Together -- Day 1 at Gateway Mall

Light bulb set up / work station at Gateway Mall

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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By noon I was done with the Gold on the bulb -- figures that represent working together - when we link arms we can make huge strides and changes in lives and in our community.

By the end of my time today I had started the red sections of the painting. Where the circles overlap, I am painting red. The overlap is to reflect the coming together of many unique individuals for the common good.