fine art

Postively Impacting the Life of a Young Artist

Third graders from Immanuel Lutheran school, Haley, winner of our “Be Creatively You” contest.

One way in which I define success is being able to leave a positive impact on the life of a child. So it was especially rewarding to have partnered with the talented young artist, Cassy Tully for a design contest to encourage the arts in children.  Since the idea was to have children design an outfit for Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, we also encouraged the children to read about Frankie in her book series, which also then encouraged reading.

Having Cassy, the artist and me, the author come together for this project was one those magical days I will forever cherish and remember.  The super wonderful thing is that Haley, our first place winner, truly wants to be an artist.   Many of her fellow students want to be artists, as well as authors.

Haley and her classmates were treated to a presentation this past Tuesday by Cassy and me, with Cassy talking about how art is made and I talked about how a book is made. The finale was sharing a little bit about Frankie’s story and then having the kids pet her.

The third grade students of Immanuel Lutheran School all went above and beyond in the design of the outfits for Frankie, so in our eyes, they were all winners!

Nostalgia… Friendship… Change

Friday evening I had my annual Christmas get together, which includes a sleepover, with my dear friend, who I call Sistah V. She calls me Sistah B. Frankie didn’t always come with me to our get together’s, but because my husband John is a bit uncomfortable in expressing her bladder since her diagnoses of IVDD, I am fortunate to bring her with me to Sistah V’s.

 

Frankie and I in front of Sistah V’s Christmas tree, which I am always green with envy over how beautiful she decorates.

Sistah V had a challenging year going almost one year without a job. She is not married so she solely provides for herself. It was a scary time for her, though she handled it with dignity and grace. It was also a time of a welcome change in discovering more about herself. It was a pleasure to watch her blossom.

Her home is the home of her grandparents which she bought a few years ago. She has many fond memories as a young child visiting there. The house was built in the 1930’s. Many things the way they were then, are still there. Cabinets, light fixtures, etc. It is quite nostalgic and comforting being there. Many touches of nostagia every where you look which I share in photos below.

Sistah V had quite the year of change and so I was delighted to have found the perfect gift for her to reflect her journey this past year. A print by local artist, Cassy Tully. Cassy has a collection of paintings called Growing Trees. I chose the Change tree for Sistah V (photo of it below).  And here is the saying on the back:

As the seasons evolve, change occurs in our lives as well. It is important to find a peaceful place to grow. Although a time of change is turbulent, we can always see our vibrant reflection in still water.

The print and especially its meaning meant much to Sistah V and I’m glad it touched her.

The evening and next morning was filled with much joy, deep thoughts and reflection. Her home and being with her is one of my peaceful places to grow… and when one of us can’t see our vibrant reflection in the still water during a turbulent time, we are there to remind each other.

Onward and forward with the photo tour through Sistah V’s home. Wait till you see where she made our morning toast!

 

I loved how the light streamed across Frankie’s face as she sat in the kitchen doorway

 

Sistah V has many vintage treasures! 

 

Frankie “helping” Sistah V open her gift from me. Such a good little elf.

 

A few tears later Sistah V granted me permission to take this photo of her with her Growing Tree print

 

Helping with final touches on Sistah V’s Christmas tree while we listened to Christmas music. I couldn’t help think John Boy Walton would soon be knocking on the door and asking the sisters for the family secret recipe!  If you saw the movie, The Homecoming, this will make sense.

 

Vintage bunnies tucked in an unsuspecting spot that brought a smile to my face when I discovered them.


Sistah V’s branch tree. I helped add final acorn ornaments, icicles, and the one special squirrel.

 

Original fireplace to the home… complete with plug in logs and added leaf string of lights to act as burning embers. I love Sistah V’s creativity!  And Frankie believes with all her heart that the fireplace is warming her buns.

 

An older home can present challenges with not enough outlets when one is cooking up a holiday breakfast treat. So the coffee perculated in the dining room on the buffet and our toast was made in the bathroom. Gotta love it!

Sistah V’s home complete with nothing less than a touch of vintage cardboard cut out santa.

Cassy Tully-Fine Art Interviews Children’s Author, Barbara Techel

Artist Cassy Tully turned the camera on me after I interviewed her in the last two blog posts on her life as an artist and what it meant for her to paint Frankie.  She now interviews me on what the painting means to me… as well as what my writing studio means to me, and so much more!  Enjoy!

Please note:  The Frankie greeting cards will be available soon on my website.  Once I have them ready for sale I will be sure to let you know via my blog.