J a s o n J a y + e l R a y

introduction JANET WILLIAMS
ceramicist, Director of Art Farm, Marquette, Nebraska

Family and Friends of Jason and Leslie~
We have gathered here today to celebrate the Joining of Leslie and Jason in marriage.
Ed and I are delighted to welcome you here to Art Farm and are particularly honoured that Leslie and Jason should consider this as the place at which to weave together their vows with the structure, the landscape, and you-their friends and loved ones.
During the long hot summer of 2001, Leslie and Jason participated in the artist residency programme here at Art Farm and created this special place, which they have named The Return. This place grew out of their response to this particular environment and represents their concept and feeling of the joining of the earth and the sky—bringing the presence of the heavens to earth at this place.

The overcoming of the many difficulties associated with the construction of the Return—the extreme heat, the bugs and the physical labour involved—was surely a testing ground—but their perseverance, tenacity and love carried them through and makes this an even more appropriate location at which to commit and celebrate with us, their love for each other.
Although variously named The Hut, The Shelter, The Dome, The Kiva, The Yurt; their particular name, The Return, is very apt. It has already brought Leslie and Jason back to this special place twice since its original construction and I hope will continue to bring them back here many times in their future.