The drawing tomorrow for the beautiful dichroic-glass pendant to benefit breast cancer research will be tomorrow and there are only TWO names in the hat!!

You could have a really good chance to win it! Just leave a comment and the name will be drawn tomorrow.

BTW: Art Now For Autism is over and raised more than $4,000 for the cause. Claudine Intner did a wonderful job of organizing the auction and I would like to thank her for the opportunity to contribute to the cause in some small way.

I'm getting ready for a benefit auction on Saturday for the Mental Health Association here in Fort Wayne. 27 artists have committed to creating pieces on site during the day. The pieces will be auctioned at a gala event in the evening. I'm so blessed to be able to contribute in this way!! Stay tuned; background tests are being conducted today, the focus composition is complete, and a test print has been made. Can't wait to see it all come together!

What a happy painting! “Sunburst” is part of the Art Now for Autism exhibition, which begins today, and reverse auction, which opens October 5th at 9:00 am EST. All artwork will be $90 until the 7th. At that time the price drops to $70. October 9 and 10, the last two days of the auction, any remaining pieces are available for $30!

I fell in love with “Sunburst”—but wait ‘til you meet the artist! This year, there is a special section of artwork done by children with Autism or Asperger’s. Candace Waters is one of those artists.




Every Mom cell in my body sang with joy when I realized the artist of the beautiful, happy sunshine paintings is an 8-year-old!

Here is the info on “Sunburst:”
Artist: Candace Waters
Medium: tempera paint with glitter glue on canvas
Size: 18 x 14 inches

Artist statement:
Candace “Candy” Waters from Park Ridge, IL is a beautiful redheaded 8 year old girl who has autism. Candace likes painting, music, swinging, playing in water, jumping and pizza. Candace is the Inspiration for the song "Faith, Love & Hope". Her song has influenced and inspired Politicians, Autism Organizations and most importantly Parents around the WORLD!!! Also, her song is the favorite of former President Bush and his wife Laura!

Candace is the inspiration for the Radio Program “The Candy Store”on Autism One Radio. She is happy to share her song with other parents to let them know that they are not alone in their struggles. Never give up on “Faith, Love & Hope.”

I’m proud to have contributed in some small way to benefit children and parents living with Autism! Take a look at all the art at http://www.artnowforautism.com. This year there are 160 pieces in the exhibit from 89 artists around the world, including my two small art quilts.

The images today are of two quilties made for Art Now For Autism. Here is a link to the site for more information http://artnowforautism.com/

I have interested in the phenomenon of autism for some years, as a friend of the family has a grandchild with autism. DH and I have watched as this child and his mother have worked through the diagnosis and treatment. My admiration and respect for the mother have grown every time we've seen photos of the boy and his obvious progress.

This summer he was in a local production of Peter Pan, in which he played two different parts!! How heartwarming to know he has become so socially successful.

These two quilties have been donated to Art Now For autism in honor of our friendship with the grandparents. I wish it could be more!

You can help, too! Please preview the exhibit October 1-4 and consider bidding on one of the art pieces October 5-10.

Days 1 and 2 all art is $90. Days 3 and 4 all remaining art is $60. Days 5 and 6, any remaining art is $30!

This is a great opportunity to make a difference—and acquire some fun art at the same time!

The angel piece is called Peaceful Presence and is a photograph printed on rust-dyed fabric. The blended-color flourishes are stenciled on top with Earth Safe Finishes Translucent Shimmers, then quilted for texture.

The abstract piece is titled Intersecting Lives. It is surface design on rusted-and-tanning treated fabric with shards of rust-only fabric stitched on top.