Showtime. After the many months of preparations and hard work, tonight was the opening of my solo exhibit, "Beyond Boundaries: Visions from the South Unit of Badlands National Park." I was told multiple times by different staff members at the Dahl Arts Center that the turnout was fantastic for an out of town artist's show. There were quite a lot of people there, and the night went well despite having to speak and conduct a Q&A session. Some tough, even philosophical, questions, but I seem to have fielded them well. Whew. I was very happy to have all my parkie friends present, and even the superintendent made it over. He will be giving a lecture at the Dahl about the South Unit and Tribal National Park sometime in April. There were many more attendees who were not from the park, including a city councilman and the Nature Conservancy's director. Had wonderful conversations with each of them, and many others who have spent time in and around the South Unit. After the reception wound down, we went out to celebrate. Katie, wonderful friend that she is, thought up the marvelous idea of getting a family suite to share at the historic Alex Johnson hotel, which is just two blocks form the Dahl. Made for a very easy and relaxing night, not having to drive the hour and a half back to our housing at the park. Thank you again to the Badlands Natural History Association for funding the AiR program, park staff who maintain the AiR program, and all my friends, old and new, who make Badlands feel like a second home each time I stay. The Dahl posted related photos on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thedahl
