I just returned last weekend from a big art show that I participate in each year, the Holiday Mart in Jackson, TN. An eight year old named Connor came through with his mom. He was quite taken with the work that I had displayed, and he asked me lots of questions. He reminded me of myself when I was little. I was always enamored with artists that we ran across at fairs, amusement parks, and on vacations.
I asked Connor which piece of artwork he liked best (this is always a fun question to ask young art connoisseurs). He said that it was “Eternal Song,” my painting of the old master playing the violin. This is an unusual favorite for a kid, but it turns out that he’s a little mini-master himself! He’s been playing for four years. So we chatted about him and eventually he and his mom had to leave. On a whim, I decided to give him one of my matted prints of “Eternal Song.” He beamed and was so excited. His mom was grateful. Somehow they tracked down my mailing address, and I received this tear-jerker of a note from my new little friend yesterday:
His mother appended to the letter, pretty much sealing the deal that I would need to re-apply my eye makeup. Who knew that such a small gesture could mean so much? I will now look for opportunities to make these “WOW” moments at future shows. It was my favorite part of the weekend. See the pastel drawing that Connor drew for the front of the card below:
