The ins and the outs of preparing for an art show

Across the street the other day, I was struck by a sight familiar from my own past. My artist neighbor and her husband were loading canvasses in their car trunk and back seat. Well, it must be time for another art exhibit.

I imagined her thinking, "Hmm, which paintings should I take? Decisions, decisions!"

It reminded me of the years that my husband and I set up for shows at the Philadelphia Sketch Club or shows in New York and London that he participated in. He was a longtime member of the Sketch Club, which is the oldest continuing professional artists organizations in the United States. It has hosted many famous artists in its yearly shows since its inception in the 1860's.

The trick in preparing for a show is to decide which paintings have the most audience appeal. The club called for six paintings from each artist in the show, and it was hard to winnow them down, because Howard was such a prolific painter. He especially enjoyed painting landscapes. Of course, I always had my favorites, and I wanted him to bring home all the ribbons!

"I think you should take this large pastel of the cliffs above the ocean at Rockport. People always seem to relate to landscapes." I would have hated it if he had sold it, but it was - and is - a wonderful painting. We loved it there, and spent a great deal of time out on the rocks high above the sea.

"Oh well, better include this realistic painting of the houses of Parliament in London." That was a safe bet - you see, men especially seem to favor realism, and historic landmarks are always good.

Sooner or later I would remember that, for shows at the Club intown, the artist's wives were always expected to supply some items for the refreshment table. Uh oh, cooking - not my strong suit.

"Maybe I can think of something different. I know Linda will bring deviled eggs again. There's more to life than eggs, Linda."

That's what it's like to be the artist's spouse. Back down to earth from the world of art!

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I became familiar with the Volume Control Phone for the hearing impaired when we obtained one free, provided by Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc., a non-profit corporation which helps the deaf and hearing impaired. This is specialized equipment. To qualify, you must have at least permanent hearing loss severe enough to require amplification devices to recognize speech during telephone conversations.

If you qualify, the equipment is loaned to you for as long as you need it at no charge to you. The Florida Relay is funded by a miniscule monthly surcharge on all phone bills.

For more information, or to apply for a volume control phone, call Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Northwest Florida at 433- 7128. Or, go to info@dhhsnwfl. org

Hear what you have been missing! No more trying to 'fake it' when you make or take calls on your lifeline to the outside world!

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Well ladies, I am sure you are all familiar with the well-known saying "Diamonds are forever." Now, the company that originated that has added a few more sayings that might ring a bell with you. Their ad campaign now includes these slogans, bound to up their market share:

"Your left hand says you're taken, you right hand says you can take over."

"Your left hand believes in destiny, you right believes in the moment."

"Your left hand celebrates the day you were married, the right hand celebrates the day your were born."

"Okay, women of the world, raise your right hands!"

Well, here's one from me, a longtime diamond lover. For most women, "Buy one, get one free" will always be the most eye-catching slogan!

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One more from the Strange Facts File:

The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28 percent

(Now get this...) The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38 percent.

See you next week!