Sharlinda Says She Wanted to Help Harvin Help Herself...and Others

While meeting with Virginia, she shared a fair amount ofHarvin's difficult past with me. It was enough for me to say, After 10 years, let's turn this pain into a positive. We both decided to it would be nice to have an art show. The art show represented picking up the pieces and moving on with life. Having a great support team is important in my book.

I, myself, am passionate about art pieces that tell a story. I have a few close friends in the Atlanta area that are awesome artists.

I felt that it was very disrespectful when Virginia, Harvin and Meyer were late to the meeting at the art gallery. On the other hand, I know Virginia tries very hard to get the girls to stay on time. I do know other people who are always late, but I never mix business with them. My time is too valuable.

I have to admit: I was nervous about Harvin meeting the gallery owner. I didn't know if Harvin was going to stand up and own this platform—or clam up. But, needless to say, Harvin was a little confused on which direction to go.

I was confused when Meyer and Virginia showed up without Harvin. Not in a million years did I think that Harvin would not show up for her own art show. We discussed how the show would help her put all the bad feelings under her feet and start her new life. I felt like Harvin (Virginia or Meyer) could have at least called or even texted me to say Harvin wasn't ready to display her art. I felt disrespected because I felt like my time was wasted, and time is something that should be valued and respected by both parties.

I decided to tell the guest's that the party was OVER because I didn't want to waste anymore of their time nor mine. Each guest I invited took time out of their busy schedule to support Harvin.

It never occurred to me that it would have been a problem to have Harvin give a description of one of her art pieces. Harvin and I discussed her explaining at least one piece when we originally met at the gallery. It's normal in the art world for the artist to give a description to get the guests interested in the artwork.

I was disappointed in Harvin's reaction at the art gallery.

I felt like if Harvin had total support from Virginia and Meyer, she could have gotten through this. When they both said "you don't have to explain the art piece," my personal opinion was that they are allowing Harvin to stay in this dark, painful place in life. I believe that Harvin would have had a different reaction if she had the support she needed.

I invested so much of my time and effort into the art show because I wanted to help Harvin move past the pain she was feeling. I expressed to Harvin that she would be helping a lot of people to heal from pain they, too, experienced in life.

At the end of the day, Harvin is a smart young lady. I think her artwork is awesome. I'm sure she would do well if she decides to do a real art show.