New Show at Envision Gallery: Healing from Brokenness

"It's In Between Us", Mixed Media, 18x24

My dining room table, my current spot for creating, is in a state of disarray right now. But I feel a cleansing coming on--an inner cleansing. Do you know what I mean? More and more, I am feeling the freedom that comes through expression. So I don’t mind the mess.

In about four months from today, my artwork and that os artist Sharon Burrink will be shown at Flourish Studios’ Envision Gallery in Chicago. Flourish Studios was founded by Dr. Julia Rahn and the curator is Meredith Siemsen. After meeting them both recently, I was truly inspired to keep creating and, well flourishing.

The show opens October 1st, 2010 with a reception - just in time for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Chicago Artists Month. I will be available for a short gallery talk to discuss my processes and techniques. The gallery is located at 3020 N. Lincoln Ave in Chicago.

In addition, the show, “Healing from Brokenness” will be a fundraiser for IMPACT Chicago - a non-profit organization that is committed to ending violence against women.

I have posted my newest piece which has been tentatively named “It's In Between Us.” It is 18x24 and is a Mixed Media piece(pastel, torn paper, rice, photography and finger prints). I will be asking my fans on Facebook for their thoughts on my title.

I so appreciate this opportunity to share some deeper work about an issue that impacts us all. The "controlled chaos" on my table means that art is happening.

Grateful and Amazed...

I must share this with you. I got a call on my way to a meeting. I let it go into voice-mail because I did not recognize the number and it was after hours. Then I rethought my action and called back. The lady who answered said something and I could not understand - it was not obvious where I had called. She spoke with an accent. I told her who I was. She said, do you know _____? I’m like I don’t understand. I had her repeat the person's name 2 more times. Then she asked me to confirm that I am Toni Ruppert Fine Art & Design. That got my attention.

She said she was calling from a currency exchange at ______ in Chicago, IL and someone was trying to cash a check for $600 they said I mailed them. I was like “No, No, I do not know them.” She put me on hold for a long time.

When she got back on, she told me, this guy ______ tried to cash a check. But they would not process it. My heart thundered. I thanked her profusely and hung up.

I then got a call from my friend Maria - I said please pray for me. I told her quickly what happened. Then I called my bank.

I went ahead and closed the account after some discussion. My account had been compromised. After getting off of the phone, I was like Thank You Lord. Praise You Jesus. Hallelujah! I was in tears. I got to my meeting and then returned home again. I was exhausted.

But before going to bed, I wanted to grab something to remember this event and God’s protection. I grabbed our cookie jar and placed it on the table.

When you open it, my cookie jar says,”Get your hand out of my cookie jar- roar!” It sounds real menacing. It was perfect to remind me of how God is my powerful lion, my protector. I am so grateful that people did their job and called me. I‘m so grateful that wasn't ripped off.

In this post, I included this watercolor and pastel painting, "Looking Up" to share my emotions(I am so very grateful and amazed.)

Next post...my winning principles.

A Winning Principle

Praise ©Antonia Ruppert
Watercolor on Paper

I decided to post some good news along with some principles that have helped me win. I want to inspire you to continue to win too. I belong to an art group on Facebook. We artists want to be the best at what we do and have posted good news for the group to see. It has been inspiring to read what artists are doing all over the world. I decided to post my good news for you. Allow me to inspire you.

I am most grateful to share that in January I...



--- unveiled 3 new paintings

--- learned new digital imaging techniques
--- developed new painting project for a state grant

--- started dancing and reading scripture to jumpstart my day

--- started piano lessons(something I’ve wanted since I was 11)

I will now share my winning principle. I have found that this truth has helped me again and again.


Principle #1 - Be open to God. Be open to opportunity.
The unveiling of 3 new paintings happened because last spring Allen Jongsma and Pastor Dave of Living Springs Community Church contacted me and subsequently met with me to discuss their ideas for new artwork. This was my biggest endeavor at that time and boy was I nervous. But I felt good vibes after several meetings and wholeheartedly embraced the work. This all happened because I was open to where God was leading and open to the opportunity.

So now it is your turn. What positive principles have you learned so far this year? Do you have any good news to share?

Family; Not Easily Broken

With a strong foundation, a family can survive and thrive even in a tough year. According to scripture,”Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

The painting in this post is called “A Cord of Three Strands.” It is a portrait of a couple -kind of like my husband and I - who hold onto God and hold onto each other. Can you see the cross in the picture?

This watercolor painting, about 30x30, was created from an idea I had a number of years ago. I made a little 6x6 painting of it at the time. This new larger painting takes the idea further and expands it. My friend Maritza and her husband, Matt graciously modeled for me.

This painting, along with two other paintings, was created as part of a series on family, worship and praise for Living Springs Community Church in Glenwood, IL. The three works were created specifically for the church under the direction of Pastor Dave and Allen, the Director of Administration. Indiana artist Sharon Ruane created a number of works throughout the edifice previously.

This painting, “A Cord of Three Strands” and the other two works will be unveiled in an upcoming event at Living Springs Community Church on Sunday, January 17, 2010. I am scheduled to speak about the work at the 9:15 am service and the 10:30 am service.

This painting was especially wonderful for me to paint because it reminded me of my own family. Because of God, we were not easily broken. I am also reminded of those who supported me during this last year. Because of them, I was cared for and supported.

Five teachers/mentors who helped me or cared for my artistry were:

Demetria (Thanks Mom!)
Joyce R. (My other Mom)
Jimmy W.
Lupe and Mary G.
Alyson S. (ArtBizCoach.com)

Additionally, five friends who helped me this year in vital ways:

Cynthia H.
Anita B.
Sylvia H.
Teecie J.
Maria R.

I want to inspire you to remember in some way the folks who helped you this year. In The Success Principles, Jack Canfield says that one might not remember five people who won the Nobel Prize or the five wealthiest people, but one would remember five people who touched one’s life.

My family went through many challenges in 2009, but with God, prayer, family and many friends we are beginning 2010 with gratitude and appreciation.

Utilizing Art to Serve

Reading is a Family Affair ©Antonia Ruppert
for the Markham, IL Public Library
Watercolor on Paper

My friend Cynthia called me last night with three words, “Let’s do it.” My first gut instinct was like, “girl we can’t...it’s too late...I’ve got too much on my plate already.” But then I thought about it being this time of month and this season and was like , “OK! Bring It!” as my friend Lisa likes to say.

What am I talking about?

A little background. October is/was domestic violence awareness month. This topic is near and dear to my heart. My daughter and I attended a vigil held for victims of domestic violence. It freaked me out to see the Illinois Silent Witness Exhibit - the memorial of so many beautiful people - gone just because someone could not control their anger.

To do something to make people more aware and to serve, last year Cynthia and I( and a whole lot of other folk in our network) donated hair care products and other feel good products for women associated with three domestic violence agencies including South Suburban Family Shelter. Our friends helped us raise over 100 treat bags of hair care products, makeup and etc.

So let’s do it. We are organizing another "We Care Drive" to support several domestic violence agencies. We are collecting hair care products, lotions, nail polish, makeup and other feel good items. More to come on this...

Speaking of artists giving back...my best bud Tina is starting a ministry which is from her heart to support women who’ve lost babies prematurely. From Tina, "The purpose of these baskets is to have resources available for a mother who has lost her child due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death. These resources would be centered on Christ & include the following; Bible, books on the loss of an infant from a christian perspective, a journal, framed artwork of Jesus with your baby, scripture cards, & more... I would need several different renditions of the Jesus/Infant picture for the different mothers who would be mourning. Such as a caucasian infant, hispanic, african-american, etc. As well as a picture of Jesus with twins."

These baskets will be distributed to hospitals and other centers free of charge. Tina has prayerfully asked funders, artists, publicists and other creative types to help her create these baskets and get the word out. Tina is expecting again and would like many baskets to share before she delivers in February. I encourage anyone who’d like to assist her to contact me.

In Jack Canfield’s book, The Success Principles, Principle 62 is ”Find a Way to Serve.” He says, “When you spend a lot of time serving with people who serve, you build up a network of generous, caring people who love to give and make a difference.” I wholeheartedly agree.

I have been working with another caring artist whose passion is to serve through her art. Algonquin, IL artist Marg Rehnberg of Compassion Art. shares her work in many forms including artblox. These artblox are used to raise money for worthy causes around the world including Compassion International. Through her work, she inspires other artists to use their art on these blox to support causes. It’s really neat to see.

Utilizing art to serve. We’re headed into that season of giving. If you are interested in helping Cynthia and I in our “We Care” drive for victims of domestic violence, Tina’s basket ministry or Marg Rehnberg’s Compassion Art, let me know. I’d love to see you get involved.

Please leave a comment on the blog. Feel free to share how you’re utilizing your talents and skills to serve.

Let’s do it.

Purpose: Using Creativity to Encourage and Connect

Higher Learning ©Antonia Ruppert
Watercolor on Paper, 36x42

I just started reading The Success Principles by Jack Canfield - the co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. In the second principle, Canfield expounds that one must be clear why one is here. After a few exercises, I’m sharing with you my reader my purpose. My purpose is to use my creativity and interpersonal skills to encourage, recognize and inspire others to joyfully express their God-given talents to help others and connect with them.

This week, I connected with some friends on Facebook asking them to name this painting. Based, on their comments, this painting is called “Higher Learning” also known as “Our Father.” Thanks to Shawanna and Chenetha who provided these name suggestions. I am in appreciation to everyone who commented.

This watercolor painting is 36x42 and is part of a “worship series” for Living Springs Community Church, a church 40 minutes south east of Chicago. After the church administration chose a theme, I created a series of photographs from models(Thanks Rance and Buddy). After creating some sketches, the administration chose one for me to work from.

Next step? I will complete a final painting in the series with the theme “praise.“ I’ll be looking for an African American woman model from Chicago to photograph with chin length curly hair who has a beautiful smile. Based on my original sketch, she might look a little like me. Any suggestions?

Vision Board and Affirmations 2010

Today is the day of new beginnings.

I thought I'd share what I've been learning in the Blastoff class with Alyson Stanfield - with ArtBizCoach.com. I am learning to prioritize myself and my dreams in the past few days after a few weeks of nonstop creating, working and networking, etc. We are on day three of the class. In this post, I will share my new affirmations and my vision board. Having a vision and affirming it daily are the key to Life and Beyond Average Existence. Here is my vision board which includes a trip to Florence Italy...

..And a few of my affirmations:

*It is October 2010, my daughter Kayla and I just returned from Florence, Italy.
*Money flows easily into my life, blesses me, and continues on to others.
*I talk less and listen more, allowing my actions to speak louder than words.
*I do one task at a time to completion.
*I paint everyday and have 25 or more marketable oil, watercolors and pastels to prove it.
*I can’t wait to share my artwork with new people
*I take good care of my money.

What are your goals and affirmations?