Thus far, this year has been positive for my artwork with painting and print sales at my all time high, newspaper articles published about my work, an interview by the local TV station, and recipient of several awards. However, most inspiring of all, people in my hometown of Herrin, Illinois donated to purchase the following two paintings of historic downtown to be on permanent display in City Hall. 

My painting of the town square decorated for Christmas is as it appeared in the 1940s and 1950s when Herrin was a thriving town and host to a US president.

   “Park Avenue of Christmas Past”   On on Wood Panel         10” x 22”

In September of 1948, President Harry S. Truman with his wife Bess and daughter Margaret traveled by car through Herrin where 18,000 people greeted the Truman family along Herrin’s Park Avenue.

This painting won the People’s Choice Award in the 3rd annual Christmas Show at the Hartley Galley in Herrin. 

The second painting purchased by citizen’s donations is of the old train depot which no longer sits near the tracks, but has been relocated to preserve it.

      “1909 IC Depot”   On on Wood Panel     7” x 12”

Best of Show Winner

My latest award was the “Best of Show” in the  Religious Art Show at the Icehouse Gallery in Mayfield, KY for my oil painting “The Greatest of These is Love.”

        “The Greatest of These is Love” Oil on Linen 11” x 14”

This painting gave me great joy to paint as I reflected on the love between a mother and child and reminded me of how I felt when my children were this age. 

This painting along with 20 of my other works will be featured at the Murray Art Guild in Murray, Kentucky in June.