Sunday, April 21, 2013

John's Fine Arts Senior Exhibit

My son, John, a Fine Arts major at Northern Illinois University, exhibited his work at his Senior Art Show last night.  I couldn't be more proud.


It was absolutely thrilling to see his work displayed so beautifully!


John exhibited thirteen pieces, which, I'm told, is a pretty substantial show . . .


The artist and one of the models hamming it up at the exhibit . . .


John asked me to coordinate the reception for the exhibit, and, well, he didn't have to twist my arm very hard . . .  There was a savory table with veggies, cheeses, and sandwiches . . .




And a sweet table, with some unbelievably delicious treats from new bakeries I had never used before.  Sometimes we take a leap of faith and land on our two feet!


The cupcake “artiste” - because this is no mere baker - made painter's palettes from fondant, including the brush, to top the cupcakes.  They were delicious to boot!  What a hit!


But I must say, the glory of the dessert table went to the cake pops.  They were so moist and flavorful and beautiful!  Here are the chocolate ones . . .


And here are the vanilla ones . . .


I wish I could take credit for the baking but I was too busy to bake, so I recruited Miss Joan's Cupcakes and Sweet Tooth Confections, both local vendors and bakers extraordinaires.


We had a non-alcoholic punch since the show took place in the school campus.  I found the recipe on Pinterest.  Click here for the recipe . . .


We made lemonade ice cubes, to keep the punch flavor vibrant as the ice dissolved, and we floated lemon slices for an extra kick - and because it looked so pretty . . .


Here I am, setting up the sweets table . . .


Here are the loves of my life:  My two sons, David (red shirt) and John, and my husband, Lee.


My brother and wonderful sister-in-law, Kathy, drove all the way from the Wisconsin border to see the exhibit . . .  My friend Patti and her husband drove an hour and a half from the city, to be with us, even though they had to get up early the next day to go to work . . .  We are so lucky in our family and friends, and so grateful that they were able to come!


And here are my three handsome boys . . .


I didn't notice this plaque until almost the end, which is a good thing, for I would have dissolved in a puddle of tears . . .


Did I mention how proud I am of this boy?  My cup runneth over . . .

10 comments:

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Congrats to your dear son and his parents too, dear Maria, I don't blame you for been proud of your artist, handsome son. You have a beautiful family of men and you are: "la reina de la casa"!! The table you coordinated looks wonderful with amazing food, which is making me drool, right now! What a wonderful celebration and yes..'your cup runeth over'. Have a great week.
FABBY

Barb said...

I wish I could have been there. It all looks wonderful. Congratulations to John for a great art show and congratulations to you Maria for taking the art show a little farther with the beautiful table and food. I also love the family photo.

Nicki said...

Many congratulations to John for a job well done and a successful exhibition. I love when it is time for Senior Art Exhibits and those food tables would be 'the icing on the cake' so to speak. You may not have made everything, but you presented it with unparalleled panache.

Angela2932 said...

Another person chiming in, wishing I could have been there to congratulate John, and to you too, Maria! Your dessert and savory tables were also art! And by the way, you are looking fantastic! What a year of accomplishments!

Alycia Nichols said...

Well, heck yes your cup runneth over...and over, and over, and over again!!!! Congratulations to your sweet John on a job incredibly well done! And congratulations to you and your husband who have been there for him. It may take a village to raise a child, but the parents are the rulers of the roost who are ultimately responsible for the little ones who grow into fine adults. You did a magnificent job on creating a beautiful reception table for the guests!!! You picked some real winners for creating the sweets, and everything just looked great!

You have a fine family, Maria, and I extend good wishes and ask for blessings upon you all!

Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest said...

So, how cool is it to be Mom to the artist/the chef/the person in the limelight? Very, very cool, so I immediately understood why you did this post--it's so cool to be proud of our children and be able to recognize them and their accomplishments. Then you moved to the (beautiful) tables and gorgeous food, and I understood why you did this post. The simple forsythia stems made a huge, striking statement, and the food is art itself. And THEN...the thank-you/acknowledgement letter. I understood why you included it, and why it was rightfully left for last--because you saw it at then end (which was a good thing!), and because it was the perfect close for your post, leaving me with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. :)

Lovely post, Maria. Congratulations to your son, and to you and your husband, and your boys, for the lovely family you have. ~Zuni

PS Thank you for visiting my Urban Oasis post. :)

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Maria, I have the shivers just reading that beautiful message and feeling the love you have for your sons and hubby! Congratulations to John and I hope he finds just what he is looking for after graduation! Your goodies look scrumptious!!! Such a beautiful presentation too--maybe he gets his talent from you! Linda

Natalie Barczyk said...

All of this is so great. Thanks for sharing and letting me see your creative side (as well as your families' creative side!) Love it!

Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest said...

Hi, Maria. This is the email I wrote in response to your comment about my painted theatre seat, but I couldn't send it, because it's a no-reply. So here it is, via a comment!

Gracias! I think you’re right; it is warmer, more charming now. It wasn’t an original idea to paint it. I saw one at a shop last year, in more of a teal (which I LOVE), and I took a picture as a reminder to do ours, then quickly forgot. Then I recently saw one on Pinterest, and I thought, “this is IT; I’m doing it!”

Thanks for stopping by. Happy Mother’s Day, Mamá. I hope you get to spend it with the boys. ~Zuni

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Hi, Thank you for your sweet comment on my yellow depression glass tablescape. Here's another post using my vintage hankies: http://thingsienjooy.blogspot.com/2009/07/tablescape-thursday-yellow-rose-tea.html

I enjoyed browsing your blog.

Katherine