Ed - 24 x 48 Original Art Acrylics on Canvas

The earliest memories I have of my maternal grandfather are from when I was about 7 or so. At the time he and my grandmother lived here in Oklahoma City and we lived in Chicago, so we came for a visit. Rose was not quite a year old. We didn't know she had autism yet. But I remember my grandfather singing to us. He had a beautiful deep voice and he would sing Christian hymns. I would look so forward to summers before we moved back so I could hear his voice and be engulfed in his kind spirit.

Later when we moved back and learned that she had autism I remember how he would sit and rock her for hours. When she would have meltdowns he was always so kind and patient.

This painting is from my 2013 solo show "Think Pink - Remembering Liza" dedicated to my maternal grandmother who lost her battle with Breast Cancer. It's titled "Ed" because my grand dads name was Ed and you can find it for sale on Daily Paintworks.

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Think Pink - Remembering Liza

Hanging my solo show titled "Think Pink - Remembering Liza" that opened on May 10th at The Parish in the Plaza District. The show ran through May 31 and was dedicated to my maternal grandmother who lost her battle with Breast Cancer.

Elsile - Upcycled Vintage White Glass Bead Earrings Supporting Cancer Awareness

My maternel grandmothers name was Elsile but everyone called her Liza. I found a broken necklace amongst her belongings after she passed away made up of these white twisted glass beads.

I made these earrings for this weeks Etsy Project Embrace Team challenge. The theme was "recycled". I added sterling silver beads and findings to the beautiful vintage glass beads.

Etsy Project Embrace is comprised of a group of sellers spreading awareness, raising funds and offering hope and embraces for those whose lives have been touched by cancer. To find out more visit the team blog at http://etsyprojectembrace.blogspot.com/. You can find these earrings for sale in my Etsy shop. I lost my grandmother to breast cancer and so a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society in her honor.

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Remembering Liza

Liza - Acrylics on an 8 x 10 Canvas Panel (c)Betty Refour 2009

One of the most influential people in my life was my maternal grandmother. While my mom encouraged academics she fueled my desire to be an artist. When mom bought books she bought art supplies. She taught me how to knit and sew and would encourage me to draw and paint.

One of the many things I learned from Liza, as we called her, was the idea of giving back. She encouraged me to do volunteer work and to donate money to causes I believed in whenever I could. Little did I know just how important those ideals would become in my life. In 1986 after a courageous battle with Breast Cancer we lost Liza and I became an advocate for Breast Cancer Awareness.

In the years since I have had several friends diagnosed with Breast Cancer some have survived and others have not but I do whatever I can to promote awareness through art in honor of Liza and countless others.

We have come a long way but we still have a long way to go in the battle against Breast Cancer so please do all that you can to support awareness.

This painting is part of the EBSQ online show Think Pink.

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I'm Featured!!!

I was featured today at Art from the heart. Take a look here

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Weekend To End Breast Cancer

I have donated a set of six cards to be auctioned to support The Weekend To End Breast Cancer. Bidding starts at $5.00 and all proceeds benefit the BC Cancer Foundation. Take a look here and please bid to support this worthy cause.

Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.