I was so thrilled to be a part of the entertainment this evening at the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Odyssey Ball. The evening followed a New York theme so the main room was Central Park where Roslyn Kind was to put on a concert. I was in the silent auction room & cocktail lounge which was Broadway. A talented cast of four sang showtunes and I created chalk art in the vein of street art. The event planner had requested that I create an impression of the Strawberry Fields mosaic in Central Park and I did so (as you can see above in progress). The piece ended up going for $350 in the silent auction which was really nice.
I've got to admit that while my contribution to the evening ended up going very well, I was worried beforehand. I'd only recently gotten back into chalk work and never in a situation like this. So I was happy (and a bit taken aback) that folks were very complementary and interested in my technique. I even passed out a few cards because of interest in commissioned pieces and mural painting.
And probably the most touching part of the evening was the one fellow who chatted with me for a while and got choked up when he told me about his daughter who is fighting breast cancer. He wanted to share with her John Lennon's message in my Strawberry Fields mosaic art. Imagine. The foundation's motto is "Imagine a Cure". I didn't tell the gentleman about those close to me who are in their own battles – a close relative and a close friend and colleague. Imagine. So many people are fighting, and it was really wonderful to be a part of something that is working to imagine a better world. Take care, all. Hug a loved one. Peace.
