Mary Palmer – Analog Artist Digital World

Susan Bright hosted a book signing at her home in Winter Park on April 7th. The book, Teaching Through the ARTS: WRITING Volume 1, was written by Susan Rosoff and Mary Palmer. I was one of the first guests to arrive and I sketched the dining nook where the authors were going to sign books. Gradually the place grew crowded, but I kept my attention focused on the authors. I’ve met Mary Palmer often at other arts and charity events around town. She is a huge supporter of incorporating art in education.

I was introduced to several intriguing artists at this signing. One artist, Susan Sorenson, did the colorful wire sculptures that were in front of the Orlando Museum of Art. Her work is exhibited across the country and apparently the pieces are quite heavy. Another artist, Que Throm, has a second home out in San Miguel Mexico with an art studio that she shares with her husband, Cicero Greathouse, who is also a renowned abstract painter. I was pleased that she knew about and respected the work that I do. It seems that my sketehes were used as inspiration for a drawing workshop that Que attended. Such a small world.

I quickly thumbed through the book, Teaching Through the Arts, and was pleased to see that Vincent Van Gogh‘s paintings were used to illustrate principles talked about. A letter written by Vincent to his brother Theo discussed what Vincent was trying to express in his work. Theo helped support his brother’s addiction to art by sending small sums of money that often went towards paint rather than food.

The dining nook windows offered a scenic view of a lake and sunlight filled the room that buzzed with excited conversations. I had two Cokes that kept me buzzing as I sketched.

Mary Palmer opened her home to host a recital by Dr. Gary Wolf on Piano and Mati Braun on Violin. Gary Wolf was Distinguished Professor of Music at UCF and he is Professor Emeritus of music at UCF and is Artist-in-Residence in the Music Department of Rollins College. Mati studied at Juilliard in New York City. He was principle violinist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and he was a violinist with a the New York Philharmonic from 1969-2006. They played Sonatas from 18th & 20th century. Veracini, Mozart, Beethoven & Sibelius. Introducing Beethoven, Mati said, “Beethoven’s music is therapeutic. If I play music at a hospital it would have to be Beethoven. This piece is almost lighthearted although Beethoven was a very serious man.”
Perhaps fifteen to twenty people sat in the living room to listen. Mary collects African drums which added splashes of bright color around the piano. This event was a fundraiser for “A Gift for Music.” AGFM is an offshoot of A Gift for Teaching. Sally Carter the director of A Gift for Music was at the recital to explain the program. This program offers violin lessons twice a week to students in six low income schools around Central Florida. 460 students benefit from the program each year. Third grade students are offered beginning violin classes and fourth and fifth grade students are given the opportunity to continue violin training in advanced classes. The AGFM Orchestra gives advanced students a chance to perform on stage. Students can choose from violin, viola, cello or bass. They rehearse Saturday afternoons and perform several times a year. Students are loaned instruments for home practice. A Gift for Music has touched the lives of over 7,200 students and their families in Central Florida. When a child blossoms and finds a way to express themselves through music, we all benefit. Donations to help keep A Gift for Music running are always accepted.
“What I have in my heart and soul must find a way out. That is the reason for music.”
– Ludwig Van Beethoven