HUM 6375 – Arts and Human Development

Meaningful Periods in My Creative Journey

One of the most meaning periods in my creative life began when I moved to Hilton Head Island after the birth of my son. Hilton Head was home to many notable artists, writers and musicians. The Art League there had a wonderful gallery and would also hold workshops and lectures there. I became a member and was soon taken under the wings of several older artists. Because of this group, I was able to meet people like Joe Bowler, Coby Whitmore, Suzanne McCullough Plowden and Pat Lusk. Seeing their work and studios elated me. 

The art league needed someone to do publicity for them, so I volunteered. This enabled me to know everything that was going on art wise on the island. And I would quickly be among the first to sign up for any workshop being offered. I thrived in this environment and really improved my skills as an artist. 

Sadly, we moved to Palm Coast. It was a devastating move. We lived in a hotel for five months with all my art supplies stored away. This and dealing with a four year old confined in a hotel nearly drove me insane. We finally got moved into our home when my then husband's addictions to alcohol and cocaine would one night cause him to break my nose. I went to the emergency room and the police came and took me and our child to a women's shelter in Daytona. I had my nose repaired while still living in the shelter. Then I packed up my stuff and went back to my parents in Virginia. We would reconcile and move to Charleston, then to Asheville, then back to Charleston. 

I had a wonderful studio in Asheville with a craft store within walking distance. I volunteered at my son's school and lead a group of boys through Cub Scouts up to Weblo Scouts. Most of my creative life here was around projects for the kids. We had a bazaar and made $200 from the sales of the little things we made. I cried when I learned we would be moving back to Charleston, because I really did love my life there. It was beautiful and that studio was amazing.

While still unpacking boxes in Charleston, I happened to see a news article announcing a grant for women who had been out of school for a long period of time to return to college. I had always wanted to get my Bachelors degree, so I applied. It was the last day to apply, so you can imagine my scramble to get the application in on time. Much to my surprise, I won the grant!

This one chance act was the catalyst for my growth and maturation as an artist. They did not have a graphic design program at the College of Charleston so my major would be Fine Arts. Being immersed in art and art history classes was delightful. And what was even more special was that the history, literature and German instructors all included the arts in their lessons. I had no idea how related everything was. My only regrets are that I had waited so long to start and that I would not get to graduate because, you guessed it, we were moving again! I just needed 11 hours to graduate.

Fortunately, we ended up in Dahlonega, as very quaint, small village in North Georgia, where I met some wonderful artists and became active in the Dahlonega Art Alliance, soon taking on the role of president. Here I also joined the Georgia Watercolor Society and won my first award. I was also a member of the Atlanta Artists Center and had my work in the Galleria Art Gallery as well as the Art Loft Co-op in Dahlonega. We were only here for two years and I really hated leaving because once again, I thought I was finally making progress with my art.

Moving to Jacksonville turned out to be very good for me. Not only did I get to work for a Fortune 50 company, but I also finally let go of the baggage that was holding me back, went back to school and earned my BFA, remarried and found my tribe.

I now belong to nearly all of the arts groups in Jacksonville and exhibit regularly with them. I have won many awards, teach classes and work on my creative practice nearly every day. Now I am working for the largest hospital and employer in the region sharing my artistic abilities and knowledge with patients and earning my Masters of Arts in Arts in Medicine degree! 

This may be considered more than one period, but it really is the only way to tell my story. Each step put me closer to my heart's desire. Would I have all these great experiences, good or bad, without all the chaos and moves? No, I seriously doubt it. My story is rich, now if I can only find a way to make it shine through my art, I will feel that I have actually accomplished something.