In today’s edition of the Erie Times-News, there is a review of Into the Common Ground, my show currently on view at the Kada Gallery. Written by Karen Rene Merkle, it gives an insightful and positive overview of the show.
It’s always a treat to see how others view your work, especially when they make the effort and spend the time getting to know the work. It is my understanding that Ms. Merkle does just this, giving each piece her undivided attention as she takes in the show at the gallery. This makes it easy for me to fully appreciate her observations and insights about the work.
In the review, she mentioned that over the course of my time with the Kada, going on 19 years now, that the Erie community had adopted me as one of their own. That really struck a chord with me, being a person who has often felt out of place.
I have come to really appreciate the vibrancy of the Erie community, how it has maintained its dignity and identity through its transformation into the 21st century. There is a lack of an inferiority complex and a real strength in their self-belief which dispels any traces of deference to larger cities. As Joe DeAngelo at the Kada Gallery would say: It is what it is.
Most other industrial-based Rust Belt cities have not been able to move forward with the spirit and pride that I have experienced in this city.
So to be adopted by a community that is proud of its people and history and looks forward with optimism makes me happy to call Erie a second home.
Redtree Times 