January 26, 2025: The Art Studio

On a recent trip to my hometown in North Carolina, I walked three blocks from my dad’s driveway to revisit an old building. It’s a small, familiar place weathered with age. In that little 20x20 ft structure, my love for the arts first sparked to life.

Years ago, it was an art studio run by Mrs. Riddle. Back in elementary school, I’d pedal my ten-speed there for afternoon sessions. It was a haven where I explored cartooning and experimented with charcoals, drawing anything that came to mind.

As I stared at the structure, I wondered what had become of my teacher. A quick search revealed her obituary; she passed away fifteen years ago at the age of 98. Reading it, I uncovered something I’d never known about Mrs. Riddle: she spent many years as a forensic artist for local police, using her talent in ways that left a lasting impact.

As I gazed at the timeworn studio’s corner window — which is where my desk sat inside — memories of those childhood afternoons came flooding back. And the thought struck me. Unassuming places like this can be the launchpad for a lifetime of discovery. Discovering not just the arts, but the remarkable people who shaped you along the way.

And as I’ve learned, those discoveries often come decades later.