Next day, Saturday was the day of the art show at the Javits. Our plan was to head out early for Central Park, meet Sofia (from Portugal and another member of our international delegation which was growing as time went on) and her mother for lunch then head to the expo. While we didn’t connect with Sofia before the show , Renea, Marga and I did manage to meet with Patrica Raskin who had come in for the day from Rhode Island to finally meet Jane. Patricia has several radio programs (2 on the net and one on WPRO in Rhode Island) and although she had interviewed Jane 4 times had never actually  met her in person; today would remedy that. We met at a small restaurant/deli  called ‘Burgers and Cupcakes” near the Javits. It was fun being able to introduce my friends to Patricia whom they had only known to that point as “the woman who interviews Jane”. Patricia is warm and down to earth and fascinating to talk to and soon we were all chatting away. She even gave me copies of her last 2 interviews with Jane for my website and to distribute which I gratefully accepted. That’s the sort of thoughtful person she is.

We made it to the Javits and after being joined there by Michelle and her mom and Romy, the group of us went in search of Jane’s booth. Pam and Dianne would meet us there later. At once I noticed the difference between this year and last. First of all, unlike last year where the organizers had blocked off the artist trying to exhibit opposite Jane, this year they had gone back to the original format, which sadly afforded the unfortunate exhibitor a wonderful view of the back of Jane’s visitors the entire weekend. I did feel bad especially learning that the artist whose art was on display opposite Jane was in his 80s and blind.

Visit to Jane Seymour's art show- quicktime

Jane's booth was a madhouse due to the fact in part that Kay Jewelry representatives were there with her collection. People were crowded around that part of the booth so densely you could barely get near. At one point I walked up to the display to view a necklace Romy was considering buying to have one of the representatives exclaim over the necklace I was wearing. They had never seen “that" particular Open Heart necklace before. I explained, it was a prototype, a gift from Jane and Susan and they seemed impressed that I had an “original” Open Heart.

Patricia introduced herself to Jane and presented her with a copy of a newspaper article from a local Rhode Island paper in which Patricia had been quoted as saying that Jane, was her favorite repeat guest on her program. Jane smiled, obviously flattered and thanked her then proceeded to accompany her to the Kay section where Patricia hoped to purchase an “open heart" for herself. With Jane’s assistance, Patricia chose a beautiful diamond ring and the two parted with a photo and a promise that Jane’s next interview with Patricia would be about her art, which Patricia had finally seen for the first time and been quite impressed by.

 

Jane I noticed as she moved gracefully between art patrons and jewelry customers was looking even younger than usual, hair down, wearing a self designed "Open Heart" T shirt which we later learned could be ordered, albeit without the crystals that adorned Jane's own shirt. She explained that the decision had been to let each person add their own adornment as there was always a chance the studding would come off in the wash. To this point, I had not actually even said hello to Jane formally. She knew I was there and we acknowledged each other but there was simply no time for our usual ‘chat’ at the show this year. My mission this year was really more about making sure my friends who had come so far got a chance to meet her. Romy and Julie finally got their chance- and I was thrilled at Jane's reaction to Romy’s own artwork- a gift for Jane. Jane initially asked if it had been done by computer, then reacted with surprise and delight to learn that it was Romy’s own design. Julie's lovely handmade birthday collage also brought a smile and a warm thank you from Jane. Romy then presented her with some cards from those in the DQ Times forum who had not been able to attend the show but had wanted to express their appreciation for Jane. I had letters that went along with the cards, “Open Heart" letters but had unfortunately left them at the house  but would bring them the next day. Jane was touched by the cards and also by some drawings which Marga presented to her done by another of the forum members, Sara. The drawings were of Jane herself and once again Jane marveled at the talent involved and seemed moved by the gift.

Theres and Otto finally joined us. They had, we learned, been there since early that morning and had seen Jane painting a mural with Wyland and the children- something we had missed out on that had been planned as a special event for families. I had assumed that this would be a private event so we had decided to come in the afternoon. Apparently it had been open to the public and had been great fun to watch. More of our ‘international delegation’ arrived- 3 girls from Germany, Daniella, Nadine and Claudia and I had to laugh at Jane’s expression of surprise. At one point as each would take a turn getting their photo with Jane, I took to introducing them (although some had met her before, Jane just can’t remember all the names and faces) as Romy from Germany and Julie from Belgium etc. Jane just laughed in amazement at how far they had all come and I jokingly announced that I had brought half of Europe with me this year! I was reminded of the scene in Devil Wears Prada in which Anne Hathaway and her coworker Emily are whispering in Meryl Streep’s ear who she is about to meet and where they are from as they are standing in the receiving line!