Congratulations to Gerry Mitchell

Here's the copy from an article recently publised in the Charlottesville Daily Progress:
Anything but a still life
By David A. Maurer
February 1, 2007

Gloomy skies and a steady rain were having a negative effect on three of the four people waiting at the Water Street bus stop.

Except for the cheerful man sitting in an obviously well traveled wheelchair, they were all complaining about the awful weather. Gerald E. Mitchell listened to the grumbling for a few minutes before offering his own take on the situation.

"I said, 'Well, I just spent three months in the hospital,' " Mitchell said, as a smile appeared on his face. " 'Trust me on this one, this rain is great.

" 'I don't mind sitting here in my electric wheelchair that I hope doesn't short out. And I don't mind that two buses have passed me by, because the lifts didn't work.

"I'm just thrilled to be here.' "

The fact that Mitchell is still very much here is a testament to faith, luck, modern medicine, the power of positive thinking and a keen sense of humor. In 1981 he was given six months to live when he was diagnosed with HIV.

In 1996 when Mitchell became desperately ill with full-blown AIDS, he returned to Charlottesville, his hometown, to die. But instead of dying he learned how to live. As an artist, he entered a new phase of creativity.

Now, at the age of 53, Mitchell is about to have what he suspects might be his last art exhibit. On Friday his show "Joy" opens at the Mudhouse on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall.

Read the rest of the article here.