January Artist of the Month - Charlene Morrison
Charlene is the Golden Art Gallery's "Artist of the Month" for
January 2010. Visit
Charlene's artist page to view her artwork as well as her exhibit in
the Gallery.
Don't miss Charlene's reception on Second Thursday, January 14th, 4-8 pm at the Golden Art Gallery.
Artist statement:
I always loved to draw even as a little child. My mom saved many. During grade school I entered an art contest, winning one free dinner at a big hotel. Daddy got to pay for the rest of the family. My uncle Alvin had me do my first oil painting at Grandma's house. In my senior year of High School. I won a window painting contest. The $25 prize plus $10 bought my wedding dress.
I've always used my art. I started teaching kids at church at age 12. I inherited the love for telling Bible stories from my Grandmother. I drew pictures of the story I was telling. For 56 years I've illustrated truths.
As Ken was drafted, we moved our wedding from June to May 29, 1959 and moved to Virginia. I got my first job in an insurance agency. After returning home to Milwaukie, OR, I was a busy "stay at home" Mom, creating visual aids and teaching materials for Sunday School and Bible clubs. They were produced by "Sunshine Bible Visuals".
When Ken went into business for himself as an excavator in 1988, I went back to work at Supermarket of Insurance and got my agent's license. i worked for Grocer's Insurance from 1982 until our retirement in 1998. Besides my job as a personal lines agent, the company had me design brochures and exhibits at conventions and regularly contribute articles in the company newsletter.
When we moved to our seasonal residence in Goldendale, I began doing Christmas window painting. This was my twelfth season. Last year I survived open-heart surgery during which I had two strokes. My goal was to be able to paint again. I'm a "walking, talking miracle".
In May, we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. Our children hired the grange to cater a fantastic dinner. We took a wonderful trip to Florida, including a cruise to Nassau, Bahamas.
We have three, grown daughters and four grandchildren.
Charlene