This morning I attended the Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities at Georgia’s State Capitol. There I had the honor of presenting the First Lady of Georgia (Mrs. Deal) with a painting to thank her for her support for the arts and humanities over the past eight years.
After the ceremony I was talking with the Governor and First Lady and couldn’t help but feel such awe and gratitude for the amazing people, places, and experiences my work has brought into my life. This doesn’t come even close to capturing how I feel, but it’s just so. cool. that I’m able to do this and I am forever thankful for the people who encourage, support, and trust me along this journey.
Speaking of awesome people- a huge thank you to Karen Paty and the entire Georgia Council for the Arts for commissioning me to create this painting! It was wonderful working with you and I hope to do it again soon.
As for the piece, Mrs. Deal is one of only three GA First Ladies to have a camellia named after her, so of course that is the flower I featured in the piece.
The final painting (Sandra by Courtney Khail)