by Dr John Talevich

At the beginning of May, I found myself in Seattle participating in Antioch University's 35th Gala. My daughter-in-law, Jessica, is an intern in their art therapy program and had asked me to design a mandala for the faculty to construct at the event; she also asked if I might have a few pieces of art to submit to the art show. Having said yes to both requests, here I was, surrounded by some 400 folks and having a good time celebrating the university's success. The Susan Wallis-designed art form which was used in the faculty event became a stunning piece of work, now belonging to the school's permanent collection and on display at the university.

As the evening wore on, and the crowds began to dwindle, I was face to face with a young lady of a certain age (I don't want to insult her) who may well still be playing with dolls. She asked me with clear eyes and a clearer intent: "Is that yours?" pointing to a piece called Piggyback Frog, I said, "Yes, that's one of mine," She continued, "It's my favorite," while her eyes widened. "Well," I replied, "if it doesn't sell by the end of the show in a month, you can have it. How about that?" Her mother soon came up and asked me if, in fact, I said what she'd been told. "Yeah, that's what I told her." I gave them my card and told them to call me when the show was over. I did not think further about getting a call.

Well into the first weeks of June, I had heard nothing. Then - a call on my office machine: "Hi John, this is Ruby - do you remember at the … (mother’s voice in the background: “Antioch art show”) … yeah, when we were talking about (Mother again: “your art piece”) … and you said if it didn’t sell that you would (Mother: “talk about it”) …yeah and our number is …. bye”. Wait!! Don’t hang up! I can’t make out that number!!

A looong pause later, Ruby's mother got on the line and added, "Hi Dr. John, this is Ruby's mom, Amy, and we met you at the Gala art show. We were wondering if the piece had sold. We hope for your sake that it has, but if not, well, Ruby has thought about it every day since the show, she just loves that piece! Would you give us a call? Our number AGAIN is ----. Bye!"

A few days later, I was able to contact Amy and shortly thereafter, the piece was picked up. It now resides where, I suspect, it was always intended to be~ deep within little Ruby's heart.