Beauty

Beauty

I was just recently recruited to volunteer at an event held at Affirmations. Not really knowing much about it before arriving was probably for the best. What I did know was that the center was putting on display a number of paintings by an individual I had never heard of, one Mr. Jack Whitehead. All I knew was that he had been diagnosed with cancer and as a result, painted an enormous collection of scenes. Without much direction except to not wear jeans, I really had no idea of what to expect.

I showed up looking sharp. It was a good thing too. My dress ranged from a dark to a kind of light, shimmering grey, held onto my figure by a black belt that buckled twice in front. My black, leather boots went almost to my knees and sported a two-inch heel, with a thick silver buckle on the outsides of my calves. I looked good, but nothing compared to the beauty that surrounded me.

Forty-six pieces were on display in the gallery. The Aff Café, which normally serves coffee, espresso, and an assortment of sandwiches, was decorated instead with multiple trays with grapes, strawberries, and three different kinds of cheese. Behind the counter, complimentary wine and sparkling lemonade were being served. In a large conference room, opened up by a wall of windows adjacent to the front gallery, there were about twenty pieces and a video continuously playing throughout the evening about the life of the artist. A very dignified-looking woman was hired to play the piano throughout the course of the evening and when on break, a self-playing keyboard played the “Twin Peaks” soundtrack. The lights were dimmed and the room took on a romantic ambience. Couples and singles began filing into the center immediately upon opening the doors at 7pm. It did not take long for the place to fill up, and everybody seemed to be having a wonderful time. I took my position behind the front desk, in charge of answering the phones if they rang, and answering any questions if...