January 28,1986 was a day we will never forget in our lives and in the history of space exploration. After the words "Roger, go at throttle up", the painful vision in our minds with the shuttle blasting off and shortly thereafter exploding into a giant fireball and cascading back to earth, is etched indelibly into our memory.

I remember the day well. I was rushing to meet some deadlines painting some valentines day billboards. Other than the rush, the day seemed to be going well and normal. The idea of the first "teacher"-"public citizen" to journey into space, had me attentively listening to the radio. I eagerly awaited with excitement for this mission because I thought of it as a neat experience to see a teacher giving lessons from space to the children back on earth.

The first news came in about the successful launch, then next came the interruption of the broadcast with the mention of a "major malfunction". The hope quickly faded away and turned into disbelief after the realization closed in.,/p>

My heart sank to an all time low! The sheer thought of such a catastrophic event was very numbing to my senses. The world was watching in horror. America began to go into shock and mission control was desperately searching for answers. The first thing to come to mind was: Are the astronauts O.K.? Listening to the radio made it a little harder to grasp what was to become a very visual memory from tv.

I couldn't perform my duties any longer that day. I just walked around asking myself why?, and next, well, what can I do to help? Being an artist gives me a vehicle in which to communicate and express my personal feelings. Planning played a major role in the thought process which yielded the idea to paint a simple and symbolic painting in reference to some of Christa's own words "Keep Reaching For the Stars. "This was an automatic process after deciding the route to take.

I felt that the painting would be an appropriate gift to Concord High School(where Christa taught) and to the families of the victims.

The image was very clear in my mind, two hands stretched out above the earth trying to grasp the comet along with a star for each of the seven astronauts. The visualization made the project a bit easier. When I had finished the painting, a strong sense of relief resided in me.

I've found that using my talent was the best way to deal with my grief. Shortly after the completion of "Keep Reaching for the Stars", my cousin (more like a brother)Jacky Schwartz was visiting Alabama from his home in Alton, New Hampshire, I asked Jacky to hand deliver the painting to the Concord High School some 60 miles away from his home.

Jacky agreed providing that he had the time. I didn't think much more about it for a year or so. Jacky invited me to visit beautiful Alton, N.H. because he knew that I needed a vacation. I couldn't turn down the offer, so it was a go. I decided to fly up and see the scenery (not a bad idea!). Upon arrival, Jacky informed me that we had a matter to take care of: To deliver the painting to Concord High School.

I never thought of this as being a factor. We made an appointment with the principal and got the painting framed and matted in the meantime. The day arrived to present the painting to Concord High School and I was little nervous, but that feeling dissipated fairly quickly. My cousin, Jacky and I, met with the principal, Mr. Charles Foley, and another school official in the office where I unveiled "Keep Reaching for the Stars."

Mr. Foley talked with us about the generosity from around the globe: the large sums of money from Japan, Russia,etc.and the pouring in of mail, so much that they had to start storing them in a warehouse. He mentioned that there were not very many paintings sent. Much of the mail was yet to be opened and was just sitting there in big boxes. Mr. Foley said that each and every letter or correspondence would be acknowledged or a thank you note would be sent, however this would be an enormous task taking a great deal of time.

I was given the distinct privilege of reaching into a box of un-opened letters to retrieve and open a letter at random. This letter showed me a taste of the feelings of sadness shared among all americans. The letter was from a young student in Virginia.

We moved to another area for the official presentation of the painting. The small reception took place in a hallway area where Christa saw the potential to change a mundane spot into a happier place and fixed it up with flowers . No a portrait of Christa in blues with her space helmet, hangs on the brick wall above a flowerbox in the hallway. This is a tribute to the woman who taught us all to "keep reaching for the stars".

At this point, I'm not sure where the painting hangs, but I was told that plans were in the works for a multi-million dollar planetarium and facility to be built in Christa's honor. The dream is now a reality called The Christa McAuliffe Planetarium" located in Concord, New Hampshire and stands as an ultimate tribute to Christa's dreams.

Another item of interest is the fact that astronaut Ron McNair was rehearsing a small part specially composed for him to be played on his saxophone in the shuttle and was to be the first musical piece to be played and recorded in space. Ron was so excited about the piece that he rehearsed it continuously until the last moment. Ron had collaborated with recording artist Jean Michel Jarre. The composition was to be subsequently added to a future new age album of Jarre's. On the album "Rendezvous", there is the inclusion of a very moving tribute to Ron using the music he studied so hard. The title is "Last Rendezvous" Ron's piece.