it takes a village

No, this isn't a post about the children at the orphanage. It's about my upcoming "mid-career retrospective" which is scheduled to open on May 10th at the Bohemian Gallery in Overland Park, Kansas.

I've been working like mad to get everything in order for the show, and I've been really lucky to have had lots of help thus far.

The whole process started with the selection of work (many years are covered in this show). I received a great assist from the incredibly knowledgeable and talented Jane Aspinwall, associate curator of photography at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Jane not only helped choose the pieces but has also figured out where everything will go when we install the show. Plus she kindly wrote the introduction to the catalogue.

Speaking of the catalogue - that has been designed by my good friend Gail Lozoff. I'm so excited for everyone to see it (she hit a home run with this piece!). It's 8" x 8" with 32 full color pages and a vellum cover. The proofs have been gone over with a fine tooth comb by the ever capable Tory, Lynne, Jennifer, Sam and Eddie. It should go to the printer this week. The invitations, also designed by Gail have already been printed and now need addressing.

(There's a lot to do to make this happen!)

My Epson 4900 printer has been working overtime these past few weeks. I've just recently finished making everything. For over sized pieces I have had the capable and friendly assistance of John Hans. He always finds a way to be patient with me and to get good results even when I give him questionable material with which to work.

Then there's the framing. I do most of that myself. Rick Heaviland has done a wonderful job of cutting the mats, glass and moulding - preparing all the materials so I can get everything assembled.

There is still much to do, but I feel like I'm entering the homestretch at this point. Soon enough I will have to figure out how to transport 80 some-odd pieces (!) to the gallery, and then it will be time to work with the gallery staff to get the show installed. The opening will be Friday night, May 10th from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The exhibition will continue through June 14th.

If you live out of town and are interested in receiving a catalogue, just let me know. If you are in the Kansas City area and would like to bring a group to see the show, I'd be happy to talk with you about personally guiding the group through it. Just contact me so we can set up a date and time.

Finally, if you are not on my mailing list and you'd like to receive an invitation, please contact me and share both your email and snail mail information.

Thanks to everyone who is helping make this come together! It's a dream come true for me. The village will be complete when folks show up at the gallery to take a look at the work. Thank you in advance for that.