The geometry of a mentor and the shape of the connections we make.

This evening, I picked a cup of raspberries from my berry patch and walked them down to my elderly neighbors.  We have a tradition of tipping them back and enjoying the mouthful of berries instead of savoring them one by one.  She took a fall the other day and spent the night in the hospital, I watched her dog.  I am concerned that she may not be here when I return.  My berries may have been an “Ok, nice to know you” moment and a final goodbye. 

There have been so many people in my life who have impacted me and my trajectory over the years.  To those who have changed and challenged my course, I am eternally grateful!

I think about Mrs. Ellie Varney, my first Finnish teacher and how lucky I was to have access to such an amazing program in my early elementary education in such a small town.  Mrs. Varney was an energetic and enthusiastic teacher of Finnish language and culture.  She sparked a lifelong appreciation for my Finnish heritage and without her I may not have attended Finlandia University or Studied in Kuopio.

Mrs. Karen Jacobson was my high school art teacher. She let me join the high school art club when I was only in the 5th grade.  In my later high school years she let me explore new mediums and unstructured time as an independent art student.  She also helped connect me to others who would go on to artistic careers with her endless encouragement and enthusiasm keeping in touch with many of her students.

Mary Biekkola Wright was a force known to many.  Her community involvement art projects compelled many who deemed themselves as not creative to participate in projects that were imaginative as they were inclusive.  Our partnership for the summer leading up to my senior year and the project that gave old chairs new life and welcomed to FinFest in Marquette, MI will not be forgotten.

My professors at Finlandia University encouraged myself and all the other brilliant students all wide-eyed with creativity.  Phyllis Fredendall, Niki Belkowski, Rick Loduha, John Brookhouse and Joyce Koskenmaki were the arts core, but I was impacted by all the students as well.  So many educators on my list!

My good friend Nita, who in my early years of organizing was part of many of the same efforts.  Her insight on arts organizations and galleries from the inside informed some of my early efforts.  It was Nita, who I lost most recently.  She passed this spring.

I am amazed when I think of all of the strong women who “mothered” me over the years.   To my family near and far. To everyone who has crossed my path with a lesson to share, I’m so grateful for the fond memories.