The "Painting With Light Guy" Story

It was an ordinary day. Just got home from Grandview Heights Methodist Church. I was in an art show that was held there today from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Long day. Only thing that made it worthwhile was that I sold five photographs. The day was billed as "Art for Heart". Professional and emerging artists were invited to participate in the annual show which was held to raise money for the impoverished people of Appalachia. I'm not really a professional or an emerging artist, but I was invited anyway. Seems that Grandview Church has participated in this cause since 1990. The artists could keep 60% of what they billed while the church got 40% for their project. Great cause so I glad to participate. I arrived at the church at 7:30 AM to unload my display panels and photographs. As soon as I pulled up to the curb, a few people came to my car and unloaded it for me. They carried everything into the basement of the parish house while I parked the car in another location so others could unload their cars. I was set-up in an hour. I told them I needed to go home and drop off my large car with my wife who needed it for the day and would return by 10:00 AM in my smaller car. There were about 20 artists displaying everything from pottery to candles. Neat variety of wares. I was one of four who had photos, but the only one who had Polaroid prints. These are the prints that I manipulate after processing to make them look like a painting. I got the stand right inside the entrance to the basement. Great spot! First person in looked at me and said "Mr. Woods. Haven't seen you for years. You look the same." Hey, I hope not. I used to have hair. Seems like that's was how it went for most of the day. I used to live in the neighborhood so everyone in the door was either an old neighbor or a former student. The parents of a former student bought the first photo. Sold one to the father of a boy who I had on one of my baseball teams I coached. Another couple, both former students, bought two of the largest size I had to offer. Think they were trying to be nice to me. Over half of the others that had displays were either former students, former co-workers, or parents of former students. Did have fun talking to all the friends and neighbors. Carol arrived with the larger car at 4:30 PM and when 5:00 PM rolled around, everyone was there ready to help take the display down and carry everything to the car. In January I will display my photographs at Moravian Manor Retirement Home where my mother is a resident. I had to sign up for this honor almost two years ago. A popular place to display and I understand I may sell quite a few photos. Last week they held "An Evening of Art" at Moravian Manor and I set up a smaller display for the 6:00-8:00 PM exhibit. This evening display is for the artists who will display during the 2011 year. Sold one photo that evening also. Between the two dates I was able to sell more photos that I had the previous three months. Business in the art field is very slow with the weak economy. But, I still enjoy sharing my photos. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary day.