Once again the audience acknowledges with applause, then Leigh continues. ”The ‘Heart of Glass’ collection was partly inspired by the Blondie song of the same name. I’m paraphrasing some parts of the lyrics but they talk about a love once thought to be divine only to find that it had a heart of glass. Many of the pieces in this collection were created at a time when I was blind. I allowed myself to fall under an illusion that seemed real at the time. There was much mistrust and confusion in my life and I almost lost my mind. In the end I was left behind with a shattered heart of glass. It made me realize how fragile our hearts are. Like glass it breaks easily, and rarely can you put the pieces back together intact. It’s just a reminder that we need to take care of the hearts we are entrusted with. Ladies and gentlemen thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my heart with you this evening. Please enjoy the show. I am available to answer any questions that you may have about the pieces that are on display.”

“Thank you Leigh. Ladies and gentlemen please feel free to browse at your leisure. Wine, cheese, fruit and light hors d’oeuvres will continue to be served throughout the evening.” Once Art made the closing remarks the guests moved around the gallery and enjoyed the exhibit. Once again the response was positive. Leigh tried to talk to as many individuals as possible and offered her personal thank you to each of them for coming. It was another successful evening and everyone looked forward to when the exhibit would open to the general public.

***

Bette, Tina, Leigh and James met for breakfast before going to the gallery on Saturday morning for the public showing. They were not expecting Kit and the rest of the gang until around 1pm. Art Garrison had arranged special gallery hours for the show. He would be open from 9am – 9pm so there was plenty of time to view the exhibit.

Leigh was scheduled to make four special appearances throughout the day where people would have an opportunity to meet her to talk about her work and what the process involved. It was an hour talk so she was scheduled for 11:00a, 2pm. 5pm, and 7pm. Bette, and Tina would attend one of the sessions but Bette also wanted to visit some of the other galleries in the area to view some artists’ works that she might potentially show in her own gallery.