Recently, I finished reading the book, “The Art Forger” by Barbara A. Shapiro, and the memories it stirred up have been both a surprise and a gift.  The story centers on the heist of millions of dollars of artwork, including an important Degas painting, from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum,  in Boston in March of 1990.

My father, who was an artist, took me to this fabulous museum when I was eight years old.  It is a gorgeous Italian-inspired villa with lush gardens and grand piazzas; it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen.  Little did I know that it would turn out to be an experience that influenced my future.  It inspired my yearning to travel and study abroad, and my life-long love of art and design.

We never know what a child will respond to – what that something might be that will inspire a life of dreams and fulfillment.

As Father’s Day approaches, I am reminded once again of this special gift my father gave me.  That visit opened the door to my love and appreciation of art and architecture, world travel and all things Italian.  As we celebrate our dads and all their gifts to us, I continue to treasure that museum visit as the gift that has lasted a lifetime.

Thank you, Dad.