought her sketchbook. I was stunned when folks enjoyed my paintings of Dubrovnik, Cinque Terre and Santorini. My paintings were a connection to memories for them, and for me. My heart was warmed when an attorney called me to buy a favorite painting of Sabino Canyon for his beautiful, dedicated secretary. I had surprises, especially the large number of people fascinated with stories behind my “Four Seasons” mixed media playing cards.

There were sweet moments, like one shared with Lee. On the last day of the show, the electricity went out for a few hours. It was raining. The lighting was dim, and the gallery was chilly. A woman named Lee walked in with her daughter and granddaughter. We chatted and I learned that Lee was headed to a ranch in New Mexico to celebrate her 90th birthday with her family. It was hard to believe that Lee was 90! These three women were full of life and warmth. Lee wanted to purchase a print of “Pretty Tough” but my technology wasn’t working due to the loss of power. So, I gifted Lee the print for her birthday. She was darling, spunky, 90, and absolutely deserving of uplifting. She was so grateful for that moment, and so was I.

This show was a gift in so many ways. I was reconnected with friends from the past. I made new connections. I met a beautifully kind couple, Lance and Anne, who lost their home in the Paradise, CA wildfires. They chose to rebuild their lives in Tucson, so it was fitting that they took home “LOVE AZ”. I pray Tucson treats them well.

With 15 minutes remaining on the last day of the show, a woman from Fresno came in with her sister and sister’s children. She was mesmerized by “Divine Magic”, my mixed media piece of the Virgin Mary. I explained the deeper meaning of this piece and she said she had to have it, and that she depends on Mary, like I do. I had not thought that I would ever sell this piece. It is close to my heart and was the starting point of my mixed media world. This painting has hung visibly in four of our homes. I was internally torn, but then I asked my visitor her name…. she was Maria. And I knew it was time to let Mary go watch over someone else, as she does so well. Maria left happily with my painting. After she left, I shed a few happy tears. Matt and Olivia were there to hug me. It was a sign to keep my faith and keep creating.

Thank you, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, for the opportunity. Thank you, Julio, the kind groundskeeper for starting a lovely fire every morning and sharing stories. Thank you, family and friends, new and existing, for taking time to visit me and my work. From these connections, I have gained inspiration for my future and for new work, and the next step in this journey.   Life shouldn’t be all about work and dollar signs.  It should also be about people.