Tribute to Joy Hakanson Colby

Well the evening was wonderful...and what a turnout! It seems like everyone from the art community was there, although not as many of the art youngsters. Many people went up and spoke kind words about joy's influence in the art community and one could really get a sense of how much impact she had on the older art generations. (joy is in the orange jacket)

graham beal of the DIA

Gilda Snowden fondly spoke of the first time she was reviewed by joy and how her father who was an art skeptic finally acknowledged that she was an artist and told her it would be OK. Gilda, along with other artists like Jocelyn Rainey spoke of the importance of art criticism and the impact it had on them and their careers. Too bad there aren't more Joy Colby's out there!!

Here is Joy giving a few last words. I was also thinking how sad it is that this big art gathering happened because someone important is leaving detroit. Maybe it would be in our cultural interest to have more events like this, that bring together writers, artists, curators, and gallerists of every generation!