The Creative Arts Center in Bonham was full of excitement and color on Saturday, April 10. Colorful artwork from local children was on display at the art gallery. Children of all ages came with family members and other members of the community to view the artwork and enjoy the opening reception. 

 

Mary Haverfield talked to those in attendance about what it is like to be a professional artist. She gave credit to her high school art teacher for showing her some of the ways she could make a living with art besides painting and selling fine art pieces. Haverfield’s experiences include illustrating for advertising, greeting cards, textbooks and “Barney & Friends” TV Show. She has also illustrated fourteen children’s books.

 

Haverfield talked specifically about her efforts to illustrate the book “Sometimes It’s Grandmas and Grandpas – Not Mommies and Daddies.” She also autographed copies of the book for those who purchased them. Proceeds from the book sale were divided between the Fannin County Children’s Center and the Creative Arts Center.

 

JoAnne Duncan, chair of the Child Welfare Board in Fannin County, introduced Haverfield. She said that this event was a kickoff to Child Abuse Awareness Month. She explained that Haverfield’s book corresponded nicely because child abuse is one of the many reasons why grandparents end up raising their grandchildren.

 

Barbara Reeves, Executive Director of the Creative Arts Center, thanked everyone who made the art show and book signing possible. She also presented cash awards to the winners of the children’s art contest from the Arts Center.

 

Sandy Barber, Executive Director of the Fannin County Children’s Center also spoke to those in attendance and explained about the Open Your Heart art contest. The two winners of this contest will have their artwork reproduced onto cards that will be mailed to local community members, asking for donations to support the nonprofit’s services for abused and neglected children.

 

The youth artwork will be on display at the Creative Arts Center through about April 21, 2010. The Center is located at 200 W. 5^th in Bonham. 

 

 

First Place - Open Your Heart art contest

Cheyenne - age 18

 

Second Place - Open Your Heart art contest

Nat, age 15