In 1972 I was an art student taking drawing classes in Sherzer Hall at Eastern Michigan University, last week I returned to Sherzer Hall for a drawing class at the age of 72. It took me seventeen years to get my bachelor of fine arts degree than two masters degrees in my sixties and now, having taught at EMU for eight years, I’m returning to the thing that started it all those years ago, drawing.

When I applied for admission to the art school I was interviewed by Kingsley Calkins, department head at the time. I took in my little portfolio of the few things I’d drawn and painted, one was a watercolor of a fall landscape (8 x 10). I varnished it, framed it and it hung on the wall of our home for many years. I might still have it tucked away in one of my folders of old work. I also still have my original acceptance letter, it is a signpost of my life, one of those moments when you really feel good about yourself, something you have accomplished all on your own. Even though I’ve accomplished pretty much everything I’ve set out to do, this one moment, this one letter was the beginning.

Now, for class this coming Tuesday I’m supposed to find a new artist or new website, some avant-garde example and be ready to share with the class. However, I was curious about the art of Kingsley Calkins, I really didn’t remember what type of art he did. I can see his face and almost hear his voice because for my last class, after taking classes for seventeen years, I took a study abroad class in Paris, with Kingsley Calkins, Sharon Harrison, and Richard Fairfield in May of 1987. So, I did a Google search and found one image and an Oral History Interview with Kingsley Mark Calkins, 1979 June 19 done by the Smithsonian Archives of American Art. I then searched the ARTstore database on the Halle library website and found nothing. That is such a shame since he was department head for many years.

Then I pulled out my journal from the Paris trip that was part of our homework from Kingsley Calkins. I saved the note King and Sharon wrote about my journal, it brought tears to my eyes as I read them because they are both gone now.

I need to get back to the ‘little brown” drawing that is also due Tuesday. I’ll insert it here when it’s done. I also have to finish prepping for my writing classes.

Loved this little trip down memory lane. Blessings!