Just add Nuts

I remember 4 years ago when I attended my very first Art Goes to School (AGTS) meeting. AGTS is a volunteer organization that teaches elementary school children in our area about fine art. Each year they get a new portfolio of 18-24 reproductions of fine art, the group learns about each piece, and they present the art to children throughout the year in an age-appropriate manner. The first meeting I attended was the year-end meeting where the group gathers to view the next portfolio. Each person picks a piece of art to study over the summer, creates a report, then presents it to the group in the fall before teaching it to the schools. I was feeling overwhelmed by the large crowd of women and daunted by the process and size of the portfolio. Some of the works I had never seen before; and I felt a bit out of my league, even though I was an art major! I was approached by a friendly woman who asked me if I was choosing a piece to study. "I don't, know," I said, "should I?" She responded quickly, "Sure, just dive right in"! I scooped up a Surrealist piece by Joan Miro and continued with the meeting, not sure of the rules and how it would all play out.

My first year passed by quickly, and I learned everything I needed to do. I made some new friends, learned a lot about art and developed my love for working with kids. Each year, this process repeated until several years later I was approached with being the chairperson. I did not hesitate to embrace this challenge with the same reckless enthusiasm. I realized through my experiences that you do not necessarily need to meet each challenge in life knowing you have all the tools and all the answers. Much like other life changes (job changes, parenting etc), you learn as you go; and most people are willing to allow you your learning curve because they are just grateful to have you there to handle the work. Plus, it also helps when you find a group of supportive, encouraging people who are willing to be your personal cheerleader.

Every year-end meeting concludes with a lunch and some friendship. Half the members bring something savory, the rest bring something sweet. This year I brought my delicious banana bread with chocolate chips, pecans and cinnamon. As that sweet smell filled the air of my kitchen and the bread was cooled in the pans, I sliced it into bite-sized pieces for my platter. This nut sliced right into a heart. I had to laugh since I feel like I am a bit of a nut in a bread of sophisticated flavors. Yet I'm sure I will bring my own flair and add to the unique taste of this group of fine people.