Update - August 2011 meeting reflection

By Cahty Shouse

Meetings aren't my favorite activities. (Are they anybody's?) That's why I'm glad when I find an organization where meetings aren't really meetings. They feel like friendly gatherings. Since my schedule hadn't cooperated so that I could attend a Pen Woman meeting for awhile, I was especially happy to be able to go on August 19tth. Our hostess was Barb Kehoe, our membership chairman.

Barb is very suited to her job in the chapter. I should know. She "dragged" me into the group before she officially became membership chair. Of course, she was the president. I was a tough sell. Did I mention I don't like meetings? But Barb was persistent. And once I saw these weren't really "meetings" and that as women in the arts, we automatically "get" one another, it wasn't long before I joined. Such a warm, inviting group of women!

Friday the 19th, we convened in Barb's lovely dining room for a meal of pasta, finished off with snicker doodle cookies, catered by Judy Baker. Yes, there was other food, but I would have been satisfied with just those two delectable selections. Yum!


We ate at two separate tables and at our table, we covered a variety of topic, including the Kardashians. Think cocktail party talk, except there was no alcohol, and it was around noon, before the weekend even kicked off. Divine!

Member Holly Miller gave a talk on "Norman and Me", reflecting on her time as editor for The Saturday Evening Post. Norman referred to Norman Rockwell, who did the Post's covers for decades. No, she didn't get to meet him. However, her story of the history of the magazine was fascinating. I hadn't realized it started out as a weekly (I think) and had so many over-sized pages someone said it took about 18 hours to read it. That's the number I think she said. I was enthralled and didn't even take notes, which is unusual for me. I'm a journalist, after all. My favorite part was Holly's initial interview with the Post, and Cory SerVass hiring her on the spot to interview a celebrity that same afternoon. See, Holly's from Anderson and, to give herself an edge, had read the Indy Star before the interview in Indianapolis. Holly tipped Cory off to the celebrity going to be in town, per the newspaper, and they were off and rolling--literally. The two women went to the interview with Holly driving Cory's car--a Cadillac or something. (I’m not a car person, either.) What an unusual start to a long-term business relationship. How spunky Holly was--and still is.

Holly's was a great talk for Ella to bring her guest, Jan Lewis. Laurie Lunsford brought her mother, Willa Mae Stevenson. Laurie was excited to share that she's gotten a position as interactive art specialist at Parkview Hospital, where she'll work with poetry and other arts with the residents. Jude is still writing for Maximum Living magazine and showed us her latest article.

I always like to hear what others are doing and go home inspired to kick up my work a notch.

Charlotte Shepperd talked about  Dear Me: Advice to Our Younger Selves, a book published in August 2011. She edited it and contributed, too. She worked with the Savvy Dames, who created the project. The title says it all. Charlotte wrote for the chapter about children, organized the chapters and collaborated in other ways. Indeed, it takes a village to publish a book. What a great reminder. None of us really does art alone, although it can feel like it sometimes. That's what's nice about connecting with artsy friends!

Calligrapher Paula Sullivan

Introducing our newest Member, Paula Sullivan!

Repost from Jude Urbanski, Muncie, IN Branch NLAPW President

Welcome Paula! Tell us about yourself, Paula. Where were you born? School? Children?

Thanks, Jude, for having me today. I was born and raised in Indiana. Married for 25 years and divorced. Have two wonderful daughters and four precious grandsons, including a set of twins. Graduated from Muncie Central High School. I'm a proud Bearcat!

You're a great calligrapher and I'm wondering how long you've been working at your art? When and how did you begin?

I've been a professional calligrapher, or lettering artist, for 31 years. My love for this art began at age 12 when my Father bought me a book about lettering. I started drawing letters and even designed my own. I spent many years doing posters, signs, quotes, and note cards.

Is there any particular thing which inspired you?

The book on lettering that my Father brought home to me was my impetus, but I'd say my break through or my real passion began once I took a workshop at the Ball State University Museum of Art and learned how to use a lettering pen. This was an improvement over my drawing the letters and coloring them in. I practiced every day for one year, before I accepted any payment for my work.

That is a wonderful story, Paula. I'm sure your Father was pleased. What piece of your work makes you most proud?

There are three actually. The RESOLUTION I lettered for the Minnetrista Cultural Center is one. I also lettered the song, Wind Beneath My Wings, which we placed with both of my parents when they died. Then I lettered a quote found in my sister's pocket upon her untimely death at age 17. Twenty-one years later, I had the opportunity to present this piece to her high school class.

I can see why those pieces would make you proud. Mention some of your clients, Paula. Any commissions?

I've been fortunate enough to be commissioned by the notable Muncie Ball Family, the Muncie Minnetrista Cultural Center, the Pan Am Games, Life Touch Portraits, Ball State University, the Muncie Symphony and the American Red Cross. I've also done work for local businesses, individuals and Tri Kappa Sorority.

How impressive! You also teach calligraphy don't you, Paula? Please tell us about that aspect.

Thank you. Actually, I have taught several years and to over 200 students.

Quite an accomplishment in itself. Paula, how do you fit your art into your daily schedule? I find this is always a challenge.

Well, I do have a 'day job' and have had even two sometimes! I most often find myself fitting my art jobs into the last part of the day. Late at night after family needs are met.

It seems most of us have events in life which challenge us. Can you tell us about one of yours?

The loss of my 17 year-old-sister and the loss of both of my parents impacted my life. Yet through sorrow I found the meaning of joy. So, I've tried hard to spend my life comforting and encouraging others through my work by bringing them from sorrow to joy.

I like that. There's even a favorite Bible verse of mine which fits just what you're saying. In II Cor 1:3-4 it says Praise be to the God …of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Where else do you find inspiration for your work and life, Paula?

Through my faith in knowing God. The sorrow and pain in my life have made me lean on God and He in turn has given me the strength to create my work and allowed me to comfort others while I receive the joy of healing in my life.

When I'm doing my art, I'm in a different world, which gives me a feeling of pure joy. I was taught that it is in giving we receive. No matter the circumstances, my passion and dedication to my art have never wavered.

Tell us 'a secret' or something we don't know about you, Paula.

Well, I was in the movie that all Indianans love-The Hoosiers. I did a lettering marathon. For 7.5 hours a day, five days a week for three months, I lettered 9,000 names on photographs for Life Touch. My fingers were numb for a long time!

If you could meet any person in history, who would it be and why?

Joyce Meyer, the incredible inspirational speaker and author. She has endured and overcome great odds in her life by knowing God and allowing Him to lead. In turn, she inspires thousands with her strength, wisdom courage and faith.

Do you have any parting words for us?

I do. I'd like to share my favorite mottos: DON'T POSTPONE JOY and FIND STRENGTH IN THE LOVE THAT SURROUNDS YOU. Thanks for having me, Jude.