Little Lady, Big Impact ♥

When I created the Painting On Purpose Project in 2015, I had my grandma Neva in mind. My goal was to initiate something that would have her name attached to it, so that even after she was gone, her name would still be spoken. She LOVED the project.

 

 

She was an artist, a painter, a crafter, a mother, a grandmother, a volunteer and a gardener. 

 

She gave her life to the focus of raising two children, helping with grandchildren, building houses with my grandfather, gardening, volunteering with and participating in Garden Club for over 50 years, carving out and decorating eggs, and sewing clothing (as a small business and as a passion). 

 

In later years she volunteered for her local Food Bank and felt very useful and happy there. I now volunteer at a community store with a food bank, and I think of her, every time.

 

 

Always creative, always going, including walking outside every day. She prided herself on not ever drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, taking drugs or even drinking coffee. Her drink of choice was water without ice, and later, orange juice.

 

This year’s Painting On Purpose painting was the 12^th annual piece. I released it on February 6^th, my grandmother’s birthday, and it sold 2 weeks later.

 

 

 

Between the time purchase and shipping the painting and giving the money to Mary’s Place, I went to spend a week with my grandmother whose health was failing. 

 

Seeing her joy on one final adventure to her favorite place, the Wildlife Safari, and watching her enjoy a hamburger for lunch in a cafe with a view of the monkeys, are memories I won’t soon forget. 

 

The last 4.5 days of the visit were spent by her side as she rested in bed, her hand in mine. Back rubs, playing with her hair, smoothing her skin...

 

She passed peacefully ♥ 

Being present as she parted 

was an honor that I will never forget ♥

 

 

She was a little lady who made a big impact. 

Through Grandma Neva’s name, the Painting On Purpose Project has given $8,348 to 10 organizations that make a positive impact on the lives of mothers and children.

 

She also made a BIG impact on myself and my family. As she got older she became softer and kinder, full of life and light and joy. 

 

She was always up for anything and game to try it all, including learning the Macarena on her 102nd birthday. She was and is an inspiration.

 

 

The 12th Annual Painting On Purpose painting has SOLD, and the money ($556) was given to Mary's Place to help bring families in OFF the street. Thank you to Daniela for helping me make this happen ♥ Daniela also made an additional contribution to Mary's Place, in memory of my grandmother.

 

Thank you for taking the time to be here, and to honor my grandma Neva with your time.

 

 

I have appreciated all of the love and attention my community and collectors have given her over the years, including helping her to receive over 70 birthday cards on her 100th birthday in 2023! 

 

 

I hope that I can be as positive, open, and life-loving as she was, until my own last day.

 

Love & Sincerely,

Katie