SO much fun to arrive a bit early...even if just a few hours. Quiet check-in, then 'LET THE GAMES BEGIN'!
Mr. Les was waiting in the cafe, and he quickly finished his little salad, jumped in the car with us and we drive to Old Town for some mexican food. On the way back, Kippy called and had just arrived. She had heard about the opening reception for the Master Circle art show from 5-8.
After a well-deserved rest, off we went to the show. Except the only directions were on the internet...and the hotel gave us the wrong name for the facility. Quick search on iPhone, and a caravan formed with a taxi in the lead...we were miles away from the real destination!
The event was in full swing, beautiful food tables set up, and a very warm New Mexico night (read: no AC). It was a real whirlwind...absorb the 150 or so paintings, or hugs and 'so glad to see you's'. We managed to do a bit of both. Quite a crowd.
Since the last IAPS in 2009, Facebook has kept many of us in contact. Because of that, conversations picked up without that 2 year delay of 'what's new'? Several artists I met for the first time in person...we felt like old friends already. Now, that's cool!
Back to the hotel, and pockets of people visiting and chatting throughout the open areas. Sounds of happy resonate everywhere.
Artists are a great group of humans...warm, friendly, eager to include anyone...even share their appetizers!