When this wonder-filled journey began over a dozen years ago in a small theater in Prescott, AZ, I honestly has no fixed idea about what I wanted Faerieworlds to “be.” There was no business plan and no agenda, only an intention that was simply this: to create a place for lovers of faerie to come together. After years of working as a fantasy illustrator and artist manager, I saw how words and images touched and inspired people’s imaginations; I saw how the art of Brian Froud deeply moved their hearts and spirit through his books and prints and how his work motivated other gifted artists to also explore the world of Faerie. I saw these prints and books powerful and transformational talismans in the lives of people of all ages. Over and over again, I saw people clutch Brian’s books to their hearts as they stood in line for him to sign them, handing them over gently, and most always sharing an intimate story of how this book, these images, this enchanted world, changed their lives. I felt these people needed, no, deserved a place to gather, to meet each other, to share their stories, to celebrate the world and magic they loved, and most important, to know they are not alone. Faerieworlds became that place: an internationally recognized destination for lovers of faerie and fantasy who have chosen to embrace their magical selves and “walk in beauty. Faerieworlds gave birth to FaerieCon and now our latest creation, Mythicworlds. All of these magical places are unique in theme and character but they have one thing in common: they were truly created by YOU. A place is just empty space until people come together and choose to make a community in it. And you have done so magnificently, far beyond anything I ever dreamed over twelve years ago. It is YOUR creative fire that fuels the fantastic furnace of these events, it is your fire that inspires us to continually make them better and to bring you deeper and more satisfying experiences every year. YOU are the Magic at the Heart of Faerieworlds. And for this, and all you have given me, through so many events over these dozen years, I am deeply grateful, on this sacred day of Thanksgiving. May we continue to make undreamed of magic together in the Realm for another decade to come! With love and gratitude, Robert
Posted on: Fri, 28 Nov 2014 00:21:36 +0000