Virginia Fresk :
The Ultimate Fan

By Heather Briggaman

Supporting Roles
Actors and actresses, as well as celebrities of all sorts, often sing the praises of their adoring fans. Time and time again, they are quick to point out that they owe so much to the people who have supported them through the years. In fact, such accolades have become so commonplace in the realm of acceptance speeches and magazine articles that they've somehow lost a bit of their original sparkle. To breathe life back into these words, it sometimes requires looking closer at the actual individuals who have faithfully supported, loved, and encouraged.

The Ultimate Fan
Without even trying, we found one such woman who has certainly lived up to the title of "The Ultimate Fan." We learned about Virginia Fresk from her niece, Deborah, who called the studio one day to share the story of her aunt and the way that Karen Rossi pieces have filled her life. It was back in 1987 that Virginia first saw Karen's work at The Connecticut Gallery. Deborah was the Director of the Contemporary Division at that time, and she introduced Virginia to Karen's whimsical and colorful metal sculptures. It wasn't long before Virginia asked to purchase one of the flying figures from a group show.

A New Place, Some New Artwork
Over the years, Virginia filled her life with artwork all of kinds, including many of Karen's metal sculptures. Just recently, after suffering some health difficulties, she found it necessary to move from her home to an assisted living apartment in Glastonbury, CT. In moving to this new location, she wasn't able to take all of her Rossi sculptures along with her. Many were distributed to friends, but one special piece found its way back to Virginia. A pink, flying ballerina, complete with a purple tutu, serves as a constant reminder of the fun and whimsical artwork that has surrounded her for much of her life.

During a recent visit, Virginia and Karen spent hours chatting and figuring out how far back their connection went. As they tried to recall details from the past, they discovered that the ballerina sculpture was created in 1991 and was purchased by Virginia at an art show in Glastonbury. Karen vaguely remembered the photo studio or frame shop that housed the show, and as Virginia rattled off even more details, it became clear that, for better or worse, her memory was sharper than Karen's.

Just Traveling Through
Spending an afternoon with Virginia proved to be a truly enlightening experience for Karen. She came away from the visit with a new appreciation for the saying, "life is short." Virginia, at several points, commented on the fact that time goes by in a flash, and it is vital that we savor every moment. Yet, at 89, she has come to the point where she accepts the next stage of life. Almost without a second thought, she commented to Karen that if she is still alive at Christmas, she'd like to get several of Karen's holiday flights to hang in the window. Karen quickly responded aloud, "Of course, you'll be here at Christmas." While we may not like to think about such things, these realities are not scary or uncomfortable to Virginia.

Although she admits that life is brief, Virginia has learned how to embrace it to the fullest for as long as she's here. While her new living space may not be the home she loved for so many years, it has become the latest stop along the journey. It is here that she's found new friends to make, open houses to host, and fresh walls to adorn with artwork. She takes pleasure in the little things such as the Friday night softball matches that have become a weekly source of entertainment. As she watches these games from her window, she often catches a wave or smile from some of the children. Virginia remains a testament to the fact that we must relish in those small treasures and enjoy each phase that life takes us through. She certainly is an inspiring woman who is, in Karen's words, "alive with pleasure and savoring every moment."

A Peaceful Getaway
Virginia says that some of her favorite moments were those spent in Maine. She loved vacationing in the 8-room farmhouse that had plenty of room for family and friends. This picture shows Virginia at Pemaquid Point, Maine in 1985.