Artist Donates Sales From Artwork to Help Friend

"Handel's Heart" by Mary Margaret Holmes, copyright

Mary Margaret Holmes wanted to share this with the Ascribing Artist Blog:

In July 2008 I was in wal-mart in Winona, Ms and I looked up to see a familiar face. It was Troy Wiltshire. He was wearing his famous smile and memories of He and I back in high school came flooding back. Troy was 2 years ahead of me and he might as well have been my brother. We quickly became fast friends and hung out until he graduated and went on to become a success in college. I hadn't seen Troy in a while but our friendship has never wavered. After college Troy married a wonderful girl, Amanda, and they have the most beautiful one year old daughter, Kaylyn Rose. Troy got to meet my husband and one year old son that day in wal-mart and we hope to schedule a play date with our kids when Troy is better. You see, 2 weeks after our visit, Troy's life was rocked by shocking news. He had Acute Myeloid Leukemia....and it was bad. As a pharmacist, I knew the consequences he faced and I fell to my knees and asked God to spare Troy.

We almost lost him the 1st month. But if you know Troy you know he is the definition of a fighter. Troy put his faith and trust in his God and we all waited patiently for good news. Then we got some. Troy desperatetly needed a bone marrow transplant to live and within no time God provided a perfect match for Troy. He and his family moved to Rochester, Minnesota for the operation in December 2008. So far the transplant was successful but he and his family are still in Minnesota where he can be under the care of some amazing doctors.

You see God has a plan for Troy and even though I wouldn't wish this disease on anyone, Troy has used it as a example to show others the mercy and love of our Lord. God has a perfect plan for all our lives if we are open to letting him work through us.....and that's were I come in. I had been praying diligently for Troy for some time when I felt God telling me I needed to do something else to help him. I was blessed with the talent of painting from a young age and had recently started my own website to try and sell my paintings for suplimental income so that my husband could stay home and keep my son while I was at work. God told me that he would provide for me and that I should take what God has given me and use it to help Troy. So I dedicated 100% of the profits from my website to Troy to help with medical expenses, cost of living, childcare, whatever.

Now I have 3 things to ask of you.
#1: PRAY! Pray that God comepletely heals Troy so that he can go about doing His work and being and example of faith and hope.

#2: Pray for my website www.cedarhouseart.com that God will bless it and raise lots of money on Troy's behalf.

#3: Pray to God and if you feel led, consider purchasing a painting or a peice of jewelry. Not only will you be donating to a worthy cause but you get a one of a kind original artwork to show for your efforts.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and may God bless your life with health and happiness. Go to www.cedarhouseart.com to see what's available and check out www.caringbridge.com to find updates on Troy's condition.

Your Sister in Christ,
Mary Margaret Holmes

Blog: www.cedarhouseart.blogspot.com
E-mail: mmholmespharmd@yahoo.com

Wildlife Artist, Beverly Basham

"Hidin' and Seekin'" by Beverly Basham, copyright

The Ascribing Artist Blog just added wildlife artist, Beverly Basham's website to the Artist Links. Please take a peek at:

www.TwoCedarsStudio.com

Featured Artist: Elizabeth Gawronski

"Lighthouse" by Elizabeth Gawronski, copyright

"Icy Waters" by Elizabeth Gawronski, copyright

"Tulip with Butterfly" by Elizabeth Gawronski, copyright

Elizabeth Gawronski began painting with acrylics but has now expanded into other media including oils, watercolors, and pastels. Her motto is "Creativity On and On." She has recently (2004) been juried into the "Colors of the Season" art show and sale at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur, Alabama (CVAC). She was judged "Best in Acrylics" at the Fayetteville-Lincoln County Art League Show in Fayetteville, Tennessee, and was a "Limelight Series Artist" at the Huntsville Art League in 2002. She is a member of the Watercolor Society of Alabama (WSA) and the Art League of Madison (ALM). She has studied art under many talented and professional artists including Chuck Long, Ed Starnes, Shifra Stein, Wayne Spradley, Jean Wood, Helen J. Vaughn, and others. She continues to expand her horizons through travel and workshops. Many of her painting are of places she has visited. Among her favorite subjects are flowers from her garden. She exhibits her paintings and other art decor annually at the Monte Sano Art Show and Sale atop Monte Sano Mountain in Huntsville, Alabama. She is a graduate of Florida State University (B.S.) and the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, Alabama (BAMA) (M.A., Ed.S.). Please contact her at lizgaw@hiwaay.net or via telephone at (256) 882-0173. Current Exhibits: Gifford Street Fabrics, 4852-D Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35802 in the Publix Shopping Center.
Mrs. Gawronski displayed her painting "Japanese Bridge" at The Atrium Gallery located in The Madison County Public Library, June 23-October 1, 2005, as part of the Bicentenniel Celebration of the City of Huntsville, Alabama. The bridge is a landmark of the City of Huntsville and was presented as a gesture of good will and friendship by a Japanese General officer. Recently, Mrs. Gawronski entered the Artist Colony of Gulf Breeze, Florida 2006 Online International Art Exhibition (August, 06-Present).

For more information please contact or visit Mrs. Gawronski's art blog at: artbylizelizabethgawronski.blogspot.com or email lizgaw@hiwaay.net

Featured Artist: Judy Bobula

"Adobe Buildings" by Judy Bobula, copyright

"Picket Fences" by Judy Bobula, copyright

"Bottles" by Judy Bobula, copyright

Judy Bobula in her art studio

ARTIST STATEMENT- Judy Bobula

Art is a part of me-like eating or sleeping. When I create in my studio, time stands still.

When I began painting, I portrayed the world realistically, but in the past ten years my style has evolved into a more impressionistic and interpretive expression.

Currently I work in mixed media collage. I start with an idea, although, often I don’t know where I am going with it, or how it will turn out. I continually scrape, sand, and repaint. Sometimes I abandon the original idea altogether and go with something new. I enjoy experimenting with new materials and techniques and often add organic materials for interest. While I strive for good composition and unity, dynamic color and texture are signatures of my work. Much of my inspiration comes from love of nature and travel. Birch bark from Maine, stones from Arizona, and shells from Florida often wind up in my art. Any excursion can be a source of creativity for me.

I was raised in Wisconsin and moved to the South as a young adult. I have studied art at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia and at Kennesaw College in Marietta, Georgia. Since moving to Alabama, I have continued studies at Calhoun College and at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

My paintings have received awards in major competitions across the region. One of my paintings recently received first place in painting at the Alabama Community College System Chancellor’s Awards Exhibition. My works are in both private and corporate collections throughout the United States, including that of Marilyn Quayle, wife of the former Vice President, and have been featured in regional newspapers and magazines.

For more info about Judy please visit her website at: www.judybobula.com

Photographer, Neville Simpson

Click on Image to see Full photo

Click on Image to see Full photo

Click on Image to see Full photo

Click on Image to see Full photo

Neville Simpson was born in Guyana, South America; Grew up in Brooklyn, NY and currently reside in Huntsville, AL. He loves God, people, and art!

Neville's story is one of perseverance, strength and the willingness to follow his bliss.

As you can see above, Neville has an eye for catching the right moments of your wedding. He is also available for engagement & anniversary portraits.

If you have a wedding coming up in Hunstville/Madison County, call N’Sight Photography. 256.694.9349 Neville is also available for travel.

http://www.nsightphoto.com/ Click on the link to take you to his BLOG, Website, and NHS Fine Arts

Artist, Betty Burchfield: HE LIVES, JESUS LIVES

From Madison, AL, Artist Betty Burchfield:

JESUS LIVES FRAMED, by Betty Burchfield, copyright

Every artist should paint a picture such as this. One can feel His sweet Holy Spirit as the brush is busy capturing the sweet story of Jesus. HE LIVES! At first, i looked at the painting and was trying to capture Him walking on water. My son, Don, came in and viewed it and then started laughing. "Mom" he said "He looks like He is surfing". So, I decided to "still the waters" around His feet. Then, decided to move the Cross to the other side of the picture and wanted to share the final results. See more pictures below.

May He Bless you and keep you safe, my friends.
Betty

More about Betty Burchfield and her "Original Creations by Little Reb" can be found on her websites at:
Custom Oil Paintings
http://www.treasuredreflections.net
Home of the Little Reb Doll Molds, Patterns, Restorations, and Dolls
http://www.littlereb.com

JESUS LIVES

Jesus surfing

TK Selleck: Revealing God's Majesty Thru Photography

"Daisies in Field" by TK Seleck, copyright

I am delighted to announce TK Seleck's new website. Check out her inspirational Photography at www.tkselleck.com. Revealing God's Majesty Thru Photography. Stay tune for TK's featured artist spot on the art blog.

Art Retreat for artists! Fort Payne, AL

Whether it be an art class, some quiet writing time or just a little get-a-away to spark that creativity in yourself, artist Ann Hamilton has created just the place for you,The Art Lovers Retreat.

Art Retreat Director Artist Ann Hamilton started the Art for Art Lovers Retreat to share with other artists, writers, and photographers the place where her own creativity has blossomed. In creating the retreat, she had a vision of being able to share her knowledge and experiences with other artists. One of her desires is to help other artists find their voices and styles, and to help them believe in themselves, their gifts, and their works. She has more than 20 years of experience as a professional artist and has been teaching for more than ten years.She is listed in the World's Who's Who of Women as well as America's Who's Who of Women. She has won numerous awards and exhibited in galleries, shows, universities, colleges, libraries, and banks. She has studied at colleges and universities, and attended workshops throughout her career.

The Art Retreat is best suited for one to four persons, or two couples. It has two floors with a bed & breakfast layout. The cost of the art retreat is $250 weekly, $700 Monthly (In the Winter Months rates will be slightly higher). Lessons and Workshops Priced Separately.

Surrounded by Oak trees, the home of the art retreat sits on a hillside in the Historic District of downtown Fort Payne. The Art Lovers Retreat is normally available for three seasons a year, March through October. Retreats are by the week or month. The week normally begins on Saturday. While the house is also available for use during November through February, although weather conditions might not be favorable. Meals are not included except for some kitchen privileges. The town has several restaurants, pizzerias, markets and more - minutes from the art retreat.

The Art Lovers Retreat

http://www.artforartlovers.net/

Book: "Art for God's Sake: A Call to Recover the Arts"

What does God say about the Arts? Can you be a Christian and an artist? How do the arts impact your church? The creation sings to us with the visual beauty of God's handiwork. But what of man-made art? Much of it is devoid of sacred beauty and is often rejected by Christians. Christian artists struggle to find acceptance within the church. If all of life is to be viewed as "under the lordship of Christ" can we rediscover what God's plan is for the arts?

To find out more about this book please visit: Christianbook.com "Art for God's Sake: A Call to Recover the Arts"

Call for "Ascribing Artists"

WHO: Calling all artists who wish to give the Lord praise for their talent and artwork.

WHAT: Empty Tomb Graphics would like to add you to the ASCRIBING ARTIST network. It is a collection of artists who desire to "Ascribe to the Lord the Glory due His name". Ascribing Artists recognize that anything they do pales in comparison to the Glory of the Lord. They give credit for their talent and artwork to the only ONE worthy of praise.

Inspired by Psalm 29, we are to be "A Reflection of His Glory" in all that we do.

1 ASCRIBE TO the Lord, O sons of the mighty, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 2 Give to the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness or in holy array.

WHY: As a part of this creative ministry, Ascribing Artists will be an avenue to bring together other artists with this same belief and offer art created by these artists as a way to "Ascribe to the LORD." Ascribing Artists will also have the opportunity to be an avenue to teach design and illustration classes to youth as a way to reclaim a medium that has all but lost its focus to"Ascibe to the LORD."

WHERE: To learn more about this opportunity please visit Empty Tomb Graphics at www.EmptyTombGraphics.com or contact Paul LaBathe at 256.874.2471 or ascribing@emptytombgraphics.com.

SUBMIT to ascribing@emptytombgraphics.com:

1) Brief description of your work, media, style, approach, etc.
2) A couple samples of your work, say no larger than 600 pixels vertically or horizontally
3) Contact information and/or link to your website

WorldCrafts- helping around the world artists in poverty

Located in Birmingham, AL, WorldCrafts is a ministry of Women's Mission Union www.wmu.org

WorldCrafts is nonprofit and imports handcrafts from countries around the world and markets them in the US. When you purchase WorldCrafts you:

Assist more than 60 artisan groups (women and men) around the world who live in poverty in providing for their families.
Support artisan groups while buying meaningful gifts for your family and friends.
WorldCrafts abides by and requires all partnering artisan groups to abide by Fair Trade Federation guidelines.

Andrea Mullins, WorldCrafts director, explains the importance of fair trade. "The fact that WorldCrafts is a fair trade company adds value to our products. We commit to pay artisans a fair price that covers not only their costs, but also insures sustainable production. We encourage artisans to set prices that allow them to invest in the growth of their business. We provide partial advance on payments to the artisans that allows them to hire more people and purchase the raw materials needed. We are committed to our artisans for the long term to maintain certain levels of product orders, investing in product development for long-term planning as well as sustainable production practices. These standards guarantee impoverished families hope for a better life."

For more information, or for information on how to become a WorldCrafts artisan group, please e-mail us at WorldCrafts@wmu.org, write to us at 100 Missy Ridge, Birmingham, AL 35242, or call 1-800-968-7301.

www.worldcraftsvillage.com

WorldCrafts is a ministry of Women's Mission Union www.wmu.org

Featured Artist: Angela D. Hill

Angela D. Hill was born in Greensboro, AL on July 29, 1964. She exhibited Artistic abilities early in her childhood. Throughout her early academic years, educators relied heavily on her artistic and innovative nature. This encouraged her to spend hours developing her skills in various art forms. After graduating from Greensboro High School East Angela went on to attend Alabama A&M University where she studied Commercial Art and Advertising. Angela has worked in many different career fields but has never found the satisfaction that she finds in her creations. This realization resulted in her moving to Huntsville, AL in 2007. This move brought about a peace that can easily be seen in her more recent creations. “I asked God to to give me a creation that would spread and enhance world peace throughout the this nation. I asked that it be revealed in a dream. That same night twelve clocks were revealed to me in a dream.” Through prayer, she thanked God for leading her in this direction that has changed her life and wanting it to also change the lives of others. Upon seeing the true significance of these clocks with the timely message on each, hanging them throughout your workplace or office, aat home, or even at church, will only remind those that look upon them to spend time with Jesus every hour.

Angela Hill
artist0368@yahoo.com
256-536-6150

Featured Artist: Don Howard

After completing his studies at Hampton University, Don began his career at Disney Studios in Burbank, CA. While at Disney, he worked on projects for Robin Hood and Winnie the Poo. It was during this time that he became keenly interested in the art of caricature.
Don relocated to Huntsville, AL in the early 1980's and after establishing Howard Studios, he made a personal decision to concentrate on the art of caricature. Since his decision, he has not looked back-caricatures are his only form of artistic expression. Don works tirelessly to develop caricatures that are not only humorous and provocative, but also professionally crafted.
Don lives in Huntsville, AL with his wife and business partner, Dorothy.

www.howardstudiosltd.com