What an amazing day painting the third of my three light bulbs for the Illuminating Lincoln Project. Last night Jason, the boys and I delivered the light bulb to Gateway Mall. We quickly placed it in its temporary home between Riddles and Kay's Jewelry at the far end of the food court. I am painting at the mall to bring awareness to the Illuminating Lincoln Project as well as to Lincoln Lighthouse which provides valuable afterschool programming for middle and high school students here in Lincoln. I was a bit apprehensive to paint but I couldn't have imagined what the day was about to hold! At about a quarter till 9 this morning I was at the mall hauling in a ladder and paint for a day of painting. After a quick lap around the mall to calm down and center, I was ready to step inside the stanchions and start the piece. What an amazing response the whole day! Much of the first couple of hours was spent conversing with the numerous friends I've made while walking at the mall over the past 10 years. They were excited to learn that I was an artist. And those who knew I was an artist were happy to see me sharing with them what I do. This 2-3 hour timeframe included a young 7 year old artist joining me for about 20 minutes. She drew a picture in my sketch book while I painted on the bulb. I was amazed at how excited kids where all day about the bulb. They had so much to say and often made their parents stop and watch for awhile. Off and on all day people stopped by to visit. Some I knew, many I did not. Each conversation important, many very memorable. The interest from people all day was exciting. I even got to meet a lady who attended Lighthouse when she was in high school. She shared some of her story with me and I am hoping she can help me with my second bulb which will share the stories of those who are alumni of Lighthouse. What a God-sent and answer to prayer in the process of bulb #2. I think sometimes when I try so hard to make something work and it doesn't God just smiles. Then I let go and when He provides He smiles again. He knew all along what He had for me, all I needed to do was trust, wait, and watch for Him to provide. Meeting this lady was one of those moments. As she walked away I just chuckled and smiled, "thank you," I said. I hardly wanted to leave I was having such fun painting. But after 6 1/2 hours it was time to pack it up until Wednesday. I am looking forward to making more progress on the bulb. But what I'm super excited about is talking to all those who stop over to visit. Schedule for Painting Wednesday Feb. 18 -- 9 am to 3pm Friday Feb. 20 -- noon to 7 pm Saturday Feb. 21 - 10 am to 1pm Monday Feb. 23 -- 9 am to 3 pm Wednesday Feb. 25 -- 9 am to 3 pm Friday Feb. 27 -- noon - 3pm and then again from 6:30 pm to 9 pm
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Last fall I submitted three proposals to work on 6' light bulbs for the Lincoln Light house Public Art project. This project benefits the work of Light House, an afterschool program for youth in the city of Lincoln. I was blessed to have all three bulb designs juried in and sponsored SO NOW I'm up to my eyes in light bulbs to finish in April of this year. I have been super excited to work on the pieces already and have been able to share the limited knowledge I have working with mosaics on the fiberglass resin material of the bulbs with the other artists. I am sensing a great community beginning to form as the artists share with one another about their test materials and how products are working on these sculptures. I had the great opportunity to spend an afternoon with the kids at Light House last Tuesday as they created their own works of art to go on a Light Bulb I have entitled "Stories of Value." Collaged on the bulb with be stories of the kids and alumni of the program. Although nervous to go work with the kids (I'm somewhat scared of teenagers), the whole atmosphere of the place set my heart at ease. It was like going home. Then to see the staff greet each child as their own with warmth and a reassuring hug. It was amazing! Something truly special is happening at Light House. During the after school program, the youth can study, finish homework, participate in rec time or talk with each other or the staff. Academics and graduating high school are a high priority and I sensed many of the students beginning to discover their dreams and goals beyond high school. They impacted me more than I could've imagined. Whether they knew it or not, many of them accepted me just as they were accepted by the staff. I can't wait to go back again and see the youth and work on more art together. Another Light bulb I'm working on is going to be painted at Gateway Mall in Lincoln, NE. As I paint almost daily for 2-3 weeks I will be available to answer questions about the project and also about Light House as a whole. I'm excited to have the opportunity to use art as a catalyst to share about creating and making a difference in the lives of others. Not sure on all the details here but will hopefully soon. As for my mosaic light bulb (as seen above), I'm working hard on it in my garage often having to heat the space several hours before I can get good work time in. Navigating the temperature changes the past weeks has been an adventure to say the least, but I'm excited for the 30 plus degree days ahead. There have also been material challenges too, but it's a good learning process and I've seen the artists on this project as a whole open to sharing which is so sweet. So light bulbs will continue to fill the garage for the next few months but I am so thankful for a husband who encourages me by letting me take over his side of the space and parking outside so I can work on art. |
AuthorAnn has worked as a professional artist since 2006. She currently works on her own studio artwork as well as large, commercial works and with other artists in any way she can. Archives
May 2022
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