I remember the first time I’d seen my art hanging in an actual gallery. I’d felt my heart swell. You see, since I was a very young child I’ve had a deep love of creating art. I’d even intended to grow up and become an artist, but that dream fell by the wayside over the years as I became increasingly depressed and “life got in the way.”

When I learned that Shore House was going to have an art show in a real gallery, I was absolutely thrilled. Suddenly, that old life I’d imagined for myself came flooding back. I remember feeling like a creative being again.

I ordered a special dress for the Opening Reception—a black retro swing dress with white polka dots that matched my polka dot wedge heels. I even pulled out the crinoline I hadn’t worn in nearly twenty years. Slipping it on, I felt almost like my old self, creative and quirky and proud of the abilities I had. Abilities that I had forgotten were there.

I didn’t sell anything that night, but I received enough positive feedback to continue with my art. Two art shows later, I’d decided to go back to my roots, as it were, and start drawing again. I sold three pieces that night and felt like a “real” artist for the first time; an artist who might someday be able to support herself without Social Security. Since then, I’ve sold several more pieces and, for me, having my work and my contributions appreciated means everything.