2009. For the first time ever, Pratt Institute’s commencement was held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. After the ceremony, Tomie took a star turn on the Radio City Music Hall stage. Tomie received an honorary degree as did singer Judy Collins and artist Richard Serra. Tomie sat next to Judy Collins on stage, and as the 1200 graduates walked in front of them, Judy Collins would mutter to Tomie, “Look at those shoes,” “Oh, my God, look at THOSE shoes,” and on and on. Tomie said she could talk without moving her lips. She was also the commencement speaker. She began her “talk” by saying, “OK, let’s just get this over with,” and then she sang, without musical accompaniment, one of her best known songs. She was amazing. (You might want to remember the beginning of her talk when you read the May 12th remembrance.) (Bob)
REMEMBERING TOMIE on May 10, 2020
Remembering Tomie on Mother’s Day, 2020, with his art-mail from Mother’s Day, 2016. (Bob)
Day Nine of the May, 2020, Peace Novena
Think and say the word.
REMEMBERING TOMIE on May 9, 2020
Tomie was on “Barney & Friends” three times. He loved each experience. Although adults mocked the show, and older children were embarrassed to admit they watched the program, its popularity amongst young children was undeniable as evidenced during Tomie’s autographings. It was a surprise to learn that bartenders were a subset of “Barney” fans. Tomie was in a bar, in which he had never been, in Honolulu. The bartender called him “Tomie” and spoke to Tomie with familiarity. When Tomie finally questioned the guy, Tomie learned that the bartender would get home in the early morning hours and watch “Barney” with his child. The second time this happened was at National Airport in Washington, DC. We were eating lunch as we waited for our flight back to New Hampshire, and again the bartender spoke to Tomie on a first-name basis. The unexpected popularity of “Barney.” (Bob)
Day Eight of the May, 2020, Peace Novena
Think and say the word, or think and say “Peace.”
