Pastel Art: From Grief to Joy

Author: Jennifer Thompson Gunn; Published: May 18, 2010; Category: Art and Joy, Works on Paper; Tags: Art and Joy, Works on Paper; One Comment

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In 2001, my studio was a shared space on the third floor of what was an old Civil War hospital overlooking King St. in Old Town Alexandria. It had wonderfully high ceilings, lots of windows, and the original pine floor.

I was looking forward to holding my first, self-produced, art show at the studio in October. The invitations were carefully created with the image, Goodbye for the Summer shown at the top of this blog post. I had worked for over a year on this pastel which was close to life size.

The invitations landed in local invitees’ mailboxes on September 11.

This art show became one of the most memorable events during that difficult time because of the joy that it generated. To my surprise, many people came to my art show in October. The tragedy did not keep them away.

Serendipity was a part of the event as I had already designated the William Wendt Center for Loss and Healing in Washington DC as the recipient of a donation. The Center helps children who have lost a loved one. I always choose at least one charity to receive a donation from some of the proceeds of each of my shows: This charity was chosen long before 9/11.

Goodbye for the Summer was auctioned to the highest bidder at the show: All of the proceeds went to the William Wendt Center. The subject of the painting is Mrs. Mary Cleer McLaughlin, known far and wide in Old Town Alexandria for the joyful way that she conducted herself each day in her job. The scene shows her on the last day before summer vacation with two of my dogs. Mrs. McLaughlin was a crossing guard for decades in Old Town. Miss Mary, as she is known, has retired, but is still recognized by children, parents and her four-footed friends when she walks down the streets of Old Town Alexandria.

The event was a success for the Center, for me, and for everyone who attended. We all had fun, enjoying art and each other’s company.

Joy trumped grief!

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