A little over twenty years ago I was the art instructor for Center for Disability services' art studio located in the Park Trade Center in Downtown Kalamazoo.

There I met Betty.  Little did I know at the time the impact she would have on my life choices.  You see, if I had not met Betty and Miriam Jolly I would not have opened Creative Awakenings Studio of Art and Music.  These two ladies taught me how truely important Art Can be in the life of someone with disabilities. Often you see; there are restrictions that come with life's necessary decisions being made by other people.  Betty was part of a generation where this was especially true, which I believe led to her enthusiasm in my class.  

The art gave her the freedom to create anything - any way she wanted.  And she did. Betty had her own style, she enjoyed trying new medium and wasn't afraid to get a little messy.

18 years later Betty is still a favorite of the other students. She gracefully held the role of matriarch in our little family of artists.  She was kind yet had a quirky sense of humor that seemed to pop up at the craziest times. Occasionally this even happened when we thought she was intent on her art project, while all the time she was following conversations between her friends.  Her comments were humerous and well deserving of a chuckle.

I feel very blessed to have met Betty and grateful for her friendship.