Community Gifts of Art
My greatest joys in my professional life often involve making art with others for others. Usually, the projects that
God places on my heart involve collaborating with my students, but they've also included my dear family, close
friends, and complete strangers.

Very often, when I invite adults to be involved in creating the projects with me, they hesitate because they don't
think that they're "good enough" to bless someone else with their art. But over and over again, with a little
encouragement and direction, these same individuals are soon amazed and pleased with their creative
contribution offered in love...and rightly so!

This page highlights just a few of the community art projects that I have been privileged to be a part of over the
past few years. I hope that you'll take some time to view the slide shows that give a behind the scenes look at
the process, the final project, and the many talented and loving participants who created them.

I have a card pasted on my wall near my desk that has a quote by Mahatma Gandhi on it that reads: "Be the
change you want to see in the world."  I believe that these community gifts of art help me and others do just that.
"Butterfly Garden"
(Displayed at Loudoun Nursing and
Rehabilitation Center in Leesburg, VA, then at
Blue Ridge Hospice in Winchester, WV )

The painting at left is one of six panels that are part of
this project which began in June 2009. Nearly 30 people
contributed their talent and love to offer a tangible gift of
love to shut-in residents in our community. Children of
all ages, my art therapy clients (senior adults with
mobility, sight and memory impairments at the Loudoun
County Adult Day Center), as well as visitors to my home
studio participated with me. It took us three months to
complete. I hope that you'll take a moment to see the full
project. It is sure to warm your heart!  Watch the slide
show
"Mary's House of Hope"
(Currently on display in Purcellville, VA)

Five of my art students (ages 6-9) worked collaboratively
with me in 2008 to create a house portrait for a local
transitional shelter for homeless women with very young
children. We combined soft pastels, oil pastels and
markers with hearts of joy and love to create this
one-of-a-kind gift of art.
Watch the slide show  
"Funny Birds"
(A gift for Loudoun Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in
Leesburg, VA.)

This project was a collaboration of nearly 25 of my
students, from preschoolers to retired seniors, and
took 5 months to complete in three different venues. It
features 8 large canvases featuring trees and birds in
winter and spring scenes,including baby birds in
blossoming trees!  View slide show.
"The supreme
happiness of life
is the conviction that
we are loved."

Victor Hugo