Dennis Talks About The Talk

On September 16th we had the “official” opening and reception to my art show at Arcadia University. It was such a special event to me that it is no exaggeration to say that I am still basking in the glow.

First of all, I couldn’t believe the turnout. The theatre was standing room only, with what must have been almost 200 people. And I think I knew virtually everybody in the room. A good representation from Philadelphia University of faculty and administrators and alums, plus many people I knew from the Beaver College (Arcadia University) days.

Then, how often do we get the chance to sit on stage for an hour and talk about ourselves and show history of stuff we’ve made? It was great to have my good friend (and accomplished artist) Royce Howes sit with me to guide a “conversation” about the history and the work. His thoughtful insights and broad knowledge of the territory made it easy to talk. The time just flew by. Based on comments afterwards, it seems that the audience thought it went well. I hope so, because it seemed to go smoothly from my side of the stage. At any rate, that’s as good as I can do.

The reception itself was hectic. There were so many people I wanted to talk to. But, just when I would get going on a conversation, I felt I had to move along to the next chat. No way around it, I guess, but kind of frustrating. The dinner in the castle was nice. It was hilarious to see the decades old photographs of the Picasso party that Bonnie Hayes showed. Then I tried to give a short, heartfelt talk with thanks to appropriate people, etc. The heartfelt part almost overtook me and I had to swallow hard to not start blubbering on too much. It was truly one of the most touching evenings of my entire life. Everybody should get to have one of these.

A Rant

It is hard not to rant about the health care system, especially now while it is such a hotly debated news item. My rant is not about the individuals who are employed within the system, but at the absurdity of the basic structure of the system. How can anyone think this health care system works when a patient is left in pain because the insurance company will not approve the doctor's written prescription because it is a Friday afternoon?

After a long week of watching Dennis manage his pain with his best western flair, a mixture of stoicism, denial, and curmedgeonlyness, the oncologist doubled the pain medication dosages to help Dennis manage his escalating and persistant pain. We were down to his very last pain pill as we rushed to the pharmacy with the new prescription in hand, hopeful that we would be able to get the medications needed before the next wave of pain washed over Dennis.

The pharmacist compassionately explained the prescription could not be filled until the insurance company approved it, which could happen only during regular business hours, and then usually took 2 to 3 days to complete. After some dramatic eye-contact conversation, we paid out of our own pockets the $200.00 for the pain medications, feeling relieved and fortunate that the next pain wave would start to be managed uninterrupted.

The cracks in the health care system are huge, even with the best private insurance. The system is massive and unwieldy, preventing the very thing it promotes: care.

Fictions + Facture

Dennis continues to amaze me. His public lecture and conversation with Royce Howes spoke to everyone of everything Dennis. Afterwards, Jessica commented on how she had heard everything Dennis talked about in his lecture as his philosophy to life and childrearing, but not as it applied to his artwork.

I got another view of Dennis and his connection to the world that night, one that allowed me to see the world through his eyes.

http://gargoyle.arcadia.edu/gallery/09-10/kuronen.htm

Summer 2009

The last day of Summer 2009 was spent with Dale, who was visiting after driving from South Dakota to Washington, D.C. to drop off a commissioned sculpture.


Dale spent his time here working with Dennis to get the final touches done on the work for the exhibition that opens next week. Dale got to witness up close a "last day of summer vacation crisis" as everyone prepared and steeled themselves to return to school schedules the next day. Dale took everyones mind off the tasks at hand with his great tales.


Dennis and Jessica knew when to stop and enjoy the last moments of Summer 2009.