George -

Your web site is wonderful and part of the magic of working at The Gates was meeting people like you - a panoply of humanity.

As for an overview of the experience as a paid volunteer (yes, we were all paid by the artists), it was such an all-encompassing, positive experience, it is hard not to ramble. I was fortunate to be part of the installation and two weeks as a monitor, but I could nor spare the time to take it down.

I think one of the most powerful elements of the exhibit was the joy it brought to all who visited it. Whether those who experienced it were New Yorkers or the general population, the smiles, conversations, emotions of joy, and even the serenity were well worth the inconveniences we had to get to NYC.

Regardless of the frigid temperatures, wet feet, or those who were not convinced of its "meaning", the exhibit brought so many people together from around the world to experience a work of art. It allowed them to see the vistas of Central Park, the vibrancy of the colors in various light and weather, and, most important, interact with others.

Although I had seen two other installations of Christo and Jeanne Claude, the impact that The Gates made on the vast majority made me again realize the power of art, regardless of the discipline used by the artist. It was an overwhelmingly positive experience for me.

Ed deGroat (electronic mail, March 2, 2005)