Clean Water and A Busy Summer of Art!

Let me tell you a story of God stirring the pot!

In a world where we can send an orbiter in and out of the rings of Saturn, it blows my mind that we cannot get clean water to every person on this planet.  With that in mind and becoming ever more mindful that this God-given talent should do more than decorate living spaces, I set out on a mission a few years back to find the right organization with which to partner  through the sale of my art.  (As some of you know, half of my proceeds support clean water wells in third world countries, especially Africa.)  I found and am happy to partner with Samaritan's Purse whose teams do just that, bring wells with clean water, along with Biblical teaching to those without this commodity that we take for granted.  So brisk art sales translated to support for clean water and with that, health and hygiene. 

But last fall there arose a problem as The Artisans of St. James, NC, through which I had been selling my work, were rather suddenly without a gallery.  Where would "those proceeds" come from?  I'm not exactly well-connected in the gallery world and I'm definitely not a sidewalk painter!  

Last Fall, I took a chance and entered my work in a "Holiday Boutique", a 2-day festive Christmas Show here in Southport.  This spring, the Artisans began to have short term exhibition and sales, first on the patio in front of Tommy Thompson's Restaurant and then in the new pavilion at Woodlands over Memorial Day weekend and last week on the veranda of the Reserve Club as part of the 20th birthday celebration of the Town of St. James! Brisk sales at all 4 venues!

In the spring I was fortunate enough to make it off the wait list to become part of the Associated Artists of Southport at Franklin Square Art Gallery where my work is well-received and again sales have been good.  

We can add to those opportunities, the welcome reception my alcohol ink classes have had as I introduce alcohol ink painting to beginners and challenge those with more experience to hone their new found skill.  My third class has a few more spots open, if anyone out there is ready for an advanced class!

It is with a grateful heart for these opportunities and a huge smile that I tell you I am once again  in the business of helping to bring clean water to those without! I am a blessed, happy camper indeed! (But not as happy as those who will get clean water be when my next donation is made!)  God is so good! All the time!