Many of you know of the impact of Helene in my area. I lost my studio, the area around the home was so damaged and Freeman was diagnosed with Alzheimer's all in a few days.
We moved into my showroom 5 miles away.
With the help of many friends, family, disaster relief, grants and offers, I now have a new studio next to the old showroom. It is all still a mess, tiny house etc.
I am currently making a few pieces at the Arrowhead gallery and studios in Old Fort, NC.
I am extremely grateful for that space as I would not have my hands in clay since Helene otherwise.
My new studio 90% complete, needs skirting and a kiln shed.
This retrospective spans two galleries as I have pieces from everywhere I have worked across the country since 1968.
I would love to see you all and thank you personally for your appreciation of my work.
Reception at Nanu Gallery June 6th 2-4
Come see us in Old Fort, it is making a great recovery from the Helene damage.
With over 50 artists involved, I'm seeing some creative uses with materials in several different mediums.
I have updated my GoFundMe page:
May 8
Maggie JonesBeneficiary
I have a kiln shed now and my small "hot-rod" kiln is in. Freeman dubbed it that when it was new.
I have not updated this gofundme for quite a while and really thought I would be able to take it down.
However, Freeman has shifted fairly dramatically and I am reaching out to find help with care giving.
Molly is sharing space in this new studio but has not quite begun. Hopefully it will give me time away from him.
Ever have a toddler test you to see where the line is? Behavior is great with sitters and friends yet horrible with you as parent? I am going through that now. The difference is that a toddler can learn whereas Freeman's ability to learn or follow through is gone. He is also sensitive to how I say things. There is no reasoning, only distraction which is difficult and draining.
This is hard. I don't know what I will need financially, the help I have received so far has made life bearable, a place to go to ease my mind and I thank you all... but the state of things is scary.
At 73, I still need to produce an income to get through this.