Hotel Arts & Roses

Last night's Flood Rose Gala was amazing!  As soon as my lovely date (my daughter) and I arrived at Hotel Arts in Calgary we were greeted with the most delicious hors d'euvres and cocktails.  It has been way too long since I've been out and about so it was really great to see so many artist friends and those who I've been in touch with over the years but have never met before.

A definite highlight of the evening was being the art instructor for some of our local celebrities.  Gosh, I laughed so hard as they all had incredible senses of humour - Food Network guest chef Michael Allemeier, Calgary Herald food writer Gwendolyn Richards, soprano Michelle Minke, Petroleum Club's executive chef Liana Robberecht, Petroleum Club's sous chef Kendra Smith, and Top Chef Canada competitor Chris Shaften.  And, honestly, the end result of their labour was pretty fantastic.

I grateful to see a few people who were directly affected by the flooding, both in High River and elsewhere, who were able to attend.  It's heart-warming to see those whom I care about and also heart-breaking to know that there is still a long road ahead.

And it was absolutely incredible to see the roses all framed up together...I know I had the opportunity to see them as I was posting them online but seeing them in person was something else.  I feel blessed and honoured to count myself a member of such a generous arts community.  Thank you so much Terri Heinrichs, for this vision and for pulling this all together, and to everyone who contributed and supported this project.  I'm glad it will still be traveling with the Alberta Society of Artists Travelling Exhibit so that more people can view the beautiful work and what it represents.