The CGRTA "Region Strong" Award
I really have a hard time celebrating me.
How about you? Anyone else really find it hard to take credit, bask in accomplishments, receive, and just celebrate the work that went into something?
Mid February of 2024 I received a letter in the mail from the Cumberland Gap Region Tourism Association (CGRTA) stating my nomination for the “Region Strong” 2023 Artist of the year.
I am not going to lie this letter sat on the corner of the kitchen island for almost two month awaiting my response for ticket reservations. Two months! In those two months it made eye contact with me awaiting my response.
This is not a Grammy, Nobel Peace Prize, or Purple Heart, but recognition of a small artistic seed that helps grow to impact a glimpse of this life. That means something to me. It means that efforts have not been unnoticed in the 41+ murals, shows, and community events across county lines and state lines.
I ordered my tickets, rallied my amazing support team of my wonderful husband and art community and made our way to the event. The place was packed to the brim. I saw so many familiar faces from cities I have worked in and that was settling.
Let me backtrack for a moment and explain the CGRTA. The Cumberland Gap Region Tourism Association is a non-profit of neighboring counties that work together (across at least three state lines) to promote each other and create impactful Tourism. Over ten counties! That is a lot of travel and these amazing folks are dedicated to promoting each other. <— I can get on board with that.
As the evening went on multiple introductions were made and about two handfuls of awards were given out. One for each region (county). Leaders, mayor's, small businesses, volunteers, historians, musicians, and the list goes on. These people were incredible, incredible I tell you!!! Many of them I have had the honor to witness their work and it was very filling to hear short bios on each of them and their works in and around their community. The hours people put in, their care for their community, the strides and impact, the selflessness, ethic and care these people possess…..I have no words but gratitude these people exist.
Upon being introduced, walking up and receiving your award you also had the opportunity to say a short thing or two. Well, there was definitely no way I had the words. I don’t even remember everything that was said in my introduction, pretty sure I was just awkwardly frozen with a stupid grin on my face. But I remember nodding in agreement on the impact the arts and public art can make in a community.
The thing is I am only one of many Artists and Muralist in the region/state that work to make an impact in their community and the region. It isn't just me that deserves credit for this, it's many many artists. The Region is Strong because we have cities, artists, facilitators, and creators who work to make it strong. Even though this award has my name on it, it represents multiple artists making better and stronger communities. Markets, gallery events, artist meet ups, performing, mentoring, live art, teaching, and supporting the arts because they contribute to the health and quality of life in a place.
I’m not sure who nominated me, but thank you. Knowing that my work (and the work of mamy) is truly making a positive impact and inspiring others refills my spirit. I didn’t have the words before, but I hope this is a glimpse of my gratitude.