The first time I met Carol Little she scared me. I had just started the application process to be accepted into Riverview Artists. To become acquainted with the group I attended a show at the TransCanada Building. Carol just happened to be sitting the show, and after I introduced myself, she started telling me about how I would have to be able to sit the shows, contribute to the group, and have a broad inventory of work behind me.
She was a strong woman who always told me how it was. I so respected that, and was spurred into action to make sure I exceeded her expectations. It didn’t take me long to realize that she was a mentor and teacher to all those around her, including myself.
I was honored when she invited me off to a retreat with a few exclusive artists, and that she counted me as a kindred spirit. This group of ladies that she brought together have become my sisters in creativity, and we have an unbreakable bond that I am so grateful for.
Carol The Teacher
Carol was always a teacher, and I appreciated her ‘crits’ and suggestions with my work. She taught me about quiet spaces, how to scrape back and reveal what lays beneath. She reminded me to always look at things with a different perspective. We played with our creativity, and ate pretzels late into the evenings.
I could always depend on her. When I was down with the weight of the world on my shoulders, she was a sounding board for me, we laughed together, cried together. She was always a cheerleader encouraging me to move forward.
I will miss her greatly, and find myself wanting to hold on to every memory, and every piece of her that I can. I am so sorry that you have left us so soon, but grateful that I got to know you, and to spend so many good times with you.
At Carol’s memorial we set up three canvases for guests to contribute to. Our team of River Rocker’s pulled the pieces together to finish a ‘Carolish’ painting. The long blue line that runs across the three paintings is her husband Don’s addition to the piece (it took a bit of prompting to get him to pick up a tool…but he did it splendidly – Carol would be proud). The Finished piece “A Stroke of Love”
