
I remember a few years ago, Jim Dougherty (my boss on the project) brought all of the murals that were done into the cafeteria that I had used as my studio each summer. I had only seen maybe 3 or 5 at one time as I worked on them, and when I saw them all together like that, it was over whelming and brought tears to my eyes, not just for all the work we had put into them (Rena & I) but the sheer beauty of this whole story and the way is was presented.
Well, tonight is the night. They are being presented to the public. From 4:30 to 7pm it is open to the public and at 5pm, I believe, will be the actual presentation. Jim asked me to talk, and even though I am a bit nervous about doing that, I am excited to tell people about the pleasure it gave me to do the project. The whole process was a labor of love. I NEVER dreaded coming to work on them. And, I know this sounds bizarre but Rena Frankberger was right there with me all the way. I know she was. Never did I have a problem getting a color exact, like she was guiding my hand. I would catch a movement out of the corner of my eye, many times, when no one would be there.
So, tonight, to see all 40+ panels done, framed and placed on the walls, will be a satisfaction that I have never felt in any work I'ver ever done. Restoration is different than creating my own art, but since I put my whole heart into this project, I feel that Rena & I came together as one artist, to bring this fabulous collection of murals back to life and back home to where they belong.