2014 MSAA Art Showcase Entrants

View this month’s Artist of the Month

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Ginger Latham – Mount Juliet, TN

The first image is “East meets West”, the second is “Sienna House” and the third “Bar Harbor”. They were all done in oil, inspired by personal photographs.

It has been 17 years since I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Like everyone else who has received this diagnosis, panic set in. One of the most difficult things I had to do was tell my family. My husband and I were self-employed in a business which required us to be outside a good portion of the time. Due to issues with heat and cold that part of my life ceased. I knew my life was going to change drastically, and it did; however, not like I thought.

After admiring a friend’s artwork, she referred me to her art teacher and told me I could learn too. Looking back I am not quite sure why I gave it a try, maybe I was just looking for something to redirect a sense of loss. After all, I couldn’t draw, much less paint. During the classes I met two very special ladies, one of which became my mentor. They were both very talented artists and they took me under their wings. They encouraged me along the way, inviting me to travel with them as opportunities arose to take classes from international acclaimed artists.

As the years have gone by, not only do I enjoy painting I enjoy teaching. God opened a door I would never have dreamed was there and blessed me with over 100 students, ranging in age from 7 to 18. Watching them learn to draw and being there the moment they look at their artwork with a sparkle in their eyes, makes my heart smile. My life has not turned out exactly how I had planned, but because of that “diagnosis” it has turned out better.

 

Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor - Artwork

East meets West
East meets West - Artwork

Good Afternoon, Sienna House
Good Afternoon, Sienna House - Artwork