08/24/2026
It’s hard to put all my thoughts and feelings about last week into a short concise paragraph. Sue Coe is a force to be reckoned with. She doesn’t just talk a good talk, she walks it EVERY SINGLE DAY. Sue has left me, and I think everyone who spent any time with her, a head full of new perspectives, the challenge to be accountable, and a hopeful energy about the power of ART, and of all of us who care about people, animals, climate and democracy. In essence, WE ARE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE! I have never before seen this kind of infectious excitement throughout our community to make these events a reality. To quote Sue directly: “It’s exactly what it’s supposed to be - against all the odds. Art and community.”
This was a huge group effort. To my main gang; Dave Menard, Molly Carter, Verity Graham- This would NOT have happened without ALL of you. To Rockford Area Arts Council- your grant & support was the starting point of it ALL. To Rockford University Art Department- Thank you for understanding the value of bring such important artists to your students. To the local businesses who donated their time and products - Rockford Art Museum, Mainframe, Rockford Roasting Co, JR Kortman, Sandy Kohn, Abreo, Pig Minds, Palace Wine Bar, Aluna 27, Disburst, Garret Rapp, Nettle Curbside Compost - your generosity & support were the difference between the usual & the extraordinary! To the people of our community who donated money to make it all perfect- I know you don’t want to be named, but WE SEE YOU♥️. And finally to my team at 317 Art Collaborative, and this includes you, Therese Rowinski, THANK YOU Ingrid, Joei, Nikki, Brando, Briana , Josh, Ziana & Laura S. As usual, you came though and made this all come together. And finally, to the unexpected treat from a local group of theater activists- HUGE painted Sue Coe reproductions hung from the Jefferson St bridge! Sue was thrilled! And a very special thanks to my family who had to deal with me disrupting all our routines & making them join in my madness. I can’t do any of it without you.I know I’m gushing, but that’s what happens when your heart is full.
Rockford has the power & the passion to do great things. Can’t wait to see what we do next. Together.
