Stonewall Vets Speech

My name is Susan Olmetti.  I am an abstract artist.  I am an Honorary Member of the STONEWALL Veterans Association.  I thank everyone for coming to this exciting SVA event.  I am very honored to have the privilege to speak with you today.  I would especially like to thank the founder of the STONEWALL Veterans' Association, Williamson L. Hendersaon.  Williamson has asked me to share some of my experiences with you.  I am an accomplished, exhibited, self-taught artist.  My unique form of artistic expression has been my passion for ten years.  I have displayed a body of work in the medium of oil painting that has given a strong technique and personal aesthetics. My approach to abstract painting relates to how forms emerge thru pigment and transparency.

Right now you are probably asking yourself the question what does an artist like myself have in common with this agenda and the goals of the STONEWALL Veterans' Association?  Let me tell you that there is plenty!  Like you, I come against much adversity in my life.  As have you, there have been many people who have criticized my way of life -- and how I do my work!

I was once told that me and my artwork would never amount to anything. My family told me my artwork looked like nothing more than a squiggle. I was diagnosed at the age of fifteen as being bi-polar and that I would be limited with what I would be able to do with my life.  It took awhile but I realized that they were all wrong!  In fact, the adversity actually made me stronger.  In time I knew I could do much more.  I decided to take my artistic gift to its fullest potential.  My main mission is to display the true spirit of general philanthropy to give to others the confidence and support in their personal and professional dreams.

We have much in common my goal is to overcome all adversity that has come into my life as I am sure many of you have experienced.  I am here to tell you how many road blocks have been put in my way and, no matter much intolerance there is in the world, I am here as living proof that all of this can be overcome.  Although I have not attained all of my personal and professional goals, I have accomplished many of them.  The secret is to continue to do what you believe in your heart is right no matter what.

I would like to give a special deserved thank you to Williamson Henderson for his energy, determination, ideas, sociability and with an effervescent intelligence, he has made himself an interesting and engaging colleague to me and so many others.  I continue to enjoyed and rely on having Williamson as an advisor and a  friend.

To SVA, in the words of Winston Churchill, "Never give up"!

Thank you very much for letting me speak this day of Gay Pride Weekend!