What a night!

How it all came together at my exhibit’s opening reception

If I were to choose one word to describe my experience of the opening reception, it would be “overwhelming”—but in a good way!

Sensory overwhelm from simply being out of the hospital for the first time since March. It was a lot to process lying on my back.

Also just overwhelmed by love. Seeing so many folks who had come from near and far to lend their support, offer a helping hand or simply absorb the artwork. I was told folks found the exhibit to be quite moving with many a tear shed.

The photos from the professional photographer are coming, but here are some highlights from the night taken by other folks who were there.

My journey to the reception was a bit unconventional, but definitely in line with all the themes in the exhibit.

I have not been able to get back in my wheelchair since March, so we hired Genesis Medi-Shuttle to take me from the hospital to the reception via stretcher. The fellows were lovely and seemed to enjoy their rather unusual night on the job.

Stefan, my sister, my parents and their guests from Thailand

I was so flattered by the number of folks who came—over 50 guests at least. We also had quite a few folks in from out of town. My parents and many old friends arrived from Vancouver—where Stefan and I are originally from. My sister and another family friend flew in from Toronto. My mother also had family visiting from Thailand and they seemed very excited to be there as well.

Stefan officially opened the night with a lovely speech and then handed the welcome over to me. Knowing I would have a hard time speaking from my back on the stretcher, we prerecorded my speech in my hospital bed and put it up on the big projection screen. I was a bit daunted by the “Oz the Great and Powerful” look of it, but no one seemed to mind.

After our short speeches, we dived into a lovely night of food, music, art and laughter.

Charcuterie boards created by Fraser & Fig

Water infusions created by my mother

Cellist, Liam Epp, performing in front of slides from the “Love & Disability” installation

I was so nervous about planning the reception since I’d never planned anything like it before—even for our wedding.

In the end, I couldn’t have asked for a better night. Thanks to everyone who came out!

Posing with my painting mentor, Brian ‘Bunny’ Batista

Such great energy in the exhibit space.

Folks loved picking up cards—there’s more available in my online store

Had such an amazing time!

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See “The Extraordinary, Ordinary Nature of Interabled Love” in the 1st Floor Gallery of cSPACE Marda Loop (1721 29th Ave SW, Calgary) until the end of August.

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