The adopter, Christopher Carver, writes:

I wish to start off by stating that I am very happy to have had the opportunity to be part of the FAAN's adoption process. I think that this is a wonderful concept which is even more remarkable on account of its originality.

Joan asked me to provide her with my reactions to “Thin Red Line” upon its arrival, and I include them here:

“The first thing I was struck with was the incredible texture of ‘Thin Red Line’. While a sense of its texture can be gained from looking at the piece on a computer screen, I was amazed at the depth of texture that the piece has when viewed ‘in the flesh’."

"The second thing which struck me was the degree of contrast in the shades of blue from deep to light as the band of blue progresses from the top left to the bottom center of the piece. I had no sense that the blue hues would evolve so much as they progress along that continuum. I received much pleasure from truly seeing this for the first time."

"Thank you so much for allowing me to provide a home for ‘Thin Red Line’, and I look forward to placing the piece in my new home. I already know exactly where "Thin Red Line" will live: Across for my desk in my study so that it is directly in front of me as I work. Whenever I look up, the piece will provide the proverbial ‘port in the storm’.”

Miscommunications aside, I had great fun going through the adoption process with Joan, and I hope many others will have the positive experience that that I enjoyed.

The artist, Joan Mellon, writes:

The adoption has finally taken place! After many backs and forths and some miscommunications, "Thin Red Line" is safe and sound in its new home.

Chris's initial enthusiasm about this piece and it's meaning for him is what made me decide he was the one who should be the adoptive parent.

When I first heard about FAAN, it was my undersanding that it was aimed towards people who, for different reasons, did not usually think of living with original and/or contemporary art. For me, Chris filled that bill nicely. The letter I received after "Thin Red Line" arrived at its new home, confirmed my decision. I hope Chris tells this story himself.