5. APOLLO 11 - 40 YEARS A MEMORY: Art Show Presentation & Reception a Success

Taking a Closer Look, by Bob Bickers, 18 x 24, oil on gessoboard, 2009

Last night's presentation and reception at my art show was a complete success with a packed gallery of people who were willing to listen to me talk for an hour and then stayed for the next hour viewing the photographs and paintings and sharing their experiences of the first moon landing. Many fascinating stories were exchanged. It was truly a wonderful and special night with friends and many interesting people I wish I could know better.

It became even more amazing when I was contacted yesterday afternoon by Alan Boyle, MSNBC's science editor and host of MSNBC's Cosmic Log. Apparently, my short story of my experience in 1969 and the photo of my family placed me in front of 1400 other entries, winning me a prize and putting that family photo on the front page of MSNBC.com and in the Cosmic Log. This was an unexpected surprise and I am truly honored, not only by Mr. Boyle, but also by each and every one of you who appeared last night, visited my art show or gave a hand of support in all my efforts over the years. To all of you I want to say "Thank You." For those who couldn't attend, the exhibition will continue through July 27th at The Gallery Space. I plan to post a summary of my comments on my blog and website soon and at the show's conclusion, I will post all the paintings and photographs as well. Please check the blog for August 10, 2009. Above Image: Taking a Closer Look, 18 x 24, oil/gessoboard. Click on painting to enlarge.

4. APOLLO 11 - 40 YEARS A MEMORY

The First Step, by Bob Bickers, 30 x 48, oil on canvas, 2009

My art show was hung this week and is now on display at the Gallery Space at the Monroeville, Pennsylvania Public Library (located just east of Pittsburgh). The image at right is one painting from the exhibit, The First Step, 30 x 48, oil/canvas (click on the picture for a larger image). Here is the Art Exhibit Price List and the Artist Biography and I am including a copy of the official Art Show Poster. More images from the show will be presented here in the weeks to come. Please see the blog of August 10, 2009.

Please note that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of artwork will benefit the Friends of the Monroeville Public Library who sponsor many worthwhile educational events and shows at The Gallery Space, including this one. Remember too that the exhibit runs July 4 - 25. A combined reception and presentation will be held at the Gallery Space on Monday, July 20, 2009 7:00-8:30pm and is free and open to the public. I will speak on my personal observations and reflections on the first manned moon landing and comparisons of what we knew about the Apollo missions then and what has been uncovered 40 years later. I will also discuss the photographs and artwork in the exhibition. Light refreshments will be served. I was recently contacted by Dr. Jeff Goldstein, Center Director of the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education. He is offering the public the opportunity to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11 by reading moving and poignant comments from those that lived through it, and sharing your own memories at an Apollo 11 Special Post at Blog on the Universe. The Post includes extensive resources to help you share stories with family and friends, and how to follow the mission-in real time-as it happened 40 years ago through a JFK Presidential Library online Sim. My thanks to Dr. Goldstein and here's wishing you a happy Independence Day and may we all enjoy a smooth and pleasant return to the moon this month!

3. New Art Show Coming in July

I have been a professional artist for over 16 years and an attorney for over 25 years. But for 50 years I have been a die-hard space enthusiast, closely following the activities of NASA and the various space programs of the world.

Here's a picture of me (holding the dog and sitting behind my brother) and most of my family around the television set on the evening of July 20, 1969, watching people walking on the moon for the very first time. Pictured is my brother, William, my sister, Linda and my mother Alice Fay Bickers. Taking the picture was my father, Robert, Sr. As the news coverage continued on into the night, we threw a mattress on the floor a in front of the TV and stayed up most of the night. How many historical events on TV were so important that you had your picture taken next to the set? Well, I had to do something to commemorate the passing of 40 years since that exciting and fateful night. And here it is:

The Gallery Space, sponsored by the Friends of the Monroeville Library, presents APOLLO 11 - 40 YEARS A MEMORY, an art exhibit by Bob Bickers featuring oil paintings and photographs chronicling and celebrating the mission of Apollo 11, when Neil Armstrong first set foot upon the moon 40 years ago on July 20, 1969. The exhibit runs July 4 - 25. A combined reception and presentation by the artist will be held at the Gallery Space on Monday, July 20, 2009 7:00-8:30pm and is free and open to the public. Bob Bickers will speak on his personal observations and reflections on the first manned moon landing and comparisons of what we knew about the Apollo missions then and what has been uncovered 40 years later. The Gallery Space is located at the Monroeville Public Library, 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd., Monroeville, Pennsylvania. Library hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm; Friday & Saturday 9am-5pm. More on this show will be posted soon! Please see the post of August 10, 2009.

2. A Belated Rose for Mom for Mother's Day

This photograph is of a rose from my mother's own garden in Memphis, Tennessee, taken in the early morning sun. The colors were so brilliant, they seemed to emit a light of their own. Sometimes I find colors in nature, whether in a flower or a sunset, that are not only difficult to reproduce, but are so extraordinary that if I did manage to faithfully copy them, they wouldn't seem natural. My mother seems to have a knack for growing such wonders of nature. Here's to you, Mom, and I hope you'll always keep growing those fantastic roses!

1. Brad Bickers becomes an Eagle Scout

I want to begin my first blog with a salute to my 18-year-old son, Jonathan Bradley Bickers, who marked his transition to adulthood with the extraordinary attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout. Brad's ceremony took place on April 18, 2009. My thanks to the Boy Scouts of America and to the leaders of Troop 27 in Bartlett, Tennessee for their role in helping Brad reach this goal. I became an Eagle Scout myself 35 years ago and fully appreciate what an accomplishment this represents. In fact, while approximately 20% of boys in America will be involved in Scouting at some time in their lives, only 5% or less of Boy Scouts ever become Eagle Scouts. Congratulations Brad. You are a fine, industrious young man with a wonderful future. I could not be more proud of you.