Finally. after almost a year of planning and preparation, my work is on display at Gallery 194 in Lapeer, Michigan. It feels like a huge accomplishment! And, though the artwork is mine, this would never have happened without the support and assistance of many others.
My sisters, Cheryl and Brenda, worried – when I hadn’t had the foresight to be concerned – how I would get my work from my home studio on Beaver Island down to the gallery in Lapeer. They formulated a plan, and put it into play. It involved Cheryl taking care of two of her grandchildren, so that my nephew Bob and his wife Casey could drive up north and bring their truck across on the boat. Cheryl also covered the round trip passage.
The ferry has gone down to its limited fall schedule. Bob and Casey came over on a Monday, and couldn’t leave until Wednesday. On Tuesday, they came to my house, and helped load dozens of boxes into the back of the covered pickup. It went back on the ferry the next day, and they drove it downstate, to be parked in Cheryl’s garage until we could deliver it to the gallery.
If this hadn’t happened, I would have made at least a dozen trips to the airport, to get all my boxes there. I would have paid freight on each one. On the day I flew across, I would have come to the too-late realization that they would not all fit in the Envoy that I use on the mainland. That would leave me scrambling to rent a trailer of some kind to get the work three hundred miles down the state. If I could find a trailer to rent. If there is a hookup for a trailer on that mainland vehicle. If I could manage the nightmare scenario of that long drive on the freeway with a trailer, having never pulled a trailer for even a short distance.
Then, of course, the trailer would have to be unloaded and the artwork stored for three days until we could deliver it to the gallery. The trailer would have to be returned somewhere downstate, or else I’d have to bring it back with me a week later, having paid to keep it all of that time. Then, the artwork would all have to be transported to the gallery. By the time it got there, those boxes would have been moved and handled a dozen times!
That’s just one example of the help I received. My grandson, Patrick, rearranged his work schedule in order to drive up north to take care of my dogs, so I could get away. Brenda and Keith put me up in their house, fed me, entertained me, and put up with all of my comings and goings. Cheryl delivered the artwork to the gallery on set-up day, and helped unload the many boxes.
The gallery crew was exceptional. Though I’d had some pretty specific ideas about how I’d like the work hung, Katie quickly demonstrated her advanced knowledge of setting up shows, and the space we were working with. I bowed to her expertise.
Then, there were friends and family who came to support me and give me encouragement, and many others who sent good wishes from afar. The work looks good on the walls of the gallery. The opening reception was well-attended, and fun! I made a few sales. It was a whirlwind of a trip following a very busy year, but all well worth it.
cindyricksgers 
What a grand feeling when hard work and passion come together so beautifully.
It was wonderful! Yes, what a feeling! Thanks for reading, and for your comments!
You’re welcome 🙂
Congratulations, Cindy, and all your hard work, and your ability to accept help when needed. Both are talents beyond you artistic ability to produce lovely work.
Thank you, Jan, for these kind remarks. It was a good experience on all fronts!
Your art looks wonderful.
Thank you, Betty! It was a great feeling, seeing it hung in such a nice gallery, in my home town.
Congratulations so much on your show! What a wonderful thing–to see your art on display for others to admire.
Thank you, Kathy! It is a great feeling to see my work on gallery walls…almost like I was “somebody!” Though I’ve gotten used to seeing it framed and on display in homes, and in other gallery settings, I’ve never had this much work hanging in one place before! A really good experience. Thank you for your kind comments!
You’ve always been a somebody in my books! 🙂
You have to think that I’ve jumped ship – abandoned my soul sister.. no, but I remain in ultra silent mode — and have been following your journey — this is such a fantastic show – and it shows your dedication and progress – a show worthy of the finest museum.
On the 28th a show opens here, and it gets more complicated each day. For that reason I remain working hard – day and night – while sleeping when there’s a slice of time available for recharging the batteries.
Again, my friend, these paintings and your display is top professional! You have all reasons to be proud!
Thank you, Lisa, for these kind words of encouragement! I wish you all the best for your upcoming show as well. I know how busy you are down there. I’ve also been watching with interest and concern troubling events in the government of Ecuador, as well as weather changes, and the always challenging state of Covid infections and spread. Please take good care of yourself!