After publishing the Artists' Birthdays lists last week, quite a few emails rolled in saying that one favorite artist or another hadn't been mentioned. Emails of this nature are very much appreciated, All, as they often help me prioritize! I want to assure everyone who wrote that his or her suggestion will (a) have a profile written up and (b) be featured in this slot, in turn. Now, for starters, here we have dear Joan Miró, who has been languishing, neglected, in the "Mrs. Esaak, you really need to sit down and complete this" file for many a month.

Susan Ver Hoven, an artist possessed with the most lively, boundless passion for art, wrote a touching email describing how he had reached across the decades and inspired her. Specifically, a used copy of James Thrall Soby's "Joan Miró", found at a flea market, led her from a nice safe business degree, to a degree in studio art (and accompanying uncertain future), to a sort of pilgrimage to the Miró Foundation Museum in Barcelona. My heart was warmed to the point of flames, by the time she'd finished. This, Ladies and Gentlemen, is a perfect example of the True Power of Art. We make it because we love it, and some of us also write about the makers because we love them. Susan, thank you for both the suggestion and for following your dream. Good for you!