Working in the service industry (a euphemism for bartender), my oldest daughter always has some of the most interesting friends that I have ever met. They are amazing young people from all walks of life that happen to have met up in the same place at the same time and struck up friendships that went beyond last call.
A couple of weeks ago, she was telling me about her friend, Mike, who is a local artist. This piqued my interest, since I am a HUGE fan of not only shopping locally, but supporting local artists as well. The most unique art in my home has come from right here in the New Orleans area and those few pieces mean more to me than all of the rest put together. There is a heart and soul to our local artists and their work that surpasses the average. They travel off the beaten path, flout the conventions and defy expectations. They celebrate the uniqueness not just of our city and region, but of themselves as well.
Anyway, back to Mike... My daughter explained to me that she wanted to purchase one of his works for me as a Christmas gift, but could not afford it. No mother wants her kids to spend their hard earned money on her anyway, so I brushed it off, telling her how much I appreciated her thinking of me when she saw it and even remembering how much I like stuff like that. So, imagine my surprise when she showed up on Christmas Eve, with a small, freshly painted NoLA Rising piece for my collection!
Here is what makes the story so quintessentially New Orleans... She received a phone call last week from her friend, artist Michael Dingler, telling her to stop by his house the next day. He instructed her to check under his front steps for a gift. When she questioned him, he told her it was "something for your Momma". I had NEVER met Mike....but he knew that his friend's momma was interested in what he does, and went out of his way to make sure that I had a present from my daughter that reflected that.
This is a young man that is trying to raise awareness for the arts in our city, encouraging the public display of art and attempting to start a non-profit organization to supply art to families that have rebuilt their homes post Katrina. He wants to provide original artwork to the new home owners in the Musician's Village and to the eventual owners of homes being built as part of Brad Pitt's project, Make It Right.
When some naysayer wants to know why we stay, why we choose to rebuild our city, why we won't abandon hundreds of years of history, I only have to look at one small piece of art...
...and I know why.
p.s. I was able to meet Mike personally this past week, and he attended our Carnival Ball last night. What a charming, articulate, passionate person...a wonderful representative of all that is right with the world. Please visit his blog or his website, and take advantage of the opportunity to own your own unique piece of NoLA Rising.
Thanks again, Mike! All the best,
Leslie's momma
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What a beautiful story. I just went over and checked out Mike's website and it is so well done. His art is varied and interesting. His "About Me" is fascinating and makes me want to meet him. How thoughtful for him to give the gift.
Ahhh....I love this story and I completely get why you stay. I'll check out the site.
Exactly! (But if you ever had to go somewhere, you can always come to Texas.)
Amanda, now there is an invitation I may have to take you up on one day. I've never been to Fort Worth!
Just over a year ago, I was in New Orleans as a guest speaker at NAR. I fell inlove with your city and the people living there. I have never before seen such pride, courage and determination in my life.
This one street performer really touched my heart with how good he could sing. I hope to see him on American Idol one day.
I admire the way you support your city and the talent in it. Good for you and I cheer you on!
Hi Lisa and Amanda: Did I see someone mention Fort Worth? I hear it is such a great place to live, and a great place to be a Realtor, too. Such nice people here. And the home prices make this great city very affordable.
Lisa, what a great story you tell. It sounds like your daughter can be a great source of post material for you if your posting brain ever runs dry for a few minutes. Thanks for sharing both the story and the painting with us. Have a Great New Year ! By the way, I think the lack of attention our current "administration" has paid to rebuilding New Orleans is a national tragedy. They should be ashamed.
Amanda, you are officially elected as tour guide :)
Jessica, we tend to be close knit here. I always joke that the 6 degrees of separation are actually about 2 in NOLA, and I don't think that's a bad thing. I love my city and always will.
Karen Anne, you are now the co-tour guide when I get to Fort Worth! We won't even go into the government's "help" for the entire region, not just New Orleans.
Andrew, take the time to visit the NoLA Rising website. There is a great video where Mike explains what they are doing and how people are reacting to it. Music and art is an integral part of the culture here and I support them whenever I get the chance, as should everyone in their own areas.
:-)
Hug your kiddo, she is a good soul.
Inna, thanks for those kind words! You know that you are welcome here anytime :)
Elizabeth, she is not only special, she is fabulous (and so is Mike). Happy New Year to you and your family. I hope that 2008 is an incredible year for you all.
John, have you been here before, because you get it! They are just trying to bring art to everyone. There was a terrific comment on Mike's blog from someone who was having a bad day at work, stepped outside and saw one of his pieces on a pole...she shared with him how he brought a smile to her face and helped turn a bad day into a not so bad one. Who wouldn't aspire to something like that?
Thanks for your New Year's wishes! The same to you and yours.
Hi Lisa, Thanks for sharing with us. I looked at Mike's website and blog. Will go back and read it more closely later. Of course, when you mentioned that he's a NOLA artist I had to check him out. I love art -- especially Louisiana art!!! :)
Of course, his last name caught my eye, I grew up with Dingler's in Lake Charles. At first, I thought maybe he was from that family...
Lisa,
Reading your post brings back some good memories of living in NO. I loved the local artists and can't wait to get back down there to visit again. Mike sounds like a great guy.