Out and Around Southland Chicago

I'm sharing some pictures of recent shows and happenings. During the month of February, I was out and about in the Chicago Southland area. In addition to Calumet City, I was blessed to be at Tinley Park High School and Country Club Hills for African American History Month Programs. Thanks to Vikkey Perez(TPH) and to Joann Wade(CCH) for facilitating these events.

Here, I am pictured with another Antonia. Yes, that is my new best bud and name sake Antonia. We met at the Country Club Hills, IL African American History Month Program. We are standing in front of some of my artwork.

Here I am with Earline Hayden who is a staff member of the Village of Country Club Hills. She was really helpful to me at the show.

Here, I am with my mother at a presentation for the Senior Services Center of Will County. I presented "Aging with Dignity and Compassion" - paintings inspired by my grandmother. It was a bittersweet time - we held grandmother's funeral two days prior....A big Thank You goes to Wilma Hopkins for facilitating this event and for the invitation to share my work.

Praising God for Provision

Hot Pink Earmold ©Antonia Ruppert
Watercolor on Paper

The sun has been out, spring is coming and I'm praising God for his provision. So many good things have happened so far this year. Here are a few:

**Two of my paintings have been accepted into Women's Works 2009, a juried art show sponsored by the Northwest Area Arts Council in Illinois. I am thankful to art coach Janet Bloch who told me about the show.  One of the paintings is shown here - "Hot Pink Earmold."

**I was awarded an "ootra Girl" scholarship through the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Thank you to Debbie Jagel and the entire "ootra Girl" Family.

**I participated in a well-attended African American Heritage Celebration, February 7th in Calumet City. Thanks goes to my sister Teece for helping me set up my vendor booth and keeping me company all day. Thanks to Mayor Michelle and Val Williams for an inspiring day.

Remember the scriptures - Proverbs 14:23 - All hard work brings a profit AND Philippians 4:19 - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

I am praising Him for His provision.

Putting One's Faith in Action

Sleeping in Safety ©Antonia Ruppert
Watercolor/Pastel on Paper

This week, I watched a TD Jakes video entitled Put Your Faith in Action. It inspired me to not let my dreams die. In the message, TD Jakes said faith works if you work it. This week I worked it.

I painted more. I added exercise to my daily routine. And I simply prayed. Praying is always an example of putting one's faith in action. It takes faith to be close to God...faith to believe.

This watercolor painting - "Sleeping in Safety" describes what I want for myself, my daughter and women everywhere - to experience love and safety. The swirls and waves came to me like a rush. I painted them first on watercolor paper. Then my daughter allowed me to draw her which I did. That pastel/charcoal drawing was then added on top of the watercolor. Voila!

Faith to Continue the Course

"Release for Tina"
©Antonia Ruppert
Watercolor on Paper

As I begin this blog, I know I can stay the course with faith. I can alter the destination slightly. What I need is a good paint brush, some arches water color paper, a vision and music by "Mary, Mary" in the background. I'm an artist and artist's create. With a faithful decision:

1. I can further my artistic education - the goal is artistic mastery.

2. I can choose to embark on a path that is perfect for me - painting.
3. Jan, 1, 2009 is the beginning of the rest of my life.
4. I take full responsibility for the changes I want to see.

In this post, I am including one of the images I loved creating in 2008. I created it for my friend Tina who was going through a storm.  It's called "Release for Tina" and was created with watercolor. It was a joy to know that this work helped someone else get through a tough situation.

I have faith to continue the course and practice resiliency. I am most grateful to be able to create, for my supplies and for people to share my work with.