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And it was.
Chapter Eight
The Stillwell Art Center
The next day
Most of the artists and vendors arrived at eight thirty to set up before the center opened at ten. There had been people gathering outside since nine o’clock. Perhaps it was the Lincoln Corsair they were raffling off that brought the visitors. Ellie had decided to wait another day to pull the name of the winner, allowing for more contenders and proceeds to go toward the foundation. Entrants wrote their contact info on their tickets so they did not have to be present to win, which satisfied the prior evening’s participants.
The gala drew a lot of ink in local print, as well as social media bombardment. Still, Ellie was thrilled beyond belief at the turnout. She thought about the initial interaction she had had with the Bodmans. He was gentrified, cordial, and warm without being smarmy. The sister was quirky, funny, and astute. Interesting combination. Ellie remembered at the end of the interview that Luna took Ellie’s hand, and said, “You are doing a wondrous thing. Have no fear. It will all work out.” And she gave Ellie a kiss on the cheek.
Though it was the innocent gesture of a kind and loving young woman, Ellie felt it was some kind of omen. A message. Itwasgoing to be all she imagined.Gosh, how she missed Richard.This was spectacular, but it would have been much better had he been there to watch the development of Ellie’s vision. On the other hand, if he were still alive, would she have had the passion, vision, and fortitude to pursue such an undertaking? She pondered that thought. They say that everything happens for a reason. Well, if the reason for her inspiration was Richard’s death, she wasn’t keen on that reason. Whatever the case, she had to accept it and be grateful. And grateful she was.
Ziggy and Marley made their way to the open doors on the west side of the courtyard and out to the dog-park area. There was always someone on duty for doo-doo patrol. It was usually a student, looking to pocket some extra cash for making sure that people picked up after their dogs. And people were happy to tip the pooper scooper. The area was kept immaculate.
Ellie decided to make her first stop at the café. A good cup of coffee was always appreciated. Plus, she wanted to chat with Luna a little more. Luna was conversing with Lebichi (Chi-Chi) Stone, the Nigerian silver-jewelry artist who had a gallery on the south side of the building, across the courtyard from the café. Her name meantLook Unto God. Chi-Chi had come to America with her father and mother when she was nine years old. Before moving to the States, her father had worked in Kano, Nigeria, one of the few places in Africa where silver was to be found. He had been employed by a company that made ceremonial bowls, and Chi-Chi had shown an interest in the craft at an early age. As she grew, so did her fascination with jewelry, using her father’s knowledge to make handcrafted items. After high school, she studied metalsmithing and fine-tuned her craft. During summer breaks, Chi-Chi would visit Nigeria and bring gemstones back to incorporate into her work.
She started displaying her pieces at jewelry trade shows, where she received high praise and a lot of sales. Her jewelry prices ranged from $500 and up for a bracelet, $200 for earrings, and upwards of $1,000 for necklaces. For the holidays, she would make smaller, less expensive pieces that sold out within days. Chi-Chi didn’t want her business to become a jewelry manufacturer. She wanted to remain an artist, so she jumped at the opportunity to secure a space at the Stillwell Art Center. She had an apprentice working with her, but Chi-Chi would design all the pieces put up for sale.
Chi-Chi was a work of art herself. She was tall, with a honeyed complexion, a high forehead, and high cheekbones. Her hair was in long braids, often wrapped over her head and ending in a collection flowing down her back. She regularly wore colorful caftans with matching head wraps. Each day, she would wear one of her stunning bracelets, a pair of earrings, and a lavish necklace. Invariably, she would end up selling what she was wearing that day to a customer. In some ways, Chi-Chi reminded Ellie of Luna. Both were free spirits. Creative. Sensitive.
“Good morning, you beautiful women.” Ellie gave each of them a peck on the cheek. “We have quite a turnout today!” Ellie gave a sweeping look across the courtyard.
“We sure do, and last night was fabulous,” Luna gushed. She had reason to. The night before revealed something she had hoped for, a positive indication that Marshal Gaines felt something for her. As a person,anda female.
Chi-Chi spoke with the slightest accent as she offered her enthusiasm. “I sold over three thousand dollars’ worth of jewelry last night and took orders for another five thousand dollars’ worth.”
“Wonderful!” Ellie clapped her hands. “Last night was a roaring success. I had no idea people would be digging into their pockets to support the center.”
“Yes, but a lot of these people thrive on telling their friends how much money they donate.” Luna sighed.
“Well and good, because we raised over seventy thousand dollars! Let them talk as much as they want as long as they keep writing checks!” Ellie guffawed.
Luna and Chi-Chi chuckled in response.
“I’d better get back to the studio,” Chi-Chi announced. “Lots of work to do. Ta.” She blew a kiss and floated across the courtyard.
“Chi-Chi is so beautiful,” Luna observed. “Inside and out.” She turned to Ellie. “Kinda cool thatchimeans ‘life energy.’ Even if it is her nickname. It fits.”
“Speaking your language, eh?” Ellie smiled.
Luna cocked her head. “I am sensing you want to ask me something.” She used air quotes for the word “sensing.” “Come. Have a coffee.”
Ellie looked around and noticed the large bouquet of sunflowers. “They are beautiful. Not easy to find this time of year.”
Luna blushed. “A colleague of mine brought them.”
There was a couple sitting at one of the tables in the corner of the café. They were far enough away for a private conversation. “Cappuccino?” Luna asked Ellie.
“That would be great. Thanks.” Ellie took a seat in the corner opposite the other couple, next to Luna’s easel.
A few minutes later, Luna brought the steaming coffee to the table.
Luna blew on her coffee and took a sip. “So, what’s up, Miss Ellie?” She smiled, peering over the mug.
“You said something to me yesterday that stuck.”
“And what was that?” Luna truly couldn’t remember. So much had happened in the past couple of weeks.
