Miss Gracious

A few years ago while at a piano concert performed by Julian Gargiulo, I met Denise Garrido.

Julian gets crowned by Denise in the parking lot.

She has been in the news recently. She was crowned Miss Universe Canada for a day only to find out that the judges miscalculated the points!

Denise Garrido at the concert

She has been on every radio show and TV talk show for the last 2 days. I must say she is very gracious in all her interviews...like a true Miss Universe! Commendable.

from left to right:
me, Christina Rowlandson, Julian Gargiulo, Denise Garrido, friend

Through meeting the group (seen above), I was able to connect with the Diabetes Association spokes person from the Cayman Islands (C. Rowlandson) which is where Ad Maiora Canada and Ad Maiora (Verona) donated blue quilts for the newly diagnosed children.

I also became good friends with Julian. His music was the inspiration for one of my art pieces.

Julian Smokes
(he doesn't by the way!!)
67 cm x 83 cm
 It actually isn't finished yet!

Julian Smokes, detail
hand embroidery, stamped afbric

Julian Smokes, detail
hand embroidery, stamped fabric

Publicity is Always Good

Is it good even when you don't know what to say? (I was hoping they'd cut that bit out!)

Castelvecchio on a sunny morning in Verona

Telepace has a program on Italian TV called La Voce delle Donne.

I took some pictures of the actual TV when
the interview aired.

I was interviewed during Verona Tessile in Castelvecchio where Canadians McCavour and Brelih had their work exhibited.

Talking about Ad Maiora Canada
while standing in front of Amanda McCavour's work
in the prestigious Sala Boggian at Castelvecchio.

Episode #29 aired in April.

Talking about Gordana Brelih's work behind me.

You can see the 20 minute program by clicking here.

Talking about Amanda McCavour's work behind me.

If you only want to see me (!) I am on from 4:00 onward.

Press Conference

Verona.

Verona's Ponte Pietra seen from our breakfast spot along the Adige.

Today, Verona Tessile organizers had a press conference at the Comune di Verona.

President of Ad Maiora, Maria Teresa Sansotta, in front of City Hall

Lots of press, government delegates, sponsor representatives and the TV cameras were present.

Verona's blue and yellow city flag

They talked about the international exhibits, stressing the Canadian ones (there are three). They talked about when women get together and are open minded they can accomplish so many things together. They talked about the art of expressing oneself using fabric as a medium, never making a separation between the quilts and the "art work". They talked about the collaboration of the book store Feltrinelli in Verona and also in Mantova where there will be some workshops. Speakers were the minister of culture for Verona, Antonia Pavesi, the president of Ad Maiora, Maria Teresa Sansotta, The representative of the main sponsor Banca Popolare di Verona, the curator at Castel Vecchio (a museum), and the representative of Feltrinelli.

Leaving the conference

It was a success and we went out to celebrate with an Aperol spritz.

Aperol is a typical Italian "aperitivo"

The official opening reception for the textile festival is next Monday!