I decided to choose a restaurant in arms reach from our lil home. We needed a short drive after all that! But wow, what a gem. Epic location.

I am surprised when she takes a moment to make eye contact with me across the center row of her sculptures. I smile, and muster a somewhat generic, "This is so beautiful! What a treat to meet you!" "Your name?" "I'm Ali." And that was it. My big moment.

an interview on youtube with her talking a bit about world famous artist Balthus- her late husband, so I recognized her immediately. She moved slowly through the space greeting people briefly, a chorus of appreciation echoes around her.

the event. Just then, the beautiful artist, Setsuko, dressed in traditional Japanese formal-wear wanders into my view from the other side of the room. I had watched

cliques of art hopefuls is challenging in such a small space. I am also here to "Meet people" and "Network". But that familiar pang of social anxiety is all too real and I decide that tonight is not the night to be the social butterfly after all. Rather, I am here it seems just to experience

where she princapply resides. There's nowhere to hang my coat so I bundle it under the desk with my forbidden water bottle ("Miss, Miss! No water!" A running joke in my friend circle as I always carry it at my side and get in trouble for it.). I want to focus on the art, but getting around these

sculpted leaves, trees, and most importantly, cats! Is fantastic. I had seen photos online and truly, they do not do justice to the intricate details and scale. It is an absolute wonder how these ornate, highly delicate 35" to 55" tall enameled ceramic works of art could be transported from Paris,