Nearly 20 years ago, the EAR Foundation granted me a scholarship that helped me attend Harding University. Some years back, EAR Foundation merged with the League for the Hearing Impaired to form Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
A few years ago I had the opportunity to join their board, and I have always felt it was a chance for me to help others since others have helped me.
Last weekend we had our third annual Music City Derby Day event, and we raised $55,000, an agency record. I’m happy to say that I contributed two paintings to the silent auction. Sure, it’s fun to get all dressed up, sip mint juleps, watch a horse race, participate in a silly version of croquet, but it’s even more fun to do it all for a good cause.
I put in some recent pieces that I painted a few months ago:
“Bend” acrylic on canvas. 14 x 11 inches. 2016
I was excited to put something this colorful and lively in the silent auction. For me this piece is about embracing life and building connections.
“Pressure” acrylic on canvas. 20 x 20 inches. 2016
These gold swirls on a neutral background with a teal undertone were actually inspired by some lazy pressure-washing I saw on the sidewalk one day. I love reinterpreting ordinary things as something unusual and exciting and even glamorous.
It was great to be part of this awesome cause again. Plus I got to meet some really cool people. Former boy-band singer Evan Farmer was a hilarious emcee, Lucia Folk‘s Russian jockey getup was a hoot, and TSU men’s basketball coach Dana Ford and his wife were as nice as ever.
We all had a great time and I can’t wait for next year.