As many of you know, I’m a member of the Visual Art League of Lewisville. When I joined roughly 3 years ago I was a complete stranger yet I was quickly welcomed into the group. It took me decades to finally find “my people.”

Diane Wright, the President at the time, quickly recruited me to volunteer. Jerry McKay (JAM), the treasurer and part of the welcome wagon, explained the process of submitting art. This got me on the fast track to actively participate.

Before long Tore Bellis and I were recruited to be the photographers for the opening receptions for the big gallery exhibitions. Then I eventually fell into their devious trap of accepting the 1st VP position. 😉

Then Lisa Chittenden, the current President, supported me in my suggestion to help expand our programs. I now host a special Sunday event, known as Conversations with Artists: what were they thinking? (if you know me, you can imagine the voice inflection required for the subtitle). These events are free and open to the public. I am the court jester, cheerleader and organizer of these events.

They are not marketed as art talks. They are marketed as conversations. A limited number of artists give an elevator pitch describing their artwork on exhibition.

Speakers hold a giant pencil while discussing their art – because whoever has the giant pencil has the floor to speak. It also empowers them – they have something to hold on to when they are nervous. They can wield it with confidence and use it to point to elements within their artwork – or they can point to the audience. 🙂

Some artists are introverts — which is my specialty — because I too am introverted. But they trust the process and me to speak in front of an audience.

The stories and details we learn about the artwork and each other makes us laugh, makes us teary-eyed, causes people to hug and overall brings us closer together. All this happens on an ordinary Sunday afternoon with the Visual Art League of Lewisville at the Lewisville Grand Theater.

In addition, our group offers free hands-on art workshops for the community, activities for children during city events and other programs. Everyone in the group is a volunteer from all walks of life and we have members who are young (in their 20s) all the way to members in their 90s. (One member just celebrated her 97th birthday!)

If you happen to have a couple dollars to send our way, we’d appreciate the support.

Donate directly through the North Texas Giving Day website.

And if you just want to visit you are welcome anytime! Meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of every month excluding July and December at 7 pm. Or attend any of our Conversations with Artists events, opening receptions or free workshops, etc.

Visit our website for details.