THAT WAS MY AUNTIE

by Leah Samuelson, Visual Arts Instructor

When we take the risk to create something, we all want the esteem of our peers- but maybe even more we desire the approval of our families. Danielle Moore demonstrated a reluctant perseverance on her panda bear mural and mask project, but her work was of good quality. During our celebration performance at the end of the arts camp the visual arts students formed a panel of production experts- open to audience questions about how they had constructed their projects. A woman from the audience shot a pointed question, “Danielle…(the room turned its gaze to Danielle and held its breath), did you ever make anything like this before?” Danielle answered no. The woman shot back, “Did you enjoy making this; would you do something like this again?” Danielle answered yes. There was a loaded pause. “It’s a wonderful job,” the woman said. Danielle looked ten feet tall in that moment. She had a smile on her face and she didn’t have to say another word. She held her work among her peers and her poise bore her pride.

I asked Danielle later the relation of her questioner. “That was my auntie,” she answered, “my mom was sitting on the other side of the audience.” I wondered at the power of standing between friends, surrounded by family while revealing our work. One publicly proclaimed affirmation may be enough fuel to power Danielle’s plunge into another ambitious artistic undertaking. A job well done brings the opportunity for encouragement. When both artist and viewer recognize the good work, self confidence is built; and that can accompany a young person as she stays more than the creative course.