State of Grace
Sooooo it was just your birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!), and I feel really mushy gushy and have to tell you that I miss you. A ton. I miss laughing and creating with you. I kinda lost my fire and drive a while ago. I tried for a while to get it back, but I couldn't find it, and my mom felt that change would be good to get back to that hard working girl I was. But working with you was better for me than I ever could have imagined. I got the courage to explore things outside of theater and truly become an everything artist. You also taught me that loving myself and the people dear to me is most important. You are kind, considerate, and so generous. Meeting and working with you have been some of the best points thus far in my creative career. I know this all sounds like excuses and like I'm totally kissing your ass just because I feel guilty, but I couldn't just go without saying it, and I had to tell you how much you are loved. Not just by me (although I think you are INCREDBILE).
All of my love,
Your faux mermaid daughter – Grace Bollinger, Voice
P.S. – I saw the stand with my mermaid ribbons tied on to it a while ago at the studio. I can’t tell you how happy it made me and how much comfort it brought. Sending you all my love and lots and lots of hugs.
Thank you, Grace. I’ve missed you terribly.
Now you are here, again beside me… For now, my life is blessed. from Les Misérables
I opened Hickory Arts for Shannon and then, of course, for the very purpose of allowing time to develop closer, surgical bonds with our developing artists. You and I spent three years together, including our amazing Les Miz journey, and I took for granted that our sessions would continue through your senior year and beyond.
I understand struggling with drive, ambition, competition, rejection, and all of those nasty obstacles artists are always faced with. Unfortunately, that’s not just “the arts,” it’s “life.” Pace yourself. One of my mentors said, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”
You’re exceptional, Grace. John and I did our best to push and motivate you. We very much appreciate the support and faith your family have had in us.
I wish you the very best. In art, in business, in anything... we are always our own worst enemies. My dad said, “Never give up, always keep your word, and never lose the person you were meant to be.”
Like those who mentored me, like those I’m fortunate enough to mentor... I pray you’ll find someone to personally invest in when you get older. It’s a wonderful feeling.
On this page, I write my last confession. Read it well, when I at last am sleeping. It’s the story of one who always loved you. from Les Misérables
Best,
Jeff Hartman, Artistic Director
Artist Portrait Courtesy of Carol Anne Hartman Photography
