Addie Hines: Addie was a kind and gentle woman. She was my colleague, a mentor, an authentic artist, and most importantly, my trusted friend. A loyal friend who was always available to listen and offer support, any time of the day or night. A person who never indulged in petty gossip and who was quick to give folks the benefit of the doubt. We met in 1989 in a class I was teaching at Lansing Community College. Early on i said something silly and she laughed. Oh that laugh. When Addie laughed the universe cracked open a bit to remind us that when we find someone who laughs at the same things we do, we have found a kindred spirit. That was Addie. For the next 12 years or so Nancee and I, along with many others spent as much if not more time with her at her home on Everett Street, than we spent at our own. The door was always open, the coffee hot. The box of Pink Shit (wine) open. Though to me Addie will always be remembered as something of a genteel southern lady, she had no need for airs and graces. What you saw was what you got and what you got was a big, warm smile, genuine and full of love. She had strong principles that she believed in and lived by, but she was never judgemental and truly loved people for what they were. She was slow to anger and quick to understand and although I tried to provoke her to my side of many a silly spat, I never heard her have a cross word with anyone or criticize others, and I dont know anyone else who did either.Addie had great taste. She didnt have expensive tastes or live a flashy lifestyle but she knew quality and she knew what was important to her; her daughter, her son-in-law, her friends and her art. She lived well. She was a great and talented artist. She worked hard at it. Her essence, her joy and her humanity was expressed in every piece of art she made; a painting, a performance, her direction of a play, in whatever medium she chose, Addies spirit came through and moved us and taught us a bit more about what it was to be human. When you had a place in Addies world, you knew that no matter the celebration, the crisis or the time of day, you were never alone. She was the essence of courage in her work and her life. She never wavered when it came to making a tough choice. She helped me with many. The many discussions we shared about life and art will continue to be a rich source of strength and joy to me for the rest of my life. One time I was giving her a ride home after a strenuous and brutal movement class taught by the incomparable Encarnita Figueroa. I had stumbled and bumbled my way through it. Addie had 15 years on me and she was fine. I could barely get into the car without help. I said, Man I had no idea I was so clumsy. She replied, I had a dance teacher years ago who told me, There are no clumsy people. There are only people who dont think about what theyre doing. That for me is the quintessential Addie. A kind and gentle woman. A true friend. Rest in peace and grace.
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 00:57:16 +0000
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