With immense gratitude, it has been a pleasure to show here in Florence; the beautiful architecture having expressed itself first and the wonderfully kind people and great food showing later. 

This is one of the great things about art; when people come together in heartfelt exchanges and make a positive and light-filled impact upon the world.

Briefly meeting David LaChapelle was also a major highlight.  He gave a beautiful speech as did his Lifetime Achievement Aware prize presenter, Daphne Guinness.  They spoke of artists creating light in a dark world and asked that we, too, choose to bring more light, create works of joy.  

Resonating with so many fellow artists, seeing colleagues who have become friends and experiencing how much the public here appreciates our work fills me with so much appreciation for all of the hard work that went into organizing this momentous event.  Thank you so very, very much!