There are three parts to each new artwork project. There is near complete artwork. That is what you see in the image above. Next up is the music system in two parts. I have already mounted the speakers, but now I need to build the stereo system and connect the speakers. Then, once the stereo is ready, I will return to the computer to finish the cover music. This music will need to be refined to sound its best through the artwork’s 5×7 speakers. The last major step, and now my newly added third task, is to mount an LED light strip and connecting it to the stereo system.

I remember the first time I saw Christy. I am thinking early 2017 when my son-in-law told me about a craft art show at an old converted tire factory. With snow and ice and few easy access parking, found a spot to park and soon made it into the large, very high ceiling entrance. Although busy, through the crowd I saw a woman standing behind in table dressed with dark-framed glasses, a violet hat and a coat to match. Behind her I saw hanging several abstract and colorful artworks. Definitely 3D. I remember saying to myself, “Who the hell is that?” But instead of walking over to her, I move on with my son-in-law, for there was a lot to see in several buildings. Much later we Christy and I became artist friend she told me this. Later the spring at the Spring Art show at the Heyde in Chippewa Falls she walked into a room and had her first encounter with three of my artworks. I believe she said something similar to “I wonder who that artist was.” This rest is a nice on and off contact and relationship with Christy. That is until she made possible and credible the foundation of EmptyWallsArt. She was the curator for our current 2024 Chippewa Valley Museum’s (CVM) Winter Art show. EmptyWallsArt will not be the same for a long while to come. But to honor Christy, her Art and her positive dedication to EmptyWalls this is an edited version of what I emailed to the group’s membership:

Our tribute to Christy should first start with a strong commitment by all the members to support and promote the organization she absolutely made possible. The group can then look to seek out one or two women to eventually and hopefully fill her position. The CVM 2025 Winter Art show would give us an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to Christy through EWA. We could ask those who own art by Christy to put their works on display as the centerpiece of the exhibition. Alongside her art I made the suggestion that each member of EWA also hang one piece of their art in the style of Christy. What a respectful way to honor her. Such an event would also be a call out to all those who cared for her and her art to come and be a part of that exhibition’s reception. I added that I felt that Christy, although a very outgoing artist, had her shy side. I could not help but feel such a tribute to her would be her preference.
Christy’s art will have its celebration. When it is this time, I will not pass her by. I will walk to her remembering one more time that long ago moment the girl in glasses and that large violet hat.

Scott Von Holzen