Art Show Opening Tonight

Expressing ourselves whether by word or paint is basically putting ourselves out there for the world to see, to judge and to comment. When I worked in the investment and banking industry in the more conservative Midwest, I knew I had to keep my political opinions to myself. I remember as an officer at the banks I worked for that we received once a year a card to sign with our Fair Share printed on it for the United Appeal. If you were smart, you signed your card and accepted the fact that it was a form of "job insurance" and that it was a good idea to keep your head down because this was not the time to be recognized as sticking out. So, while you keep your opinions and your feelings to yourself, you nevertheless have your own opinions about the way society is run and the political polices that affect your life. By 1988, I had been working with bonds and other investment securities for 20 years, my children were older, and I was no longer coaching soccer. I had time to express my ideas and feelings in paint about the conservative society in which I lived. My political art started in 1988 and has continued to the present. Tonight I am participating in an art show with four other artists. My work is both political and social in content. I do not paint just pretty pictures. I am looking forward to seeing my friends and perhaps meeting a few new people. Cincinnati, like any city in America, is changing every day. So, perhaps they are more ready for my political art in 2009 than they were in 1992. I hope so.

Stay tuned.