The leap of faith Carole Esk'ridge is taking astounds even her, and she is a woman of unbelievable faith.
At the end of the month, Esk'ridge is leaving the historic Russel Erskine, the former hotel that's now an apartment building for the elderly and disabled, which has been her home for 22 years.
She's selling or giving away her possessions, and the 62-year-old is going to live with a family in Hanceville. There she plans to open the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists for creative types like her who struggle with mental illness: "Joy," she said, "will be our goal."
Esk'ridge said she has a spot in mind for the academy near the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and it will be part home, part refuge and part art studio.
"It will be a place where those who can't do certain normal functions can live in hope, surrounded by a loving atmosphere, with healthy food and a clean environment," she said. "A place where the whole person - mind, body, soul and personality - will be cared for with love and desire to understand the needs of each artist.
"It will be a convent, almost, but for lay people."
She's not certain how she'll fund this academy.
"God will provide," she said. "It sounds strange in this day and age, but I believe in God, and I believe He answers prayers.
TO READ MORE OF THIS INFORMATIVE ARTICLE PLEASE VISIT:
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/125335178062050.xml&coll=1
Contact Carole Esk'ridge about her efforts and find out how you can be involved at caroleeskridge3@gmail.com or singskt@knology.net
If you would like to support the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists please send donations made out to "Visionary Guild Grant Fund" Treasurer, Ann Denbo at 2304 Brookside Drive, Decatur, AL 35601.
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