I joined the Art Students League in 2000, and participated in the Summer Art Market for 19 years, showing figurative and abstract assemblage sculpture. I appreciated the art festival because of its welcoming and supportive community of festival goers and other artists. The event was inspirational, fun, challenging, and profitable and helped build my confidence as a viable artist in the marketplace. I’ve also participated as a faculty member and have especially valued ASLD’s commitment to community engagement teaching opportunities (in non pandemic times): the Art in Prison program at the women’s detention center in Aurora, at the libraries through the PLAZA program, with seniors at Barney Ford Heights in Five Points, and with veterans through the River Deep program. Through the years I’ve enjoyed taking classes, and participating in shows and events sponsored by ASLD. Memorable teachers have included instructors Deborah Williams (mosaic), Mark Friday (screen printing), Jeff Wenzel (painting), Sandra Ceas (socially engaged art), and Lim OK-sang (soil portrait painting). ASLD is a comfortable home base for exploring and expanding various media and skillsets. Staff, admin, and faculty offer an inclusive vision and a variety of art experiences for anyone who wants to jump in and exercise their creative impulses. Bless ASLD!