Working on this project was a wonderful experience for me, and one that I was honored to be a part of.  The project began early last year when a friend and client suggested she commission me to create artwork for the newly renovated Cancer Resource Center in Munster IN.

The Center is dedicated to helping those whose lives have been touched by cancer. It's a warm, welcoming place filled with support, educational resources and friendly faces. The story behind the entire process of creating this series is one I hope to feature some day, as it's meaning is something I have yet to entirely wrap my mind around. It was a moving experience and one that I thank God for. I'm grateful for Donna Williamson whose idea, support and push around this project made it possible, and to Anthony Andello and Mary Shields for their support and warm welcome.

A few details: The images were photographed in the Center's amazing gardens. Some of the flowers were donated last summer by friend Kristy Lopez. After shooting in the garden, the images were then partially painted in my digital darkroom. 

It's the heart of busy season and I can't think of a better way to touch base than to share a collection of images from a recent session. We installed this family's new artwork into their home and I couldn't be more excited about the final product.  Here are some of the images from my time spent with them during an on-location session. It was truly a memorable time, and I feel very blessed to know them. J.H.- you make me laugh, and T., you make me smile.

Thanks for being you.
Ann

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Thanks for the calls and e-mails in sympathy of the loss of our good friend Kristy Lopez. Our offices will reopen on Thursday, November 5.  We appreciate your understanding. 

One of the biggest blessings in my life this year was the friendship I found in Kristy Lopez.  I write tonight, heartbroken to have lost such a loving soul in my life.

it seems somewhat trivial to put into words what Kristy had come to mean to me on my blog. Kristy meant so many things to so many people. She was the kind of person that made you feel good about yourself. She greeted you with a smile and a general enthusiasm. She was loving, compassionate , thoughtful, giving and kind. She dreamed big, and that too was only one of the many things I loved about her.

I'm posting this tonight, because I know a good few of you that wanted to see the images from last weekend's photoshoot. Kristy and Rina (and Lucy) came to the Loft. It was the first of what I had hoped to be many more. As owner of Monarch Giving, and the uber talent behind Monarch's floral arrangements, Kristy brought a few flowers which we incorporated into the shoot. Lucy, her enthusiastic side-kick, also joined in.

This video is for you Kristy- I wish more than anything you could have seen these images- and what hopefully reflects what a beautiful person you were inside and out.

The quote at the beginning, along with the music were among her favorites. My thoughts and prayers go out to the many people whose lives this bright soul touched.

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that's gets me jazzed. I'm sitting at my desk, waiting for disks to burn and an hour to pass before my next appointment. No, that's not the exciting part- it's everything that's going on around me that I'm over elated about. My better half just left with the moving truck and all the things I've been collecting for the additional space at The Loft  are on their way! It's official- our Loft space has more than doubled :) I'm so excited about this on so many levels. It's finally a space that I think can handle all that I need. That's saying a lot. Secondly, it's like finding a home you know you're destined to live in-  a space that just says "you". I'm surrounded by an amazing community and one that I'm proud to be a part of.

 I also have to admit, I've always been spoiled when it's come to studio space. My first real studio was in undergraduate at Tyler,. My second was in Rome overlooking the Tiber river. Third came my space at The Art Institute, on Michigan Ave., overlooking the lake. While these were all amazing spaces, they were still mine as a student.

As an artist, I've always wondered what kind of space I'd finally end up in. What would it look like? Where would it be. I've had visions of it-  just didn't know where it was. Over the past ten years, I've worked in some additionally wonderful spaces, yet finally I feel like I've found my artistic home where I can play- have fun- and welcome anyone that wants to have fun too.

So, dear readers, cheers to today and cheers to all good things to come-

Ann