SOLO ART SHOW #2

"Artists are like flowers. Some grow best in the sun; Others do well in the shade. God plants us where we grow best."- Anonymous

"We are God's masterpiece and each of us has something special we're designed to do. For me, it is to be a good artist."- Evelyne D. Resella

WELCOME TO MY SOLO ART SHOW Many, many years ago, my husband and I had the opputunity to attend and experience the 75th Art Festival in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They have many lavish artist receptions with inspiring setting and atmosphere. The merry making started at the eve of the festival. We hopped from one gallery after the other. The wine and champagne were flowing while guest viewed many amazing Southwest paintings in different media. They entertained guests with lovely music , violin playing, harp soothing the souls and cello uplifting the hearts. I dreamed of duplicating that memorable event someday and finally the day came to stage my own art show. It wasn't easy. The planning and preparations almost depleted me but it was worth all the efforts and hard works.

A DREAM COME TRUE My dream became a reality last September 27, 2008. I had my first solo art show at the Valencia Northbridge Clubhouse. in Santa Clarita instead of Santa Fe. The art show and party begun at 1:00 in the afternoon with hors d'oeuvres, wine and harpist playing soft music.
THE HARPIST (CHRIS DAVIS) AND THE ARTIST (ME) HAPPILY TOGETHER
THE HARPIST PLAYED HER SOFT MUSIC While the guests started viewing my oil paintings, tasting the wine, enjoying hors d'oeuvres, and whispering sweet talks to old friends. The atmosphere inside the clubhouse dazzled and hummed with color and festivity.
CREATIVE FOOD I didn't like to just serve wine and cheese to my guest. Since this was also my 65th birthday celebration, I treated everybody to six delicious hors d'oeuvres that they will never forget. Here were the names of those mouth watering food - jumbo shrimps cocktail, empanaditas, smoked salmon with cream cheese and crackers, assorted quiche Lorraine, and "lechon" (whole roasted pork) surrounded w/ fresh fruits.CHARMING CENTERPIECE Most of my oil paintings on displayed are about celebrations and great parties. I painted lots and lots of colorful and delicious foods. The "lechon" (roasted pork) was always the centerpiece or the VIP ( very important pood) in the banquet table.
HARPIST PLAYING , TAKEN FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE The gentleman in the background was my husband. The harpist entertained the guest for two hours.
CREATIVE CHEF This was my close cousin Cely with the tempting "lechon." She helped me plan the menu for the hors d'oevures. She did the dazzling decoration and presentation of the food. She also carved the "lechon" beautifully. She created the Thai mango relish on the left side which was a big hit.
CLOSE UP VIEW OF THE DELICIOUS QUICHE LORRAINE
ANOTHER PHOTO OF THE HARPIST
THE HARPIST AND MY HUSBAND He spoke about my dream of doing this kind of art show someday. Thanks to him for making this a reality. He found this good harpist through a colleague. We never met her before the art show. I never heard her play the harp before, but we booked her by faith. She turned out to be a good harpist. She dedicated her last piece to me and wished me a "Happy Birthday!"

OLIVE, FRIENDS AND THE ARTIST I was sitting down and happily listening to the harpist.

WONDERFUL WATERMELON SCULPTURE This fresh watermelon basket was carved by Cely and filled it with sweet fruits- jumbo purple grapes, red strawberries, crimson watermelon chunks and accented with rosemary leaves. ME AND CELY WITH SOME OF MY PAINTINGS Once again, I'd like to say a million thanks to my cousin Cely. I often featured her in my past blogs. Last December (2007) she had breast cancer. She went through a difficult surgery and chemotherapy. Her recovery inspired me so much. I am deeply touched by her love and helping hand. She flew all the way from Maryland to be w/ me on my 65th birthday and art show. I will never forget all those beautiful things she did for me.

FOOD.....FOOD........AND MORE FOOD.....Another fiesta!!!!! At 3:30 p.m. Stonefire Grill started setting the table for another feast. The delicious menu catered by Stonefire Grill consisted of boneless chicken breast, sliced tri tip, mixed garden salad, pesto pasta salad, garlic mashed potatoes, cowboy beans and freshly baked irresistable breadsticks.

MY BIRTHDAY CAKE This beautiful cake was baked by my sister Lois. It was a coffee cake with custard. Very delicious. She's also a good cook and bakes lots of delicious goodies.
THE ARTIST WITH HER BIRTHDAY CAKE There are other desserts beside the cake. We served rashberry rugala, cream puffs, jello pudding, and assorted mini cheese cakes. Thanks to my special friend Lisa for making that special yellow pudding, shown below the cake.
BLOWING MY BIRTHDAY CAKE I still like to make wishes and blow out the candles. It's unbelievable how sixty-five years went by so fast.
LOIS, MY YOUNGEST SISTER. She was slicing the cake free. No cutting fee. What a sister! I'd like to say thanks again to my her for baking this wonderful cake on my birthday. I will never forget her gesture of love.

SPECIAL THANKS TO MY BLOGMATE-LLOYD BRADBURY : http://lloydsart.blogspot.com/

I invited him to be the guest artist at my art show but he declined. He is blind and traveling far will be physically difficult. He inspired me during my hard journey toward my art show. Recently he feautured me on his art blog and called me a "HERO." Please check his blog and read his inspiring article "WHO IS A HERO?" Lloyd,thanks for that beautiful thought. You made me happy. It's true that reaching my dream took tremendous courage and hard work.

NEXT BLOG- I will post photos of my family and grand kids, who are the joy of my life. Reaching this age, I realized that my best gifts are my family, long life and good health.