There is a profound sense of happiness and gratification one feels by being part of making someone else’s long-held dream come true. Even if in only some tiny way.

The person with the dream was Vashon Island community leader and ridiculously talented Vashon artist Christine Beck. Her goal was to celebrate those who have been making art and music on the island for over 25 years. And the happiness was on wide and wonderful display when the exhibition “Catch Us While You Can” closed on Sunday night at the Open Space. The crowd was singing and dancing to a variety of well-known musicians and bands. Art was on glorious display. There was thunderous applause when Beck got up, mic in hand, to thank a long list of participants, volunteers, music and art lovers for being part of this month-long celebration. And to remind all present that you can’t move forward without embracing your past. While many at the event can attest that the island is going through changes — not all appreciated by long-term residents — when we are making art, dancing and enjoying each other in a space dedicated to art and music, nothing seems to have changed at all.

The thanks should be directed to Chris Beck, who included us all in her dream, thereby sharing the soul of Vashon and sense of community to everyone.

— Margaret Heffelfinger