The circumstances of the first Big Love event partnered with Interim Healthcare Hospice were a work in process, a work of art in and of itself. The fashioning of the event and evening developed from the momentum of shared interests and support of the Upstate Visual Arts and its future program whose new thrust is on quality of life and cultural enrichment on a broader scale exemplified through the new Comforting Arts Program. This partnership for me personally represents the fullness in the power of what visual arts can be!
Big Love became an expression throughout the evening that unfolded with folks attending through networking, word of mouth, personal invites, and friends of friends gathering together to share in the event. The Westin Poinsett provided a classic back drop for showcasing the giving spirit in Greenville in what we hope will become an annual event. With in-kind participation from celebrated names Carl Blair, Scottie Hodge, Deb Sofield and noted UVA artist, Carrie Brown, Jane Todd Butcher, Darell Koons, Judy Sahms, Jeanet Dreskin and Blair. There were also a few newcomers on the scene - Jim Gorman, Brian Dowdall and SpiesmanArt. In-kind photography was sponsored by White Blaze, décor was offered by Betsy Gresham Eager, and opening entertainment was presented by acoustic guitarist, Jeff Smith. Entertainment for the remainder of the evening was provided by the ever popular PUZZLE and trumpeter, Scottie Hodge. All this, coupled with the first class service and offerings of the Westin made for a perfect setting. The mixing and mingling in support of this fund raiser sparked many new friendships and rekindled old ones. The silent auction items were all looked at closely. Fine art and gift selections were acquired by healthcare professionals, upstaters, and folks as far away as Columbia. They all came to join the festivities …even in the sprit of what might have been a frozen and snow filled Saturday, but for the sun that warmed and melted away the paths. Our hearts were opened and warmed. By Nancy Dereng’s “comforting arts program” presentation and delighted by the International Ballet guests Tracey Mulvaney incorporated. Our honorary Host and Hostess of the evening, Carl Blair and Carol Stillwell, opened the floor with “Summertime” and everyone joined in the fun. From fine art works to gift certificates, all donations found good homes. Big Love succeeded on many levels, and we found ourselves reaching our goals and able to make contributions back to Interim Healthcare Hospice as we had hoped we could, this inaugural year.
The Upstate Visual Arts current and new board members all fashioned some part of the evening, as did out UVA artist members and neighbors of the PSAD West Greenville district, from paintings to acquisitions for the silent auction. The UVA new place, new faces and bright new vision has made its mark, and we can look forward to its continuing to enhance the quality of life within the community by elevating the stature of visual art and educating the public to its significance this calendar year in exhibitions, programming and partnerships. Thank You ALL!
As Always in Art,
Alison Spiesman