Last week, I returned to Tiffin to donate a piece of my art to Columbian High School, where I graduated with the great class of 1970. I want to thank my friends and family for the amazing reception I received during my brief time back.
First, Mayor Aaron Montz honored me in a written proclamation that Oct. 22, 2012, was "Michael (Mike) Flechtner Day." This was a truly humbling experience.
Then, I presented the artwork "Jogo" to Principal Mark Verroco, along with Assistant Principal Greg Devore, which I installed later in the week in the Columbian cafeteria. I was assisted in the installation by fellow class of '70 grad Jerry Baker. I also was invited to present projected digital images of my work to the art classes there of the art teachers Bob Johnston and Elizabeth Humphrey. Everyone at Columbian was so friendly, open and helpful in everything I was doing there.
I would also like to thank the many, many students I spoke to for their attention, patience and kindness during my presentations. Tiffin is going to have wonderful citizens and artists from Columbian.
Oh, and a special thank you to Dan and Connie Wink at Tiffin Glass & Mirror, who fabricated and donated a Plexiglas cover for "Jogo."
Concurrently, I did several presentations at Hayes Center for the Arts at Tiffin University, under an invitation from the Assistant Professor of Art Lee Fearnside. Many thanks to Lee and her art teachers for welcoming me into their classes. I have also been invited back to exhibit my work in a future exhibit at Tiffin University.
Thank you, as well, to The Advertiser-Tribune for keeping its readership informed about my activities and especially the recent front-page article/interview by Nicole Walby.
Finally, my deepest heartfelt thanks to Paul Krupp, '70. Without his tireless and patient efforts, none of these things for all of us would have come to be. Thank you, sir!
Peace and love sincerely,
Michael R. Flechtner
