I had the incredible privilege of painting with the girls at Wellspring Living (WL) this past Saturday.  Three artists (Hannah Joiner, Christina Genth, and myself) were invited to teach a canvas/art project to the young ladies currently in their program.  If you have not heard of Wellspring Living, I encourage you to check out the amazing work they are doing.  The organization "confronts the issue of childhood sexual abuse and exploitation through awareness, training and treatment programs for women and girls."  I had learned about Wellspring Living through a friend and have wanted to volunteer with them for quite some time.  It is all in perfect timing though as my first opportunity to be involved fell on my mother's birthday.  She would have been 56 that day. It was a quiet joy I carried with me, as I got to serve young women, while remembering a women who had an astounding impact on so many. We themed our paintings around hearts.  I couldn't think of a more fitting subject, as Wellspring Living has created an unbelievably loving environment for the girls and the girls were so willing to open their hearts to us.   We brought samples for the girls to follow, but they were simply launching points.  Their creativity took flight and the paintings and pieces they created were just wonderful.  The girls were a joy and their paintings expressed it.  Below are some of the samples I brought to inspire them, but as most volunteer opportunities go, I was the one who ended up being inspired.  Check out this amazing organization: wellspringliving.org.  Also, check out the wonderful work of Hannah Joiner: hannahjoiner.com and Christian Genth: christinagenth.com.

Painting for children is one of favorite activities!  And paintings that can benefit children, just tops the cake for me.  Ever since I had the privilege of teaching dance in college to foster kids, I have always had so much respect for the men and women who open their homes and their hearts to children placed in such a difficult and confusing situation. DreamWeavers is an organization that supports foster children and families.  They provide love, support, and supplies needed to help give foster kids a sense of normalcy and fun in their lives.  The money they raise allows foster kids to have birthday parties, take dance lessons, or learn how to ride a horse.  So, it was with great joy that I happily painted three pieces for their Night of A Thousand Dreams fundraising event.  The event featured a night of entertainment and silent and live auctions to benefit children in foster care. My painting "Girl Reaching For the Stars" went for a price beyond my expectations (and even beat out autograph pieces from Carrie Underwood and Justin Bieber..hehe!!) What an honor, blessing, and joy I got to share with DreamWeavers that night!! For more information on DreamWeavers of Georgia check out their website at dreamweaversofgeorgia.org.