Creative Expressions Art Gallery - Grand Opening!!

Creative Expressions opened its doors to the public on Oct 22nd, 2009!
Our opening Exhibition was named " Art Fusion"
We featured the juried work of 18 local artists in various media.
The exhibition took several long hours and several late nights to set up but the end result was a feast for the eyes!
Oct 22nd rolled around, I was up at 5am barely able to control my excitement for the big event later that day.
So much to do!
The night before we were at the gallery until 2 am setting up and making sure everything was absolutely ready for the opening.
2 cups of strong coffee and I was ready to go! First stop Sendiks to make sure the appetizers were ready and to confirm delivery at 4.30 pm. Despite the slight drizzle, my excitement and enthusiasm and Dh's calm support were plenty to brighten my day.
Back home to get the kids off to school. They knew it was a big day for mom and gave me extra special hugs.
Then back to the gallery! Pleasantly surprised to receive flowers from my brother-in-law and his wife. Orchids! My favorite.Such warm wishes! My phone kept ringing and I got text messages galore from friends and family wishing me all the best.
Next Jeannette Gabrys, a wonderful young and immensely talented artist stopped by to drop off a handmade guest book.
Now I was almost ready.
DH and I adjusted lights and made some last minute adjustments and went back home for a quick lunch and to change.
Back at the gallery at 3pm.
Party Wizards were there to set up the food and drinks, Sendiks arrived on time with the hors'doevres and it all looked fabulous.
Brook arrived and set up the register, Jennifer Lee and Dave came in and set up the music.
Last minute setting up for LaVonne Nye who drove in all the way from Chicago to be a part of this event.
Once her lovely jewelry was on the last empty table we were absolutely ready!!

4.45pm, slight drizzle and absolutely quiet outside, not a soul to be seen, not a car in the front parking lot......my heart was sinking just a bit... what if no one came, what if we had all this food left over...what if.....

4.55pm...a car pulled in, 2 women bounced out and dashed out of the rain; "please, please, please let them be heading our way" I thought!
They opened our door and peeked in...."we're a bit early, may we come in?"

It was a resounding "Yes!' of course!

That was the beginning, it did not stop until 4 hours and 300 guests later!!
The artists came with their spouses and families; this made the event so colorful and exciting!
I took a few pictures when the place was a bit quiet but as it got busier, I could not get even a minute to take pictures.
Rishi and Maya came to visit after school, their eyes widened in surprise when they saw the crowd and the excitement. I was so happy to share this with my children.
It was a fun event and everyone loved the gallery and we got rave reviews about the art work.
It was a fabulous evening and my heartfelt thanks to each and everyone who came and made this event such a resounding success!!!