And Then There's Magic... @sonyahuber @PaintDeez @Balbert3

Over a year ago, writer Sonya Huber and her husband, Cliff, invited me out to dinner and to check out a new exhibit sponsored by City Lights in Bridgeport. One of the artists showing his work was Gordon Skinner, an outsider, self-taught genius of art who paints to catch the attention of others. Every time I see people viewing his work, they get inspired and begin to ask questions about layers, perspective, existing, and meaning. I love that.

Fast forward.

Last night, Sonya Huber and her team of students from Fairfield University premiered their publication of Dogwood, a literary journal of poetry, short fiction, and essays that featured Gordon's work on the cover.

The evening of hearing verse was magical in many ways - first, that Sonya and Gordon were side by side to unite such creative text and second, two of my students read their work: Pedro Ramirez and Chris Schelzi. Both young men rocked and, similar to Gordon, were modest about their talents.

 Gordon, Pedro, Sonya, and Chris are shy about their amazing gifts, yet exude so much life, energy and brilliance in what they do. This, coupled with the keen and savvy eye  of Gordon's manager, Bob Albert, made for another Connecticut night for memory.

Props to all involved, especially Sonya - you are amazing. And Gordon - you add flavor to the world. And, of course, Bob - you make it all possible.

Let's hope such collaboration continues.