Thursday, February 3, 2011 — A big endorphin night

I am not actually a big fan of gallery or museum openings. But last night's opening at the Peter Gray Museum was a giant exception to that rule. It was a beautiful, joyful and highly stimulating event. I felt so honored and appreciated. People there were unbelievably enthusiastic about the whole show and complimentary to us personally. The minute I revealed my name, some would tell me how much they liked my work and which pieces they most appreciated. One woman approached me, asked me if I were Jackie Wollenberg and then proceeded to rave about "Monday Morning In Yelapa." How can you not be on a high under these circumstances.

The event extras featured appetizers all created with corn as an ingredients and oh, so yummy. Lovely wine and fruit drinks were served with grace and style. A welcoming ceremony covered the map with honoring tributes and poetic introductions to the subject of tapestry by Jean Pierre, Bill McGrail and other museum officials. Each of the tapestry weavers showing in the exhibition was introduced to the guests and was presented with a little gift of a fascinating book about Puerto Vallarta and a handy little, locally produced calendar. This part of the ceremony took place outdoors on a pleasant terrace/porch. After that, the group moved en masse in to the exhibit area where Jean Pierre and Gabriel Canales provided highly entertaining enlightenment about tapestry, ably translated by Sarah Swett who read the translations with terrific thespian charm and projection.

I won't go into great detail describing the exhibit because I did that several days ago. One noticeable difference between then and now is the presence of red stickers on all five of JP's small format pieces. I was glad that I hadn't offered "Water Melon" and "Monday Morning in Yelapa" for sale. Comments made to me indicated that they would probably have sold. I did promise one woman that I would consider weaving a new edition of "Water Melon." Eventually there was a virtual frenzy among patrons to buy up JP's pieces. There were also many conversations regarding possible sales of Larochette "Water Song" pieces. This was an active and incredibly appreciative crowd. Many faces were there to be seen during the entire evening.

Because there was a change of the guard for class participants last night also, there were lots of fond farewells between weavers. Sadly, Gabriel had to rush right back the next morning to Guadalajara to do one of his radio programs and only three of us are staying over from the last session to this. Jean Pierre and Pedrito are in Vallarta picking up the new members now. When they arrive and get settled, we will all celebrate getting together by walking to the plaza and having a late lunch at Mario's.

Last night Kissiah and I rode home in the car with Pedrito. It was a relaxed trip with a clear sky above and many stars. Kissiah, who was sitting in the back seat, couldn't stop trying to ask Petrito if we didn't have baked goods in the car. She kept smelling something yummy and couldn't get if off her mind. Lots of great Texas humor pours out of this amusing lady at times like that. It turns out that there were three loaves of freshly baked bread in the far back of the car. So Kissiah was right all along. We joined Jean Pierre and Yael at the house when we arrived and proceeded to enjoy snacks, tea, raicilla, scotch, and a fruit liquor I couldn't possibly spell. Add to that a bit of hilarious conversation, becoming more so as the raicilla disappeared and you have a priceless finish to an unforgettable night.