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Events from childhood often stay with us all of our lives and sometimes set the course to eventually determine who we will be.

I will never forget the teacher who set that course for me. You have likely read this before. Her name was Dean Foil and she was my second grade teacher at Franklinton Elementary. This was about 1945 and Miss Foil distributed Christmas cards and asked us to copy the card image on sheets of paper.

I got one of the most difficult – the wise men on camels. I had always enjoyed coloring but I had no idea I could draw those camels. I gave it my best and when we finished, Miss Foil proudly showed mine to the other students and teachers.

A seed was planted. I never doubted her pronouncement. I could draw! What a revelation to a little girl. I never stopped drawing. Through school years I was asked to draw seasonal pictures on the ends of blackboards with colored chalk. If anybody needed a backdrop – they sent for me. I also painted backdrops for the school FFA for the fair. I loved it!

In my early teens, I had a couple of paint by number kits and I saved all the leftover paint. I had no canvas, so I used an old window shade and copied the painting of Jesus in Gethsemane.

After I went to work at The Daily News in 1971, I was sent to Franklinton to interview Carl Thorp, who had constructed a model of the Town of Franklinton. We all knew about him – the artist who had moved there in retirement. He was holding painting classes and I told him I would like to come if he ever had an opening. He said, “How about Tuesday night?”

My life as a real artist really began that Tuesday night. Carl Thorp taught many of our local artists as he created an art movement in the parish. From it, the Washington Parish Art Association was born on April 15, 1975.

Over the years while I was writing for the newspaper, I was also painting commissions and for my enjoyment. Any kind of creative activity does something for you that nothing else produces – and painting is fun!

Over the years the art association has worked with the fair association with the adult fine arts and held many art shows and workshops. We give a scholarship each year to a parish senior who plans to major in art.

On Sunday, March 23, we will sponsor the crown jewel of this organization – the fifth annual show and sale to be held at the home of artist Sara Nelson in the Clifton community. We have 30 local and area people registered to display their creative work. A lot will be for sale, but you don’t have to buy anything. Range is from professional to beginners and in between – all waiting to be seen and appreciated.

The Nelson house is located at the intersection of Highways 25 and 38. The entrance is actually on Winfred Bateman Road – about half a block down Highway 38. There is plenty of parking. We will be there from 2 to 5 p.m. – actually as long as people keep coming. There is no admission charge.

You know if I was in the second grade in 1945, I am no spring chicken. The Good Lord has blessed me to create images for nearly a long time! I don’t know how much longer I will be drawing and painting, but right now I blessed to be still at it! Come and see! I will be looking for you Sunday!