Janice Dumas Watercolor

Twenty-five years ago I met Janice Sparks at a Kiwanis event in South Lyon. When she found out I was an artist she suggested I check out the South Lyon Fine Arts Society. I eventually did just that, and I met Ruth Luce, a wonderful watercolor painter, who encouraged me to paint more, who celebrated my successes and became a dear friend. These are just two of the wonderful artists I have met since moving to the South Lyon / Milford area.

After moving to Milford, with work and other obligations it became difficult to go to SLFAS meetings but someone had told me I should check out the Village Fine Arts Association. After settling into our new house, I eventually went to my first VFAA meeting at the Milford Presbyterian Church. That is where I first met Suzanne Haskew, one of the most generous, loving, creative people I have ever known. Suzie welcomed everyone with open arms. I have never known anyone who celebrated everyone's achievements as boisterously as Suzie did. She loved art, she loved her family, she loved life. Knowing that there was a group of people interested in what I was painting at the end of each month was often a motivator when work got to be too much. Suzie would gush over the paintings I took to meetings for the monthly "Artist of the Year" competition. Suzie asked me a couple times to consider being on the board but other obligations made it difficult at the time. I still remember her big smile the day I approached her and told her it was time, I could take that board position. She said "I didn't think we'd ever get you!"

Not long after I met Suzie she was involved in a millage campaign to fund a community / arts center in Milford. Unfortunately, even Suzie's persuasive nature was not enough to get people to vote "yes". Earlier this month the VFAA opened the Suzanne Haskew Arts Center "the SHAC". I had tears in my eyes the first time I walked into the space that has been transformed into an "art gym" Suzie would have loved. I feel privileged to volunteer at the SHAC and can't wait to see what it becomes.

I was honored to receive the Suzanne Haskew Award of Excellence (First Place) at the Village Fine Arts Association's annual PAN exhibit. "Crossings" is a painting of  a bridge in AuGres, MI. We were on our way home from East Tawas last fall and I noticed this fascinating bridge over the Au Gres River. I got some great photo reference of Ken and Kenai which led to this painting - a representation of a typically monochromatic late fall day leading up to winter in Michigan.

With every PAN (Poetry Art Night) entry we submit a poem. This is the poem I submitted to go along with "Crossings".

“Crossing Bridges”

By Keith McCaffery

I’ve crossed many bridges

With you by my side

Some sturdy as stone

And easy to ride

Others have been crumbling

And tumbling apart

Without your loyal friendship

I should have failed from the start

You have never questioned me

Never once lost faith

Your strength and your bravery

Always keeping the pace

We will never fail

If we do this together

We’ll cross any bridge

Come hell or rough weather