| June 20, 2003 Dear Pastor Laura: Your art show, "Seen but Rarely Heard: Voices of Adolescent Girls" at our church's Synod Assembly at Wartburg College was truly awesome. I only had one hour there before I had to leave. It would take at least an hour for each figure. They would make a wonderful local show if one could go back again and again. They would loose something as a published book because they are so powerful to experience in person, but it would be great for teaching and learning purposes. In any event, thank you for the show, it is GREAT! Yours in Christ, Pastor Allen E. Hermeier Decorah, Iowa ____________________________________ April 7, 2003 Dear Pastor Laura: I have seen your growing art exhibit in many places in and around Decorah and what an inspiring, amazing, wonderful project it is! The artwork is beautiful and the quotes are drawn from such a wide variety of perspectives. I was so glad to know when reading others that even through this wide variety of perspectives, we are all asking a lot of the same questions and dealing with many of the same joys and pains of growing into a woman. Thank you for giving me and many other young women the gift of this connection through your art. Thank you, too, for giving me and other adolescent girls a voice! It is an awesome project and I hope you continue to create and inspire. Sincerely, The subject of the "ELIZABETH" piece in the show ____________________________________ September 7, 2003 Dear Pastor Laura, Thanks for coming to Three Rivers to display your fascinating portrait exhibit of adolescent girls at St. John's Church and the Carnegie Center, and to speak to us. You clearly are gifted and use your gifts to serve the Church through your art ministry. All blessings to you in your continuing service. Paul & Connie Schubert Dear Laura: Thanks! People really enjoyed your exhibit and I am passing on information whenever I can so that others can arrange to have the show at their church. Blessings as "the girls" continue to travel! Sincerely, Kristin VGR World Fare/St. John's Office Manager Three Rivers, Michigan ____________________________________ March 25, 2004 Dear Laura, Thanks so much for helping us to coordinate "Seen But Rarely Heard: Voices of Adolescent Girls" at St. Stephen's. We fondly named the exhibit "The Girls" and each week as they moved around the church, we found new sides to their personalities. In fact as we were packing up the show, one of the young women helping me said, "You know, I'm really going to miss this exhibit." I truly believe that they sparked a lively discussion among our members, particularly, the youth of our congregation. Just yesterday, one of the students in my 5th grade Sunday School class referenced a comment about "taking care of the earth" that he had seen on the back of one of the figures. One always wonders what impact events have in the lives of young people; I feel confident it is far greater than we realize. I also feel our Sunday adult forums were focused in a novel way by the exhibit. We had excellent participation by those present and I often found those insights came from the quotes woven with the personal experiences of our members. Indeed, I hope that we will be able to continue our discussion in another round of adult classes. Again, it was a pleasure to meet you and William and to have "The Girls" in Cedar Rapids. My best wishes for both of you and I hope we have the opportunity to meet again in the future. Cordially, Judith Bowstead Nye Ph.D. Professor of Education, Luther College, Decorah, Iowa St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, Member _____________________________________ April 7, 20004 Dear Laura: Thank you for presenting at the Helping Our Girls: Taking Action, Taking Charge Female Conference held March 24-25, 2004 in Lansing, Michigan. We feel that the conference offered something for everyone and was a great success. Again, thank you for being a presenter. Be assured that your workshop was of learning value to all that attended. Sincerely, Karen A. Woods, MSW Gender Specific Specialist Michigan Gender Specific Task Force _____________________________________ August 13, 2004 Dear Laura: Thank you for bringing your "group" to Saint Olaf College. They were a big hit and many people-young and old-appreciated the girls' commentaries. I hope others will want to "entertain" them in churches and schools around the country. I especially meeting you and your husband. The two of you have a bright future (and a great present) so I want to keep track of your travels. Best Wishes & Abundant Blessings, Mac Gimse Professor Emeritus Sculptor and Art Historian St. Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota _____________________________________ September 20, 2004 Dear Laura, Thank you so much for the wonderful program that you gave last Saturday.There have been many positive comments. We were pleased with our turnout,for a busy fall Saturday it was a good group. Thanks again for taking the time to come and share with us last Saturday. Sincerely, Barb Taylor First Congregational Church of Cedar Rapids _____________________________________ September 27, 2004 Dear Laura, Thank you so much for allowing "the girls" to visit us in September. They seemed to be part of our church community and I think we felt younger this month. I look forward to seeing you again. Gratefully, Kate Hawkins First Congregational Church of Cedar Rapids |