Well, the day finally arrived. With some trepidation or perhaps curosity in how it would all go, I walked into the Sweet Water Cafe, with a carpet roll of quilts.
A group of Weavers, were in the process of taking their work down. It reminded me of setting up a craft show. You arrive with your things, and are given a space and you just work with what you got.
The owner of the cafe was so excited with my art, which immediately set me at ease.
She was very decisive and knew her space and where she wanted each piece. And she knew her hanging system, which isn't the best, but works. She said that a few folks over her 19 years of having revolving art shows, have made comments to improve her system. Her response, "With great Art, you don't notice," and she said to me, "All they will see is your art."
Here is a space near the cash register - Before
And with my art. Her favorite was the Lady in the Hammock. She said, "I want to be her, I want to be there."
This is overlooking the back, as you walk in the door and that is Ursula. Sorry for my lighting, but you get the idea. On the left near the windows, three more will hang.
This is also near the cash register...my colors seemed to work with her space.
She had a meeting, and so I left before it was totally done. In fact, only 6 pieces were up. So who knows how the finished Cafe looked when it was all said and done. But, I took pictures of the before....you can see what the space looks like empty.
This wall can hold very large pieces...and I would have my own dowel on them when I dropped them off. It would speed up the hanging process. She picked three Lady quilts that will hang on this wall. And the opposite side, near the windows, will have more...Just hanging them on the backs of the booths, brightened up the place.
I was happy to get the "before" shots, and it is best that I wasn't able to get the final After, for that you have to stop in at the Sweet Water Cafe.
As I was leaving, I reached out my hand in thanks...Ursula says, "I feel I need to give you a hug, for you are leaving part of your self here." And so we did. I felt good leaving my Lady there. (And she gave me a loaf of their bread...it is delicious)
It was a very positive experience. And I love that my Art is now out of the dark basement and being appreciated by others...creating a welcoming atmosphere while they dine.
My Art and I...what a journey. We both have arrived at a new place.
