Serendipity's Circle

Back in May, my lovely wife, Cheryl, and I were "gallery and brewery hopping" in wonderful downtown St. Pete. We stopped by one of our favorite galleries, Michele Tuēgel Contemporary, and after browsing for a while, ventured into the back of the gallery for more artworks.

It was there that I met a framer, Gilbert Johnson; a very soft-spoken and pensive gentleman who obviously puts great pride into his framing and restoration work. We struck up a conversation regarding a Christopher Still work he was framing. Some 28 years or so ago, my office and staff worked on a statewide magazine for the water management districts, and Christopher had approached us to provide imagery for some covers. His paintings were so impressive, they genuinely lent professional credibility to our conservation and education efforts. (I'd like to think it also led to further statewide commissions for him, as well!)

I mentioned how Mr. Still's style had really influenced me, and after visiting his exhibit in Largo, decided I would make a sincere effort to paint. Gilbert asked what style I painted in, and I showed him a half-dozen or so images I keep on my iPhone. Next thing I know, he'd set up an appointment for later that day to show them to Michele, the gallery owner.

The postage stamp on the wall is my
4' by 4' painting, "Figure and Quilt."

After a few more galleries (and only one more brewery, I swear!) — and many blocks of walking, we headed back to meet Michele. We had much in common, regarding acquaintances and education in the Bay Area. She was very kind, supportive and generous in her comments. She asked if she could see the actual canvases at some future date. About a month later, we arranged a meeting, and, long story short, she held on to one of my paintings for her gallery wall, and we discussed a possible future exhibition. "Wow" was really my only giddy reaction. And, coincidentally, she followed up with an email herself, which began with "Wow."

In the same week this happened, I received two acceptances to juried art shows I had submitted applications to. Wow, indeed.

Everything I've ever read about starting out in a "painting scene" had somewhat lowered my expectations insofar as getting a foot in the door. Serendipity played a HUGE role in meeting Gilbert and Michele. Serendipity also played a role in showing my work, as the person that first hired me for my 35-year career, Emilio "Sonny" Vergara, was instrumental in encouraging me — prodding me — to participate in my first show this last Spring. (He's an exceptional photographer in his own right these days.)

And the circle goes 'round.