July 24, 2010 – The Creative Union Art Show was a happy hit. Between two and three hundred people came from as far away as Ohio, Florida, North and South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Boston, New Hampshire and Rhode Island to travel in hot and sticky weather and talk with Maria and I, and buy notecards, potholders, eyeglass cases (Maria sold out) and join in two great conversations about art, the economy, the challenge of the creative life, and the challenge to creative people to survive and change with the times.

I said I felt many writers and artists had become disconnected from the people who need and want to buy art. The Affordable Art idea seemed a strong reconnection. It had that feel to it. Signed notecards and potholders are more personal, intimate and appreciated – at least for me – than expensive stuff hanging on gallery walls.

We talked about technology, economic pressures, and what I believe are the responsibilities of the writer and artist to figure out what people want and try and connect with them, especially in difficult times. On a personal note, it was a wonderful afternoon for me on many levels. It was a joy to see Maria in her element, selling so much of her art and talking happily with so many people that she liked and enjoyed meeting. It was our first appearance together as a married couple, and it surely felt  great. I talked with some blog readers, book followers and e-mailers, and talked with many people who are changing their lives, confronting demons, making great art and oh yes, loving their dogs and cats.

Maria raised morethan $500 for a Ft. Edward family that lost their home and six of their children in a fire. She raffled off one of her beautiful quilts. She is rushing to her computer to get the winner and her photos up before I do. I signed a lot of notecards. This is the right use of my photography. We are grateful to Christine Nemec of Redux for the skillful, gracious and patient way she handled a large and continuous crowd (the notecards can be seen and purchased still on the Redux site. Her gallery in Dorset is wonderful and people loved it. A bunch of artists came from all over the place.

I will sign all notecards purchase in any way – by phone, online or in person. “Rose In A Storm” and sun-lit flowers are the next notecards in line. I loved talking with so many people. One of the best days I can remember, and I will never forget it.

It is strange to meet people who know a lot about me and Maria but about whom I know little. Sort of evened the score.

It is wonderful – very humbling – to see what the blog, the farm, the photos and my books mean to some people. I was a bit overwhelmed.

There was a lot of excitement about “Rose In A Storm”, and I was glad to hear that as well. It was a beautiful, affirming and important day for us. Izzy was his usual spectacular and stellar self, greeting everybody and charming a lot of people. It was a great day and thanks to all of you who came from great and small distances to be with us. This idea really worked, to a greater degree than either of us imagined and we are looking forward to spreading this exploration of art, culture and people elsewhere.

It was a beginning, but with a bang. We went out to dinner with Maria’s mom to celebrate. I am going to bed. Thanks!