“Art has always been an important part of my life,” says Buckley.  

After she completed high school, Buckley studied and worked in the commercial art field for several years. Over time the demand for her art grew and she decided to pursue a career as a professional artist.

In the late 1970’s Buckley and her husband, Tom, started publishing her art to make pieces available throughout the United States and Canada.

“After owning and operating a retail art gallery for fifteen years, we closed the daily retail to focus on the art distribution market,” says Buckley.

Buckley has won numerous awards throughout the years. During the Reagan administration, she was invited to hang one of her original paintings in the White House. Buckley was also selected to place 14 of her paintings at the World Fair in New Orleans to hang in the Mississippi Pavilion.

In addition to her art line, Buckley has designed for other publishing companies, book illustrations, numerous cross stitch designs and gift products. The art has been displayed in galleries, gift markets and private and corporate collections throughout the nation.

Currently, her focus is creating one-of-a-kind original paintings with a contemporary and abstract style.

“Abstracts enable me to have no limitations of expression,” says Buckley. “The avenue is open for moods, emotions, rhythm and mystery. Through these designs my abstracts evoke an emotional and personal journey for the viewer.”

Presently Buckley is working primarily in acrylics and mixed media on gallery wrapped canvas. She has donated two pieces to the Art of Healing Auction and Exhibition. Red Horizon is an abstract acrylic painting on canvas. Docking is a representation of sailboats in an impressionist style.

All artists, amateur and professional, are invited to submit artwork by Monday, February 20^th to the Art of Healing Center at South Central Place. All proceeds from ticket sales and auction purchases go directly to the South Central Health Care Foundation.

The Art of Healing will be held on Saturday, March 24^th at Sanderson Farms’ Corporate Office from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $30 each at South Central Place in the Art of Healing Center or the South Central Gift Shop.

For more information about the Art of Healing, please visit schfoundation.com or contact Brook Jones at brook.jones@scrmc.com.

To view more of Frankie Buckley’s pieces, please visit frankiebuckleystudio.com.

Dressed for Sunday by Dwelia Haas

The 2012 Art of Healing Artist Spotlight features Dwelia Haas, a “story telling painter” from Ellisville, who has shared her acrylic on canvas, Dressed for Sunday. To Dwelia, each of her paintings evoke a story that has been shared with her through her mother and grandmothers.

“Story telling has always been a part in my life,” says Haas. “Today, I draw mainly in blues to tell stories of the creatures that share my home.”

Haas donated Dressed for Sunday to the 4th annual Art of Healing in honor of her mother. “She is 80 years old and a frequent patient at South Central. When I was a child, she gave me a necklace that had a mustard seed charm. This mustard seed is represented in my painting because it taught me a lesson on faith” says Haas.

Haas believes that the painting of the cross should represent how everyone should dress in life. “The cross is there is remind us all of how we should dress every day, not just Sundays.”

In 1983, Dwelia Haas graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor’s in fine arts education and began her teaching career in the Jones County School System. Her illustrations were featured in Kristen Twedt’s children’s book series, My Crazy Catastrophe Cat. Her art is showcased locally at Frames Unlimited in Laurel and Westside Studios in Hattiesburg and online at artbyhaas.com.

All artists, amateur and professional, are invited to submit artwork by Monday, February 20th to the Art of Healing Center at South Central Place. All proceeds from ticket sales and auction purchases go directly to the South Central Health Care Foundation.

The Art of Healing will be held on Saturday, March 24th at Sanderson Farms’ Corporate Office from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $30 each at South Central Place in the Art of Healing Center.

For more information, please visit schfoundation.com or contact Brook Jones at brook.jones@scrmc.com.

This event is an open auction and exhibition that invites professional and amateur artists in the surrounding area and across the state to donate all types of art for the event. The proceeds from the auction will go to fund community health screenings, community health education programs and other community health initiatives. The exhibition is intended to bring hope, healing and awareness to the community through the creation and appreciation of art. “We encourage artists to submit a brief narrative with their piece. They can donate their piece in honor of or in memory of someone they know who has been touched by a disease,” Jones said. “Those attending the Art of Healing event enjoy browsing the collection and reading the story behind each piece of art. Those who purchase art ask for the narrative because it adds interest to the piece.”

During the 2010 year alone more than 1,000 area residents participated in South Central Regional Medical Center’s health screenings and community health education programs. Life threatening conditions were found as a result of the activities. “It is nice to know that by donating a piece of art that you can help save lives,” Jones said. “The earlier a disease is found the better the outcome.”

Approximately 300 people attended the Art of Healing Auction and Exhibition in March of this year where over 200 pieces of art were sold at auction. More than $23,000 was raised that evening and the funds have been used to help purchase health screening supplies and other items to support South Central’s community health initiative. This event offers everyone who has been touched by an illness the opportunity to experience healing through art.

Erin Napier, owner of Lucky Luxe Couture Correspondence and a local artist, said, “If you have an artistic ability, any kind of creative ability, I feel as an artist it is your responsibility to somehow find a way to give back to your community. I cannot think of a better cause than raising money for health screenings at South Central by donating art. It benefits your loved ones and all you have to give is your talent and time.”

Art categories for the Art of Healing include, but are not limited to: acrylic, jewelry, mosaic, oil, pencil, photography, pottery, printmaking, sculpture, stained glass, watercolor, wood work and more. If you are not an artist, but would like to be involved, you can purchase art, antiques, jewelry or other items to donate in honor of or in memory of someone close to you. “The first couple of years we had individuals who attended the event ask us to provide a new category for those who are not artists, but want to contribute art or other items of value. This year we added a category called Friends of the Foundation for these donations. “One couple donated a beautiful 6.24 karat blue topaz and diamond ring set in white gold valued at $1,800. Another individual donated a silver candlabra,” Jones said. “We cannot thank those enough who have contributed items in the past and we hope that they will continue to contribute items each year.”

Jones also extended appreciation to the management team and staff of Sanderson Farms for allowing South Central to have the event there. “We also have numerous sponsors each year who contribute funds to cover the cost of the food and beverages for the evening,” she said. They receive several free tickets to the event for their contribution. “So, as you can see, there are many opportunities to participate in the event,” Jones said.

Spreading the word to artists in our community is essential to the auction with the deadline for art submissions set for February 20, 2012. All artists are asked to complete a submission form which can be found online at scrmc.com. The submission form includes a section for a brief statement describing the piece and its significance.

If you are interested in submitting artwork or other items, please take the time to visit our website at scrmc.com, click on the Art of Healing link and complete the artist application. The application should be submitted with the piece of art. All art should be dropped off at South Central Place in Laurel at the Art of Healing Center between now and February 20th. If you would like more detailed information about participating in the event, please contact Brook Jones by phone at 601.399.0519 or by email at brook.jones@scrmc.com.

Tickets for the Art of Healing Auction and Exhibition will go on sell March 1, 2012 and the cost will be $30 per ticket. The evening includes a delicious selection of food and beverages. Those attending the event will enjoy music presented by a local musician.

This event is open to everyone in Laurel and the surrounding areas who have been touched by an illness of some kind. It offers everyone in our community the chance to experience healing through art. The exhibition is intended to bring hope, healing and awareness to the community through the creation and appreciation of art. If you or someone you know has had their lives touched by an illness, we would like to encourage you to donate original or purchased artwork in remembrance and celebration of their lives. Donated artwork will be auctioned to raise money for the hospital’s continued dedication to offering quality health care services and education for our community.

Approximately 300 people attended the event last year, where we proudly featured over 200 pieces of donated local artwork. More than $25,000 was raised last year, with proceeds going to fund our community health screenings, providing aide for our community support groups, and promoting health education within the community. This event offers everyone who has been touched by an illness, either in our community or the surrounding areas, the chance to experience healing through art.

Art categories include, but not limited to: acrylic, jewelry, mosaic, oil, pencil, photography, pottery, printmaking, sculpture, stained glass, watercolor, wood work and more. If you are not an artist, but would like to be involved, purchased art may be submitted. The deadline for submitting artwork is February 20, 2012 and may be submitted to the Art of Healing Center at South Central Place. All artists are required to complete a submission form which can be downloaded online. The submission form includes a section for a brief statement describing the piece and its significance.

We appreciate your support in bringing this event to our community to help raise awareness for the importance of health screenings, community education programs, and support groups. If you would like more detailed information, please contact Brook Jones at 601.399.0519 or email at Brook.Jones@scrmc.com.

This fund raising event gave those in our community who have been touched by an illness, the chance to experience healing through art. The intention of the exhibition was to bring awareness to the community through the creation and viewing of art. Several types of donated artwork were showcased at the event, in an effort to remember and celebrate the lives of those in our community who have been personally touched by an illness or who have had a friend or a loved one with an illness.

Those attending the event had the opportunity to bid on original artwork as part of a live and silent auction. All proceeds from the celebration went to the South Central Health Care Foundation to fund community health education and screenings. Over the years numerous lives have been saved as a result of these programs.

Thank you to those who supported this event and the South Central Health Care Foundation.

To find out more about this community event, please contact Brook Jones at 601.399.0519 or bburroughs@scrmc.com.

Plan now to attend the 3rd Annual Art of Healing Auction & Exhibition set for Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, at the Sanderson Farms’ Corporate Office. The proceeds from the event will go to the South Central Health Care Foundation to help cover the cost of community health screenings, community health education programs and other community health initiatives. Lives have been saved as a result of these efforts.

This fund raising event offers everyone in our community who has been touched by an illness the chance to experience healing through art. Over 150 pieces of artwork have been donated for the 2011 event and will be included in the auction. Artwork includes acrylic and watercolor paintings, pottery, hand-made jewelry, wood work, photography, and more. Each piece includes a brief narrative written by the person donating the piece of art about someone they know who has struggled with a life-threatening condition.

Those attending the Art of Healing Auction and Exhibition will enjoy looking over the collection of art as they listen to music performed by James Ducker and Walt Lucas. A wonderful array of food will be provided for guests during the evening. The event will conclude with a live auction.

Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased at the South Central Regional Medical Center Gift Shop, the Art of Healing Center at South Central Place or by clicking Ticket Form to download a submission form. The cost of the event is covered by ticket sells and from contributions made by the businesses sponsoring the Art of Healing allowing all of the proceeds to go directly to the South Central Health Care Foundation.

Be part of this exciting community event. For more information about ticket purchases or the Art of Healing event, please contact Brook Burroughs at (601) 399-0519 or by email at bburroughs@scrmc.com.

Sponsors of the Art of Healing Auction and Exhibition are:
Gold Sponsors:  Sanderson Farms, BancorpSouth, IMPACT of Laurel, Jefferson Medical Associates, Laurel Leader-Call, Roberts Creative, Robison Tire, WDAM, Woodland Realty
Silver Sponsors:  Central Sunbelt Federal Credit Union, Radiology Associates, P.A., Trustmark National Bank
Bronze Sponsors:  City of Laurel, Community Bank, Elegant Creations, The First, and Magnolia State Bank.

“For me, art is a way to heal.” says Farris. “It is a way of connecting deeper within ourselves and with something greater than ourselves and our problems.”

Russ describes the cat motif as a symbol that connects a healing quality to nature. To many the progress of healing connects us emotionally, physically and mentally.

“In Harmony I chose the green and blue colors to create a calming, soothing quality.” says Farris. “The process of making the quick marks on the canvas relate to the time, place and feeling I was experiencing at the moment of the painting’s creation, therefore this painting aids in sharing a moment in my life with the viewer.”

Russ attributes his inspirations in art to painters such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro and Juan Gris. The lines and shapes in their paintings and the spontaneity with which they create the lines and shapes are what attracted Russ to their work.

All artists, amateur and professional, are invited to submit artwork by Thursday, February 24^th to the Art of Healing Center at South Central Place. All proceeds from ticket sales and auction purchases go directly to the South Central Health Care Foundation.

The Art of Healing will be held on Saturday, March 26^th at Sanderson Farms’ Corporate Office from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $30 each at South Central Place in the Art of Healing Center.

For more information, please visit schfoundation.com or contact Brook Burroughs at bburroughs@scrmc.com.

Bradley is well known for her natural talent and passion for impressionist painting. Her designs of landscapes of colorful fields of flowers, quaint cottages on hillsides and overflowing views of water lilies, showcase her love for art.

“As I painted this South Mississippi landscape, I not only painted the actual subject but tried to capture the tranquility of the moment.” says Bradley. “I like to take a simple subject and make it compelling.”

Bradley’s technique forms within the use of color and application from the palette knife. The method of color movement aids in determining the scene of the picture. Strong, bold colors portray the imaginary impressionism scenes, which transports the viewer into a tranquil world.

The Art of Healing Auction and Exhibition features professional and amateur artists who express their individual form of healing through art. Whether the artists was personally affected by sickness or touched by the illness of someone else, their artwork provides a release from the pain.

The Art of Healing aims to offer all in our community the chance to experience healing through art.  The exhibition is intended to bring hope, healing and awareness to the community through the creation and appreciation of art.

A new category, Friends of the Foundation, has been created for those wishing to donate in remembrance or celebration of someone for those who are not artists. These art pieces can be donated to be included in the auction.

The deadline for art submission is Thursday, February 24^th.  All art pieces may be submitted to the Art of Healing Center at South Central Place at 2260 HWY 15 North in Laurel.

For more information, please contact Brook Burroughs at bburroughs@scrmc.com or visit us online at schfoundation.com.

Bowers, a second year art donor to the Art of Healing, is a pottery creator from Virginia Beach, Virginia. She began her process with the The Art League School in Alexandria, Virginia and later opened her own studio in Virginia Beach.

The work from Stone Soul Pottery is inspired by nature, both outdoor and human. “Many of my designs begin with a challenge.” says Bowers. “It is not unusual for me to create a piece from a strand of beads, a shell from the beach, a nightmare or a clever phrase.”

Bowers graciously donated a stoneware piece entitled “Cho Ku Rei”. The piece is made of cobalt, pepper stone and crawl glazes with precious and semi-precious beads, pearls, coral and bone. Cho Ku Rei is an ancient Japanese meditation practice used for healing rituals. The energy that is gathered during the meditation practice is believed to make one’s life easier and more peaceful.

“The Art of Healing is a beautiful example of how members in the community and beyond are willing to support less fortunate individuals who need medical care.” says Bowers. “I hope this piece brings happiness and good health to its new owner.”

The Art of Healing Auction and Exhibition will be held Saturday, March 26^th from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at Sanderson Farms’ Corporate Office. Event tickets may be purchased from the Art of Healing Center at South Central Place.

The art submission deadline has been extended to Thursday, February 24^th. All artists, amateur and professional, are encouraged to submit artwork. All proceeds from ticket sales and auction purchases go directly to the South Central Health Care Foundation. These contributions help to fund community education and health screenings for everyone in the community.

To learn more about Stone Soul Pottery and Crystal Bowers, please visit Stone Soul Pottery.

For more information or to submit artwork, please visit us online at South Central Foundation or contact Brook Burroughs at 601-399-0519. For ticket purchases, please call the Art of Healing Center at South Central Place at 601-399-0503.

“Jewelry making has taught me that you do not have to paint like Picasso or sculpt like Michelangelo to be creative.” said Wall. “I believe creativity is something divinely inspired in all of us.”

Since becoming a part of the Art of Healing, Molly has learned that even simple acts of creativity can have a major impact on the lives of others. She feels blessed and humbled to know the proceeds from this auction will be used to fund necessary health screenings and education in our community.

“I feel this is what makes this jewelry significant and whoever wears it can have confidence in knowing that they too have helped make a difference.”

The Art of Healing Auction & Exhibition will showcase artwork of all types submitted by amateur and professional artists in an effort to celebrate the lives of those who have been touched by an illness.  All proceeds from the celebration will go to the South Central Health Care Foundation to fund community health screenings and community outreach programs.

The South Central Health Care Foundation invites all amateur and professional artists of all types to submit art for the 3rd annual Art of Healing Auction and Exhibition on Saturday, March 26th. The deadline for submitting art is Thursday, February 24th.

The purpose of the Foundation is to inspire charitable giving that advances South Central Regional Medical Center’s pursuit of excellence in serving patients and their families.

For more information regarding the South Central Health Care Foundation or the Art of Healing, please visit schfoundation.com or contact Brook Burroughs at 601-399-0519.