Months before Loft 112 became a reality, supporter Sandra Crouse said she chose the gallery-to-be as a festive venue for her future 80th birthday, on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. On that sunny afternoon from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., she was feted by family, friends, and her collection of fairies as decoration. Inside Loft 112, at 112 E. Main Street, Morrison, IL, walls were decorated from floor to ceiling; nearly all display shelves were brimming; two storefront display windows offered a variety of art pieces; four stations displayed artful food. There were blooming spring flowers, Happy Birthday banners, and floating balloons to add to the festivity. The entire space was filled with conversation and good wishes for the honoree.
The guest of honor, Sandra Crouse, posed for a family photo with six of her seven children (numbers refer to the children’s birth order) and one-of-two stepchildren. Shown left-to-right, bottom-to-top are, first row, Jay Viviani #5, octogenarian Crouse, and step-daughter Deena Miller; second row, Al Ohlsen #7; third row, Mooch Gay #3 and Jack Viviani #4; top row, Elaine Coomes #1 and Ellen Smith #2. Son Gerald Viviani #6 will visit in the near future. Step-son Dennis Crouse was unable to attend.
