Summer Study in NYC 2009

Late Thursday afternoon, as the last of the students were dismissed for spring break,my Principal's voice was heard over the sound system in a voice much like that of the "lottery announcer"..."If Judy Harzer is still in the building, I am proud to announce that you are a recipient of the Geraldine Dodge Fellowship and will be studying as an artist in residence at the School of Visual Arts in NYC this summer!" This was how I was made aware of the award. As I ran and "wa-hooed" directly to the main office, I was greeted by hugs,kisses, high fives and genuinely heartfelt congratulations from staff and friends. I was elated and am excited by what this means for me! I dreamed of this moment in December but already know that the experience will be "better" than I had originally imagined.

In December, as I was completing my application, I asked my daughter to proof read my essays. She handed them back and simply said that all she read was "blah, blah,blah!" and explained that it sounded formal and impersonal which translates to uninteresting. My heart sank because I knew that she was right but I was exhausted and dreaded the time that it would take to revise and rewrite. She further commented that I have spent my life, teaching her and her brother to embrace and celebrate what is unique about them as individuals and to focus on their strengths. I raised them to know "my story" and to understand how it influenced who and what I am...but how it will never fully define who and what I will become. Christina seemed disappointed and implored me to share what is real and unique about myself and just start the process over. Cripes!... And so I did... and once again,this beautiful and brutally honest child of mine, provided the support and guidance that no one else could.She knows my heart and what it has taken for me to arrive at this place.

I cannot express at this time how much I need and want this opportunity. I am confident it will alter my work and dramatically influence my life. I had to choose between Rome and NYC as my preferred place to study. My objective is to work my butt off in my usual addictive and incessant way. NY will provide inspiration and so much more. It is the perfect place to get lost amid canvas,paint ,metal and wax. Rome, at this point in time, would have simply been a beautiful distraction.

I sealed the application with a kiss (really!!!) before sending it on it's way and I told my daughter that I would be living in NY and it is there that we would celebrate her 19th birthday...and so it will be. I'm chasing my dreams and there is so much more to come. So maybe next summer when I am living in Florence, Tia can blow out her candles near the Duomo or in the hills of Fiesole. That dream hasn't been clearly defined as of yet:)Thank you Christina Autumn!Dream huge!