Bio
When I began my ultimate
love for this avocation Faux Finishes were only being
conceptulaized, faux stainted glass was in it's beginning stages
and art (in the rural area I was living) was only accomplished by
painting on canvas, usually as landscapes that looked "real" or
portraiture for family traditions. While taking art and design at
UAB I got hooked, but not in the usual way and I progressed into
airbrush art on vans. Then suddenly divorced, with 3 very young
children, my passion had to be restrained while I found means to
support self and family. My art was used as a sideline "bread and
butter" income to do just that - put food on the table.
In the early 80's while making my "living" in
sales I developed laryngitis, which worsened and became prolonged
due to my job type. I ended up having vocal chord surgery, going
through complete vocal rehab. The results were not good.
In 1990 that came to an abrupt halt when I was
involved in a head-on car crash, leaving my brain "scrambled" and
my body , well, "poached". For several years I did not even recall
that I had a gift.
My sister, seeing the stress I was under, came to
my rescue and literally making me pick up a paint brush and "at
least try". It took a while before even the basics began coming
back. However, once they did, the love for the venue just seemed to
explode within me and I've only put down the brushes after a 10-12
foot fall from scaffolding (while painting) again left me crippled
and again half crazy ;). That last life shattering experience was
in 98.
By 2000 I had no voice, , a nearly detached left
arm and right leg - but a new determination in life and the
knowledge that , being the very stubborn woman I am, made the
realization that God had given me something very special and HE
definitely thinks we should share our gifts. Today, I am attempting
to do just that.
Peggy Ann Cole Smith 2006
Art on the Inside
For 2010 We will be providing our charitable
donations to area schools. We hope you will help us and donate to
your favorite schools by using our Schools Fundraising
Programs services. We look forward to helping Leeds City
Schools and St. Clair County Schools.
2009
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This
years "semi-charity" has been my involvement with the Murals
Committee of the downtown Historic Preservation Commission. As I
told the group upon requests for my input and participation. "When
it comes to painting, count me in" Nothing (and I mean that
literally) can influence a person more than Art in certain
concepts. Visual art creates interest, extends feelings into its
environment. A true study of that art - in my opinion- helps the
mind in scopes far deeper than we may know. Emotions, perspectives,
influences of state of mind, subliminal suggestion and general
attitude.
Though the piece I created for the town and group, may appear
somewhat simple to the eye, ......a lot of study went into the
piece.
- What times of day was the piece to be viewed the most (so I
spent much study and work in the early evening in order to achieve
color and tone complexity to capture interest even at night).
- What focal interests should be enhanced and how to create that
was another huge consideration. Of course the "up-play" of the
Little Cahaba must be considered (for it is a cherished resource)
The Mill itself (deeming the Title) is part of area lore and
history, but along the way, I heard some wonderful stories of
events happening around the mill and began to more deeply
understand the importance of its past. The background of mountains
and sky had important parts to play, as well, with the formation
and focus of various clounds leading the eye to one focal interest
in the piece, while the mountains- well, I wanted them to "claim
ownership" of the Cahaba and the Mill in the mural
- With the focals (Mill and Cahaba water) actually being placed
midground of the Mural, my intention of the foreground was created
for two purposes: The demonstration of Nature (hence the trees) and
how it is the true artist of any landscape and the Invitation to
the Viewer to "step into or want to participate in" the piece.
- One thing (or another thing, I
should say) I have learned in this endeavor is the fact that I'm
really not as young as I once was. Setting up, taking down, moving
and maneuvering scaffolding really took its toll on by 'un-best
bud' and partner of degenerative disc disease, climbing up and down
- as many as 15 times a session has left me tired, weary and
longing for youth - either my own or that of a healthy viable
helper during this time, but the rewards will come when and if I
get to see a childs face as he views the piece from the arbor
across the street, or walks by right next to the mural to wonder
why, up close its much more difficult to tell what he's looking at
- just spatters, lines and colors - or see (and better yet HEAR) an
'old timer tell a story of the Mill, the Cahaba or this beautiful
valley.
Of course, as with any project, there
are/were a couple of disappointments. So far, only one or two worth
mentioning. I am only presenting this because it is fact:
Being a (Air Force) Veteran , the
daughter of my Father (WOW, what a great man - wish you had
known him) and a person of Spiritual guidance, I believe in
Truth, Honesty, Integrity, Openness and Trust. To help eliminate
(MY) time consuming and focus removing questions and yes, let my
past projects in the area be known - I posted a small poster of
sorts, with a Historic Preservation, Murals Committee sign and the
facts and pictures of the Train Mural I had completely revamped in
07. I did this with the consent of a wonderful Mural Committee
member (who also, worried so much about me out in the sun, she took
it upon herself to bring me a much needed sunhat). This poster was
almost immediately removed. No explanation nor even evidence of
who had done this. That's a bit 'slick and undermining', in
my opinion, especially while this project was still in my
charge. So, I'm usure if the 'remover' had problems with me,
posting my information or with the committee who was providing this
project. I do know I am offended by that.
The other problem, again pertaining
to my project focus while working as well as my belief in
manners and THIOT (listed above) is a visitor who felt
compelled to begin going through research and references I had
printed and brought to the site.
With out permission, just began
picking, moving and digging through my references that I'd laid in
order for quick reference. People, when your attempting to create a
piece of this scope and magnitude, learn your boundaries - much
less your manners.
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Coupon, saving you and donating to this years Charities |
For 2009, we'll be adding something new to Art on
the Inside.
Notes and Novellas
I don't think you'll find anything else quite like
it. Just think of it as "reality TV" in words because fact IS much
stranger than fiction,
as much fun than Disney World, as compelling as a
soft touch and as personal as a diary. Please check back soon for
we will begin the
public diary - and you don't want to miss it.!!
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June 2008
June 2) 2008
I am a walking miracle! And I attribute it all to God and to
your prayers. I was so pleased but not really surprised last week
to find - well for the doctor to find my lower jaw completely
healed, absolutely NO signs of tumor and a totally normal bone
density. This doctor was even surprised to see no evidence of even
the extraction I'd recently had. I feel sure now that the
neurologist will have the same findings!
Thank YOU so much for you wishes and prayers on my medical
problems, The identity theft issue and for the recovery of my
special pal Maggie. I'm happy to say she is recovering and as of
today has use of one of her back legs. Hopefully she will fully
recover. She has a new pal "Heidi", an 8 week old German Shepard.
Smart, sweet and SO playful!
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Jan 2008
Happy New Year
My Granddaughter Caley Whitehead received honors last week for
her SAT
(where she won a gold medal) and general Grade performance. Of
course, proud
"Marney" (as the "grands" call me) must show her
off!
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Oct
2007
This year has been momentous. With a new voice, I have made such
strides in my life and made new friends, as well.
The Wentzells, (who were referred from the wonderful Robin
McSweney) Phil and Cherie called in January for me to help
with their new home and I must say Cherie is one of the most
admirable ladies you could meet. That led me to another
coulple, Connie and Phil Bailey who are real jewels. Great
people who have great fun (and love NASCAR - like me!.
Cherie and Connie then led me to Sandra and Dennis Franklin and
Jan and Steve Hennenger.. So God has been so
good to me this year, allowing my health to improve, my
profession to expand and my life to be more fulfilled. When I
started on restoring the unsubstantiated state's largest outdoor
mural for the Alabama Scenic Byway, Leeds faction, I
made another great new friend - and author Emma Carter Brooks
whose new book "Southern Quotes" will be out later this year..
08
I can't forget to tell you about my new baby "Heidi - a
wonderful, generous gift from friend Tina Poe. This pure bred
German
Shepard has really added sizzle to my life and to my other pal
Maggie (Jack Russel/American Bull). Maggie has had more of
a competent hand in training Miss Heidi than I seem to have,
since she house and yard trained her. Amazing, isn't it !
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2007
I do hope this will help you believe in miracles.
What a "Happy New Year" I am having! After nearly 20 years of being
vocally handicapped, I am proud to announce nearly full usage of my
voice. I have been under treatment for the past 2 years, using
physical therapy, direct injections and medications. The results
are startling and my future is hopeful. for those who have never
had such problems, let me explain this to you. Your world, your
lifestyle and your confidence is shaken to the very foundations
when you are viewed as handicapped. Like a Pavlovian experiment
gone awry, your persona is viewed in a different class of this
great American Society - if you have no voice.
Inspirations
Last summer we made a visit to Santa Fe, New
Mexico and visiting the Georgia O'Keefe museum. Since my college
days (yes, that long ago) I've admired the works of O'Keefe, but I
never realized the depth and scope of her works.
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I'm sorry to inform you that with the economy
issues, the beloved SBTF project has been rescheduled to a future
date.
NEW Endeavor... Over the years, some of us has found that there is
an art to giving, if it is to be well received and used
properly.
I have previously been notorious for
taking one's word at face value and believing that a person is
trully needy of a given service or item, only to find later that
wasn't the case at all. A young set of friends of mine have been
the same and on a much grander scale since they are hard working
entreprenuers and have diligently, sucessufully pursued thier
dreams. Giving to others just came naturally to them, which ended
up with their benefactors seemingly becomeing jealous of what this
family had worked so hard for..... But, I believe that the GREATER
GOOD will come from all of this. Now a wonderful plan is coming to
fruition and Southern Belle Therapy Farm is 'being born'. This
facility will provide a venue for developmentally disadvantaged
children with provisions of animal therapy in a rural setting. A
pilot program for children with ADHD, OCD, ADD & Autism will be
launched to attempt to help open doors, abilities and awareness for
those children... now help will be going to those who will
benefit!
Everything about this Therapy Farm
is set to a child's scale and that's why we've termed it a "mini
farm". The owners have gathered everything in miniature... horses,
pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, dogs.
A consulting board comprised of
medical professionals and childrens specialists is now being
established. A notice will soon go out to find children that could
benefit from this program and the pilot program will
begin.
Take a look at this beautiful farm
and if you'd like to volunteer your help, contact us. If you know a
child this could benefit, please send us thier information.. and
check back to see how we are progressing !!!!
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Fear and politics seem to be two issues that affect us all- if we
want them or not.. This 2009 year I've worked hard to restrengthen
my causes, charitable giving
and issuing a helping hand. Unfortunately, there are those who love
the taste and touch of power, whose control issues stretch far and
deep until it has reached me. Seemingly having been "black balled"
from an area that I have loved by persons with whom I am
acquainted. For that I say... well, we ALL have a judgment day,
performed by our GOD. I will, however continue to offer my works
and services to area charitable groups, individuals, churches and
schools. However, do not include me in politics.
F
Fellow Artists: My name is Peggy Smith.
As an artist, I've traveled
throughout the Southeast for many years completing murals and
in-home art and finishes for homes and businesess. Now that I'm
staying 'home' I am hoping to gather good artists and craftspersons
to "create and establish" something I've seen and been involved in
, in other parts of the country - that of an area Artists
Co-Operative. A place that local artists can sell and display thier
wares. Our (the) Eastern Birmingham/ St. Clair Co/Shelby Co area is
on the cusp of a tourism boom so I feel this is an excellent locale
to establish such a program.
I've fought my own battles over
the years, as a person with physical disabilities, which is all the
more reason to help others in similar situations. Now most of my
previous limitations have been restored and I am ready to do my
share and try to 'give back'. So far I have a handful of gifted
artists and craftsmen but really need your help to provide incoming
visitors with examples of true area artisanship! I need an "Area
wide Call to Artists"
I feel this is a venue that is
viable to you or your artist friends?
Ok, here's a little about me: I
completed the total restoration of (unscontested) States Largest
Mural for the Alabama Scenic Byway Committee in 2007
(77'x20')
and have just completed a 28x15
ft Historical Tribute mural for the Historical Preservation
Committee of Leeds. The Fullers Mill Tribute Mural is located at/on
the Jane Culbreth Library in downtown Leeds.
I hope I've given you enough
information to see this effort could benefit your artistic abiliies
and my need to gather area artists in order to: stimulate art
appreciation and business and provide a retail outlet for area
artists.
May I expect an email l from you
on this matter? You may reach me at any of the following:
Email- seia@interior-artists.com,
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