Yesterday was a very unique day for me. When I logged on to ODN, I found firstly, a lovely banner by my old friend Jim Kemes. Secondly it was accompanied by a request from publisher Jack for “original art, photographic art or graphics that would be in the Christmas spirit”. Thirdly and most astonishingly I noticed the date just happened to be December 17th, 2015!!!!! BINGO!!!

Talk about long term memory kicking in. Back in 1985 I was a Rotary member. At one of our dinner meetings at Chez Jacques Restaurant on exactly Dec 17th, I happened to be sitting beside a person who was doing a sketch on his paper place mat while our speaker was giving a presentation. At the meeting’s end when the doodler was about to trash his sketch, I asked him if I could keep it. It was just before Christmas, I was amazed at what he had created in just over 20 minutes and I liked it very much. He graciously said yes, and I have had it in my possession for the last 30 years exactly.

By now you have probably “connected the dots” to know that that artist thirty years ago was none other than Jim Kemes. I’m quite certain that this act of kindness was probably a common occurrence with Jim (a man of such artistry, grace and generosity) and that he had in all probability forgotten about that evening or the sketch. I know that over the years, Jim would often sketch or doodle as he sat at meetings and that he has treated everyone in Oliver to his God given talents. This sketch is just one small example of the pleasure he has spread to everyone who may have been fortunate to view his efforts. Over the years Jim has dabbled in many artistic media and has expanded his knowledge in each one.

Thank you ODN for allowing me to share my pleasure with the art of Jim Kemes. Even though this sketch is 30 years old, I still love it. Hope you will keep pleasing people with your art, Jim.

John Chapman