I mentioned earlier that I would put some info about the show here when I had the chance.  I am taking a moment now to do that.  When I began painting in earnest, that is, more than one painting a year, I though it might be possible someday to have a solo show.  It was not something I counted on because I am not good at planning and executing a big event.  Gabi at the Latrobe Art Center ask me if I was interested and wanted to know if I had enough paintings to fill a wall or the whole room.  I had to make a count and was surprised at how many I had completed.  Last summer was too busy at the gallery but in November we set a date for March, hoping that winter would be past so that people would not have to brave snow storms to see the show.  NOT!  Winter held off until the night of the reception when she came storming in.  But we managed.  There was a wonderful turn out of friends and fellow artists, family and people I didn’t know.  I was so busy talking and greeting that the evening was over before I knew it.  The special event was the formal unveiling of my latest painting, Afternoon Mountain Stream Reverie, a portrait of Gabi’s godson, Jack.  I hope I have a better chance to speak with his mother and grandmother about the painting because the evening’s hustle and bustle did not afford me much opportunity to do so.  I will forever see the faces of those who came in and shared their excitement, kind words and joy of the artwork with me that evening.  It turned out to be a more significant evening than I had anticipated.  The following Thursday we did an ‘ask the artist’ luncheon so that I could answer the many questions people ask about my painting process.  The turn out for this event was great. Also the interest and enthusiasm for knowledge about portraiture kept the afternoon rolling along.  I was not nervous because this was not quite as social as the previous week and I have no problems talking about a subject I love, especially in an informal setting.  Also, I must say that Rosita’s food on the buffet was the most delicious I have ever eaten.  Perfecto!  Many want me to do a class again so I will have to see how my health goes after recovering from this!  I plan to slowly change from doing mainly juried exhibitions, to doing more commissions and more teaching.  I love it all.  I am so blessed to have been given this wonderful opportunity.  I hope I can continue for a long time to come.  Hugs and thanks to all.  Diana

I love these people. They make things feel happy and work smoothly. The photo on the right has a painting in the background that I finished in time for a surprise unveiling at the reception. It is Gabi’s godson. In front are his mom, grandmother and uncle if I have that all correct. If you look at my Facebook page you can read all the beautiful tributes they wrote about their beloved Jack.

MJ   Well, first I could not get the photo to post, then it showed up twice. This is Gabi Nastuck who is the director of the Latrobe Art Center. I will try to post two other photos I found.

DIANA WILLIAMS SOLO PORTRAIT EXHIBITION AT THE LATROBE ART CENTER – TO ALL MY FACEBOOK FRIENDS AND FAMILY, AN UPDATE
Last night I was up till two visiting with family after the show and then at three AM the phone rang with some stupid robo call so I am exhausted. I may not even be coherent enough to write this update and thank you especially since I just wrote it once and accidentally erased it.
No one could have ever prepared me for the overwhelming response to the art and the reception last evening. The Latrobe Art Center and all its people went above and beyond to assure that this event would be received well. Gabrielle Nastuck, the director, has coached me through all the preparations and assured me all along the way. When I arrived, one special person even calmed my anxiety over the imagined dread that no one would attend. You know who you are, so thank you so much. And yes, they came! From Washington DC to Ohio and other far away places, all my friends and family, high school class mates, fellow artists and writers groups, my buddies from NAAA, church friends and people from my small town, people I know well and those who I don’t know, children adults and everyone in between,they began to arrive and after that, I never had a minute to be nervous! I want you to know that it will be a joy to recall each and every one of you who came to share this once in a lifetime special event with me.
For all my grandkids an other fabulous models, for all of you who drove so far or just around the corner, for all who added a treat to the food table, for Seth and Joe and Janet and Rosemary who did so many things,for those who came to observe and offered kind compliments, for those who got me a drink of water and those who made me laugh, for those who organized or help clean up and any one else who helped make this evening special, I give you my most sincere thanks.
To all my dear friends and loved ones who could not come, to my cousins Bunny Leavitt and April Ashcom Meredith from far away Florida who could not be here I send thanks for all your sincere well wishes and congratulations. I will share photos on my blog in a day or two. I am sure I will also have the chance to tell you about this blessing. And to my precious family who blessed me by being part of this, hugs and all my love. And to Bruce, who started all this by encouraging me to do oil painting rather than only the pencil sketches AND who was so sweet to order the wonderful surprise of the beautiful, huge bouquet of flowers and did the framing and delivery of these fifty five paintings, you are my love forever, thank you.