People nibbled fancy food and mingled, admiring colorful paintings hung on giant walls overlooking reflecting ponds of University of Texas at Tyler. Unleashing creativity never looked so easy and fun!
From above, on the third floor balcony of the College of Pharmacy, a bystander might notice a diminutive lady as she purposefully introduced civic leaders to philanthropists or students to college presidents.
Two Great Conversations with Neita Fran
Women of Influence. Her Story: Discovering the Artist Within with Neita Fran Ward
Women of Influence. Her Wisdom: Unleashing Creativity with Neita Fran Ward
Influencing through Art
Neita Fran Ward, owner of Valerosa Designs & Gallery and the host of Art Connection on KTBB, has unleashed creativity in our region so significantly that folks notice. This entrepreneur and woman of influence has plenty on her plate. So, why curate several art exhibits as gifts to the community?
The answer is simple, art exhibits are good for everyone. Local artists, community leaders, university and college officials, business leaders, and students all benefit when excellent, local art is proudly displayed in a community’s public spaces. Some might even argue that the community’s culture must be nurtured for healthy future growth.
Women of Influence. Her Wisdom: Unleashing Creativity with Neita Fran Ward
The Process of Fostering Respect for Local Culture
In an interview for Fireside Talk Radio, Neita Fran detailed how the process of fostering respect for local culture begins with a simple question: What can we do to connect with the community? If you’re paying attention to Neita Fran’s leadership style, the answer is in cherishing the culture of our communities, especially our local artists.
“Everything comes out of relationships. All good things come out of relationships,” she says.
Relationships are the Secret
In one example, a friend enlisted Neita Fran’s help, who then talked to a few more friends. Soon, she was quietly spearheading efforts to bring together local artists and community leaders to create an art exhibit. It was quick work, but fun. Their efforts were so successful, they spontaneously received more requests to create public exhibits.
“You never know what door is going to open until you stand in front of it and see what opens. Sometimes you even have to push a little,” she adds with her brand of gentle humor. Bringing people together around art can happen in any community, according to Neita Fran.
Women of Influence. Her Story: Discovering the Artist Within with Neita Fran Ward
A Personal Prayer
On a personal note: Neita Fran begins treatments for breast cancer this week. Please join me in praying for her quick and complete recovery. For our complete conversations via podcasts, click here.
Unleashing Some of Her Own Creativity Accidentally
Ironically, it was through her efforts to help artists that Neita Fran uncovered one of her own artistic talents, jewelry design. She dreamed of sponsoring a young Pueblo artist. But whom?
God answered her heart’s desire in a beauty salon. Her hairdresser knew the perfect artist.
“Here I sit in front of him, you know how it looks when you have bleach in your hair,” she laughs about the first time they met. Soon, he was executing her designs beside his own in joyful collaboration. Our creative God had answered prayer beyond what she could imagine!
May we, too, imagine a world where God’s creativity is displayed through His beloved children.
May I pray for us all?
Father, all around us are people who reflect Your own creativity. Together we can create a culture that honors Your goodness and beauty. Please free us from burdens that keep us from experiencing the joy and dreams inspired by an amazing Creator. Give us eyes to see the designs You’ve set in motion. Let our ears hear the whisper of Your voice in the music and humanity around us. May our hearts that turn to You for expression. Give us hope in creating. In all our creativity, help us honor each other and You. In Jesus name. Amen.
We love to hear from you!
What creative adventures have you discovered when you took a chance? How has someone else’s encouragement felt like an endorsement? Where do you go to experience a new wave of creative inspiration?
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Cathy Krafve, Texas Columnist, Speaker, Radio Host, and “almost” Author focusing on fellowship in Marriage, Family, and Community, invites your stories, ideas, and questions at CathyKrafve.com. Truth with a Texas Twang.
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