Another Year – Another Birthday Doll
For the past six years I have marked my birthday by creating a doll. This year was no different. This time my doll was a co-creation because I used hands and legs that had been made years ago by a dear friend and fiber artist, Ardyce Stoops. She died seven years ago and I was the beneficiary of some of her unfinished work. I’m sure she is smiling at this particular result.
The Great Art Give-Away
This past Tuesday was special as I celebrated my 80th Birthday. I decided to have a big party the day before marking the end of my 80th year. It turned out to be one of the best days of my life. Not wanting more “stuff” I decided to give away much of the art I’ve made since I retired 25 years ago. There were close to 200 pieces for guests to choose from – each person picked out two pieces.
Each person choose one finished piece (painting, collage, assemblage, or book) and one smaller piece (book samples, demo pieces, small hand-art pieces etc.) I took photos of them with the art they had chosen and am planning to make a book of the photos so I’ll be able to enjoy and know where the work has “landed”!
It turned out to be a very special project because I got unexpected feedback from most of the new owners who sent me e-mails telling me what they had done with their gifts and how much they are enjoying have them in their home.
A Birthday Bonus
But there was another joyful bonus as well. When I sent out the invitation I suggested that people bring school supplies for a nearby elementary school that is populated with children from families that have extremely limited financial resources. Most of the teachers regularly have to buy pencils, crayons, notebooks etc with their own money. My dear guests brought 19 bags of basic school supplies and contributed $123 to a discretionary fund I set up for the Principal!
When I delivered the “take” to the Principal this past Friday she was speechless and grateful beyond words. She was totally surprised by the generosity of my friends. And within the hour I received four e-mails from grateful teachers who had benefited from the bounty provided.
Maybe I’ve started a mini movement and that others will do the same!!! Several friends have intimated that their next birthday may include some collective gifting and giving.
My sister, Barbara Wolff, traveled from her home in Santa Fe to help me with this special occasion. Here we are with our “rosy glow” of an unforgettable celebration.
