I'm not sure how to put this into words but here's my best attempt...
I am still on a high from the 40/40 Exhibit last Thursday, August 26th 2021.
Originally this seed of an idea was my way of shinning a light on the privilege of aging and the insight learned along the way. However, very quickly it unexpectedly manifested into that AND so much more. This campaign helped women on a deeper level than I could have dreamed of which in turn showed me that I am capable of more than just a pretty picture.
It was surreal to be standing in the middle of the Carnegie Art Center surrounded by images of so many beautiful, strong and powerful women who showed up for themselves by participating in this empowering campaign.
Oddly, it was this moment that made me feel like an actual professional artist for the very first time.
I'm so grateful for all of the amazing women who participated in this campaign. Each one of these ladies pushed outside of their comfort zone and said YES to a new experience and opportunity.
They said YES to documenting themselves as they are.
They said YES to celebrating life and the beauty in the process of growing and evolving as we age.
They said YES to celebrating not only themselves but the other powerful women who participated as well. Proving that when we come together as a community, we can make a much larger impact.
They said YES to this photography process and they trust my vision for this project.
Just WOW!
I am proud to know each one of you!
Ladies, thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my little idea of celebrating women a reality. Your support and love will never be forgotten.
A big shout out to the Carnegie Art Center for their beautiful space that held so much love and light that very special night.
Thank you @natalie brown for all of your guidance with this event and for laying out the gallery images to make such a gorgeous visual display.
Thank you Shaun Handley for capturing this event so that we can always remember the amazing energy in the room that night.
Thank you Webster's Bistro & Bar staff and Andrea Piotrowski for all of your hard work in coordinating and serving the food and beverages with a smile.
Thank you Megan Lederhouse for handling all the PR on this event in hopes of spreading the mission of this campaign with others in the community.
Thank you Robert Johnson & Andrea Zaccarella for keeping our ears happy and hearts with your musical talents. You were the perfect touch to this event.
Thank you to Sue’s Frame of Mind for all of your hard work on framing these gorgeous images that surrounded all of us that night.
Thank you Jess Martinen with @gurlface LLC for keeping all the ladies looking so purdy with your talent.
Thank you Sara Liberale for the perfect outfit to rock this evening with confidence and to Makeup & Beauty Parlour Inc & Whitney Cooper for making me feel my very best that night!
A big thank you to my husband Nick for loving me through all my BIG ideas and helping me make them a reality. Extra thanks for the gorgeous magazine.
A sweet thank you to my girls for their encouragement and for always making me feel like a freaking ROCKSTAR. You make me reach for a better version of myself each day.
And finally, thank you to all my friends and family who just came to show their support for my endeavor. I'm lucky to have you in my life. I appreciate all of you!