I'll be giving an illustrated talk about the project this Thursday at the Guilford Library in Guilford, CT. If you'd like to join me, please come! CLICK HERE to see the info. Thank you again for helping me get this project off the ground. I couldn't have done it without you. :-)

Here are some photos from the gallery down the street (scroll down for the first part of the exhibition). As you can see, this space required a very different approach. Judith Barbour Osborne, a local artist and friend, did the beautiful calligraphy on the walls. The postcards were hung on an angle here so that viewers have to tilt their head to see the cards - symbolizing the need to shift perspectives to find gratitude. In addition the postcards turn into postcard-sized mirrors on the last wall so that the viewer is encouraged to look for the good inside themselves. Fortune cookies were handed out in this space too as well as the backwards "You are amazing!" cards found in the museum. Viewers were then invited to participate by filling out their own card (as was the case in both spaces). Judith Barbour Osborne, Nadesha Mijoba, Noah Kaeser, John Friedlander, and Trevor Giles all helped me hang this show. Thank you! Also: Bill Fischer and Out on a Whim donated their time and talent to leading a contra dance after-party in an adjoining space (super fun!). Thank you everyone for helping me pay for this! I really, really appreciate it!

There's a lot more than what you're seeing in these photos but I think this gives you a general idea. Basically, the story starts in a downstairs room that is filled to the brim with postcards... and then continues up the stairs and into a hallway. If you'd like to view the book version of this story again, please see: blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2880575

The photo of the mirror at the end is in response to some fortune cookies I gave out that said, "When you look for the good, it grows. And the first place it blooms is in YOU. Do you see it?" The little card that comes after the cookie then says, "And now for a secret message..." and the words "You are AMAZING!" must then be read in the mirror because they are backwards. I hope you like it! The printing was done by Four Color Inc. in Niantic, CT and the illustration, design, cutting, and installation was done by me and a few helpers: Keith Fox, Debi Friedlander, John Friedlander, and Rich Nazzaro. Thank you! 

PS. Your names are clustered around the title panel in the downstairs room here (as well as in the book). 

Hi everyone! These last few weeks have been a whirlwind so my apologies for the lull on this end. Just in case you forgot, the exhibition opening was this past Saturday. And, since I am now writing a weekly column in a local newspaper, below is what I wrote for them on Sunday, the day after the event:

As I write this, it’s Sunday morning, the day after the artist reception for Opening to Good, a two-venue exhibition showcasing gratitude postcards I’ve received since October 2011. Last night, I greeted dozens of people who had read about the Look for the Good Project in the paper, or heard about it on the radio, or even contributed a card. They told me about how looking for good has affected them, what struggles they have overcome, and the simple moments of gratitude that have opened them up to entirely new ways of living and being. Not only did people get to meet and mingle, but many filled out new cards, added them to the display, and even joined together in a laughter-filled contra dance after the reception (led by Bill Fischer and Out on a Whim). What a wonderful way to open to good! But just in case you missed it, the exhibit will be on display until February 25th. If you go, you’ll see inspiring messages in Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, German, Chinese, Tibetan, and – of course – English. And, on top of that, you’ll be able to view some of the stunning artistry that I haven’t yet been able to share here or in the online gallery. For example, just last week, I received a card from Deborah Goodrow that was created entirely out of intricate patterns of sculpey clay (currently showing at the Provenance Center) and a beautiful oil painting of a sunrise by Diana Lyn Cote (currently showing at the Custom House Maritime Museum).

Since the preparations for the show were hectic and I haven’t been able to post all the cards that went up on the walls, here are some cards that I received after the installation:

“I am grateful for the hidden possibilities of each new moment!” (Anonymous, CT)

 “[I’m grateful for] the opportunities to change myself.” (Anonymous, CT)

“I am grateful for all the love and support from my friends and family.” (Anonymous, given to me at the show)

“I’m grateful for the wonderful mother I had who showed me how to have patience and kindness to others and an ability to look for the good in people and focus on all that I had rather than what I didn’t have… I’m grateful for good health and a winter better than last year. Most of all, I’m grateful to God for strength and peace and to be able to be grateful for the job I just lost.” (Margaret Ranfone, Branford, CT)

“I am grateful for my mom who is in the hospital, ill; And for my sister, Gretah, who has a beautiful open heart; And for free parking; Puppies; Snow; Good friends; You! Thanks for reminding me to be grateful.” (Sue, Guilford, CT)

Opening to Good: An Exhibit Highlighting the Good that is All Around Us 

Custom House Maritime Museum, New London (150 Bank Street; 860-447-2501; Hours: Thur. – Sun. 1 – 5 pm) and the Provenance Center, New London (165 State Street; 860-405-5887; Hours: Wed. – Fri. 2 – 5:30 pm or by appointment). 

AND... here are some photos of the opening reception (unfortunately, I was having so much fun at the dance, I didn't take any photos... BUT there are more updates to come for each space). I'm the one in the red dress by the way... and some of YOU are in these photos too! (Photos were taken by Debi Friedlander and Diana Lyn Cote.)

Here's a map to the two spaces in New London, CT. I suggest you go to the Custom House Maritime Museum first and then go to the Provenance Center so that you can get the story part first. Again, it's from 5 - 9 pm on Saturday, January 28th. Hope to see you there!