I must start this commentary by saying that I was very fortunate to be raised in an art-rich environment. I was surrounded from birth by an amazing array of self and classically trained artists, writers, poets and musicians. Aunts, uncles, cousins and the like - being around such creative energy fueled my own personal fire for creation and expression. My sisters, each talented, both possess creative natures and demonstrate their own artistic talents uniquely. My mother, now 82 years young, worked for many years creating fine artwork of clay, mixed media, needlework and more. Mom's crowning glory though the years has been her gifted green thumb. Planted with ultra-precision to bloom (…like a fireworks display) consecutively throughout Wisconsin's three short growing seasons, - her imaginative eye for color, height, and space was personified. Every year we awaited her visual masterpieces. We were never disappointed. My father was a remarkable writer, poet, - mind. He possessed an extraordinary (and rarified) literary acumen. Dad instilled an insatiable desire in me for the written word. Many an indelible story has been told, planting the seeds of literary wonder while quoting verse from Emerson, Byron, Keats and others along the way. Among some of his oft heard quotations were the words from Oliver Wendell Holmes reflecting the world of "Making a living", - and that was just dad at his profession. His deep love for jazz and music in general ignited a passion in me for all things musical. To that end, I have an ever-growing compilation of personal poetic verse that sits growing in my bookcase, and have enjoyed over 30 years a drummer/percussionist. There is little doubt that these childhood seeds remain deeply embedded at my creative core.

I could not complete this brief history lesson without mentioning my great fondness and appreciation for a wonderful mentor - and even better aunt, my aunt Joanie. Although there are several fine artists nestled within our family tree worth mentioning, I must give the greatest mention to my aunt Joan (i.e. Joan Beringer Pripps, of "Studio in the Woods" fame). My mother's elder sister was a classically trained, lifetime artist by profession. She was one whose artistic abilities were truly unlimited. Joanie was an elite level realist/impressionist portrait and landscape artist, - by any standard. She worked generally in oils and watercolors, but also worked her magic with oil and chalk pastels, graphite, ink & pencil. But that's just the beginning. In all truth anything aunt Joanie touched turned to platinum. She handcrafted an extensive series (over 100) of superbly finished figurines. All modeled after some of the most famous women throughout history, including a special series devoted to the unsung heroines of Wisconsin. Joanie also a managed to create a beautiful array of needlepoint-needlecraft art (including clothing), handcrafted & hand painted pottery, and so much more. She was a "one of a kind" artist and equal the person. When we visited together, I would always make careful note & study of her efforts. I took every opportunity available to discuss her thoughts, inspirations, processes and techniques. She was always candid and a great source of knowledge and inspiration. Joan was as well, just a wonderful human being.

Aunt Joanie possessed a zest and energy for life that few people have or are even lucky enough to be in the company of. She left us a short while back, passing at age 94 in 2006. She passed while still prolific in her artwork. I say humbly once again to you Aunt Joan, "Thank You", for all that you gave this world and all that you were to me. You will forever live on within the frames of your unique expressions that brighten walls, tables, cabinets and hearts - everywhere. I'm certain the heavens have become even yet more beautiful from your touch. We all miss you…