Carlye and CASA

Another generous Facebook friend allowed me to use one of her photos as inspiration for a painting. This is Carlye. She was photographed at a pageant she was participating in. I was struck by her contemplative mood. Quite a contrast to the Crest White Strip smiles that are the norm for occasions like this.

This is 24x15 oil on gallery wrapped canvas

I attended the SF School of Law Equal Justice Art Show benefiting SF CASA. I didn't know this chapter of the great voluntary organization is the largest in California, dealing with over 1,200 children in Foster Care. I met with a director from SF CASA and told her I would love to donate my painting to their organization. She was glad to accept and said she plans to hang it in their training room along with my story to help inspire the new CASAs.

That made me feel better than winning first place at the show.

Who will speak for me?

12x36" oil on canvas

I was invited to submit and just learned I was accepted to the 7th annual Creative Justice Art Show at the University of San Francisco's School of Law. This year's theme is "Fostering Dreams of Equality" which will support San Francisco's branch of CASA [Court Appointed Special Advocates] CASAs are assigned to foster children and become their voice in the court where the judge must decide where the child's best interest lies, either in foster care or to return to the situation from which he or she was rescued. My painting is based on the eyes of the many children I had seen and dealt with in my past career. Though these children would be in horrendous conditions resulting in a police response, they almost never cried or spoke. It was as if they were afraid to ask for anything for themselves. This painting is dedicated to the law enforcement officers, social workers, CASA and attorneys who become their voice.

For new followers, read about a very personal encounter with some sweet girls I had to place in foster care because of their home situation HERE.