I have experienced the death of a close friend, the change of my job, the possible change of my residence along with other transitions within the past few months. I honestly thought I'd forgotten how to feel.
Last week, out of the blue, I got a call from a friend/colleague, an artist who's been integrally involved in the success and survival of the Aljira Gallery in Newark - Cicely Cottingham. Cicely is a role model in so many ways. She's an artist who is perhaps just beginning to get the recognition she deserves for her gift. But, with Victor Davson, she has been instrumental in keep Aljira alive through the crash and recession - no small feat.
She called me to ask, so gingerly, if I might be interested in attending a luncheon to brainstorm about the upcoming Aljira Gallery auction, an event that last year netted $100,000 to keep the gallery afloat. My kneejerk reaction was immediately to say yes.
At the lunch today, with Cicely and two other ladies whose devotion to art, Newark and Aljira were clearly evident, I poured out my ideas and suggestions about how to attract attendees and buyers to the auction.
It felt great! There I was. That was me! The person who's been struggling with so many issues over the past few months was back! I'm back!
Driving back from Newark I felt alive again with enthusiasm about art, about attracting young people to support young artists, about keeping a small gallery in Newark alive because it's been part of the Newark renaissance and brings such great talent and energy to that downtown area. Yes!
The auction is March 17. The work that is available for purchase is the best. Artists who have donated their work for auction have become recognized and celebrated for their gifts. Cicely told a story today about a young artist whose work was not initially appreciated when first offered for auction, but when offered a few years later, was scooped by savvy collectors.
Why support art? Why devote time to such an endeavor when there are perhaps more compelling causes?
Art will never be at the top of anyone's list. Health care . . . even animal rights (a cause very near to my heart) will always tug more at the heart strings.
But, I believe that young artists and the passion and perspective they bring to the world present a voice that we must respect and support. They represent our humanity in the most profound way, no matter which art form they represent.
So, today I felt alive because art is in my heart.
For more information about the Aljira Auction and Gallery, visit http://aljirafineartauction.org.
