So, as promised, I went to the luncheon honoring the Texas "2010 Young Masters". While I was not surprised at what a big deal this is, I was totally taken aback by the level of the talent involved. The competitive level was fairly stratospheric. Texas is a pretty big place and now it is mostly urban. The Texas Cultural Trust picked 20 kids from across the state. I believe that about 5 recipients were visual artists, the majority being musicians and dancers, etc. All of these kids are amazing. Amazing.
Two of the former recipients gave short speeches along with several adult dignitaries. The two alumni were by far much more articulate and interesting to listen to than the State Representatives and Corporate types.
I think that the student with whom I worked was totally stunned at the implied responsibility and weight that came with this honor. She is now in some very heavy company. I confided with her father that while I worried about what this kind of import at this age would do to her head, it is definitely better to have this honor that not.