I had the opportunity to go to the first Bonneville High School Art Society Reunion last weekend. It was such a wonderful experience and I'm so glad that Rick let me come out to Idaho/Utah early and go to the reunion. About nine months ago, I came in contact with some of my art friends from high school. After having viewed their accomplishments in the field of art, I was feeling quite depressed about not having kept up with my art and not having pursued my dreams. That along with some other feelings of inadequacies, I had been having a hard time lately. When several months ago, I received an e-mail from a former art student of Mr. Whitney that said they were going to have the first ever reunion. I was excited but hesitant because I knew I was going to be there with those who have gone on to be accomplished artists (the list is quite amazing). Whitney was a great (actually one of the best) art teachers ever and his teaching is shown in the legacy of his students.....(Greg Olsen, Dan Freed, Dilleen Marsh and Barbara Edwards just to mention a few). But I went and it was just what I needed. I came away knowing that first of all, I have accomplished alot. I raised four great children and have served in many positions in the church and with the Air Force wives. Secondly, when Mr. Whitney's turn came to talk at the end of one of the days, he expressed that we all had dreams back in that high school art society and those dreams can still be achieved. We are the ones who can make them come alive again. It was so great....we had one Friday afternoon get together at Bonneville High Art room in Idaho Falls and then went down to Provo for a barbecue on Saturday night at Greg Olsen's home and to see his studio. It was a small close net group and we were able to just have a good time talking with each other. My dreams are still there....and yes, Rick is going to have to buy me some sculpting clay when I get home!
Those that graduated in '69, '70 and '71. I didn't get a picture of the whole group because I didn't get my camera out fast enough. It was the first picture they took.
Three of my close friends from art society.
Whit with us!
Whitney and myself! What a great man. It was great to see how he has changed his life and to see his albums of drawings and paintings. He has been commissioned to do many great athletics (football and baseball players) oil paintings of them in action and portraits. I must say that I learned from the best back then in high school."You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
C. S. Lewis
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