Send this e-mail letter to a friend:
Dear Friends:
My weekend in Des Moines, Iowa, started Thursday evening with visiting a group of artists from all over the country. A friend, Gloria Bernstein, met me at the airport and said that a friend of hers was conducting a Creative Coach University Seminar that evening and asked if I’d like to go. I’m so glad I said yes! We were only going to stay a little while, but we had so much fun that we couldn’t leave and ended up staying and having dinner with them. Many of the ladies were familiar with my work, and it was a joy to talk with them and a special joy to see the work they were doing and how excited they were about it.
Look at all the smiling faces! The ladies at the seminar were such fun to be with.
Friday was an exciting day. I had a live interview during the noon news with Marcus MacIntosh of KCCI-TV in Des Moines, which is the CBS affiliate. Then, it was over to Kenneth Paul Gallery for the Grand Reopening at its new location.
My interview with Marcus MacIntosh Friday at KCCI-TV.
Gallery owner Steve Bump, his staff, and I unveiled my new print Remembering the Iowa State Fair. Over half the edition was sold during the two days I was there. The State Fair is sacred in Iowa, and everyone tries to get to the Fair at least once while it’s happening. I’ve heard stories of people who camped for two weeks at the fairgrounds, and there is a waiting list for camping spaces. The fairground buildings are magnificent, and the entertainment is great, as I mentioned in last week’s newsletter.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the print during the show is being donated by the gallery to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, which was established by the Fair Board in 1993 to conduct a major capital campaign for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. The Iowa State Fairgrounds is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Fair has gained international fame through the years. It plays a vital role in Iowa’s economy while upholding the link between Iowa’s work ethic, achievement, and talent.
Des Moines is a wonderful city to host the Fair. Unbelievably, you can find some of the best seafood in America in Des Moines (and in Story City, Iowa, too).
What a treat! Summerset Winery in Indianola, IA, provided the wine for the reception. Back row, L. to R.: Steve Bump, owner of Kenneth Paul Gallery, and Ron Mark, owner of Summerset Winery. Front row, L. to R.: Steve’s wife JoAnn, me, and Ron’s wife Linda. Ron began his winery career in Italy, so we had a lot to talk about!
I was so honored to receive a Certificate of Recognition proclaiming me an Honorary Iowan from Governor Chester Culver. It was presented to me during the Grand Reopening Reception by Iowa’s First Lady Mari Culver. The Certificate mentions the projects, schools, and charity organizations that have benefited from donations of my art for fundraising purposes. Please know that I am well aware that these fundraising events have been so very successful because of the efforts and involvement of members of the P. Buckley Moss Society at large and members of the local Society chapters as well as individual collectors. I am frequently honored with awards, and I accept them on behalf of all of us who work to help make better the lives of others.
Iowa’s First Lady Mari Culver, right, presented me with a Certificate of Recognition, making me an Honorary Iowan. An honor, indeed!
Saturday was another full day, starting with breakfast with the Central Iowa Chapter of the P. Buckley Moss Society. It has become a tradition to have breakfast together every time I come to town for a show and one that I look forward to very much. Many chapter members volunteer to help with the show, and they are just wonderful. I also want to thank Karen Baumunk who runs the gallery for Steve. Karen loves her job and really went all out to get the show ready.
Members of the Central Iowa Chapter of the P. Buckley Moss Society came to have breakfast with me at the hotel before the show Saturday morning. We had lots of good laughs. What a great way to start the day!
After breakfast, I had an appointment to meet a lovely young lady named Sera Seely. Sera has autism and has been blessed with artistic ability. I always say that, as in the case with dyslexia, when a person is given such a challenge in life, the Lord makes up for it by giving that person a special gift to help balance it out. Sera is also very courageous, choosing to attend a regular school instead of one for special needs children. It must be very hard to attend a school where not everyone understands. She came to meet me and to talk about overcoming challenges and believing in oneself. She’s a wonderful girl, and I wish her well. I hope to see some of her work the next time I’m at Kenneth Paul.
I was delighted to meet Sera Seely, who is graduating from high school this year. Congratulations, Sera!
This weekend I’ll be in Waynesboro, Virginia, for my Barn Show and Museum Open House. Everything will be in bloom, and it will be just beautiful in the Valley. I can hardly wait.
Valley Mill will be released during my April Barn Show and Museum Open House, April 24-26. For more information, please contact the Museum at 1-800-343-8643 or 540-949-6473.
Next weekend I’ll be in Princeton, West Virginia, for my show with my friends at Frameworks Plus on Saturday, May 2. I’m excited about the new print that we’ll release during the show. West Virginia University features the Milan Puskar Football Stadium, Woodburn Hall, and the Coliseum.
West Virginia University will be released during my show with Frameworks Plus in Princeton, WV, on Saturday, May 2. For more information, please contact the gallery at 304-327-7111.
Well, I’m off to the Valley!
Love,
Pat
The Moss
Portfolio
74 Poplar Grove Lane
Mathews, VA 23109
(800) 430-1320
©P. Buckley Moss 2009