Despite my absence, I was well represented at last Friday’s opening reception for my Art of Living retrospective show at the Octagon. “Thank you” to Marty and Angela, who stood in for me as art students demonstrating techniques we’ve used in class, and to Carole Horowitz for her nice write-up in the Ames Tribune. And to Linda W., who sent me this photo from the exhibit — they interpreted my “Jo in a Row” poster of bird prints, with a whole row of Jo’s!

Jo’s in a Row (wearing “Jo” masks)
from Linda W. and co-conspirators

Asked for her impression of the opening, Linda notes that the exhibit includes very diverse artwork from across the past 30 years, and writes, “In them all I see your joy, love of life and family, especially in the newest watercolors but also in the paper sculptures of children, the funky colored sculptural collages and the puppet-person ready to be on the move!” I appreciate the kind words, and the participation of everyone who evidently made the opening a fun event! The exhibit will be in the Octagon’s third-floor Main Gallery through December 22, 2012.