Plein Air art show was dream come true

I am a hairstylist and artist, with many years experience in each.

I recently went to Catawba College to take part in the first N.C. Open Plein Air Festival. I’d like to take this time to thank Robin (not her real name, but she’ll recognize herself when she reads this in the paper).

I always wanted to go to college but was poor and moved around a lot with my parents as a child growing up. I was lucky to finish high school in one of their moving trips in New Jersey.

So stopping and starting became my way of life. Then, after I married and had two sons and found out my husband was very sick, I had to get a career fast. So I went to school. I learned to cut a fine head of hair and opened my first salon in N.J., operating it for 10 years, and then opened a second one in North Carolina.

I was hit by a drunk driver and in 1989 had more trouble, with nerve damage from head to toe. That’s why I am an artist today. The doctor asked me whether I had a hobby.

Painting in the Plein Air show was to special to me. Robin came to welcome me. I set up in front of the Omwake Dearborn Chapel and started to paint on Friday morning, Aug. 14.

I wanted to catch the first light coming through the cross at the top of the chapel. I got it on my Canon digital — beautiful — around 7:30 a.m. I painted until 11 and had to leave, but I wanted to say it was most enjoyable to have gone early. It was very beautiful to see it.

I felt like a dream had come true at college at last. At 74, I was doing what I loved — painting. I’m a little hard of hearing. That’s why I didn’t hear Robin’s real name.

We were both early birds  that Friday morning. Robin, thank you so much for making my day. It was nice meeting you, and I will find out your real name.

— Joyce Orphanoudakis

Salisbury