thank you shout outs

It's been a busy time with applications, family, economic, and homegrown stresses, not to mention the many tasks on the job. Also, canvassing, watching and discussing debates and the election, and worrying. Meanwhile, ORQ has been languishing...or perhaps just germinating, waiting to take new forms.

A major shout out to the folks who agreed to help ORQ if the grant comes through. It was as R. says "a learning experience" applying for this grant - lots of struggle and some frustration, a challenge in many ways, but a really good push to connect, and that's what I keep coming back to. To those of you who offered your support, thank you so much for your vote of confidence.

Thanks to Local Project, the potential venue, especially Carolina and Renzo, for their generous welcoming of me and ORQ. And for answering the phone and welcoming a stranger. Also to Art-O-Mat for offering to be a venue, too. I'm happy to say that a sculpture of mine will be in the upcoming Familiar Spaces: Reconsidered show opening there on October 17th.

And to José who has been so generous with his time, ideas and energy for ORQ, a grateful thank you! Interestingly, his piece portaltar of 87 altars was one of the works that stood out in the Queens Museum Biennial in 2006, so it was great to meet him recently. More images of his work are available on his blog . It was really exciting to see work on his blog since it resonates with some ideas I've had rattling around in my brain for a long time, about creating spaces for contemplation and meditation.

Places that encourage us to take a long, slow breath.