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Dear Friends, clients and family,
This summer was filled with challenges and life-changes both in Uganda and in Boston. I met students in Seroti, Uganda who had nothing but their love for God and the chance to have a better life. This was a humbling experience and certainly made me aware of all that I have and so much that I have taken for granted. In Boston, I learned that sometimes we depend too much on property and "things" so when my computer was stolen, I had to readjust and appreciate all the blessings God has given me and be thankful that my old "clunky" computer still had some files on it.
 Jinja, Africa. "Source of the Nile"Painted August 2009
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Uganda
Church of the Redeemer Mission Trip
From June 23 to July 8th, 18 parishioners from the Church of the Redeemer traveled to Seroti, Uganda. Some of the group worked in the fields planting, pruning-even building a well. A surgeon from the Brigham and Woman's Hospital performed 21 operations in a clinic where his 16-year-old son held a flashlight so his father could operate. I was lucky to meet a wonderful group of young people from The Beacon of Hope College where we painted an 18-foot mural with supplies carried from Chestnut Hill, Ma. The canvas, pencils, aprons, paper, and erasers - everything was packed in a suitcase. They had nothing! Pencils were broken in half and sharpened with knives. It was exciting when the young people discovered color and realized they could take ownership of the mural.
 18' Mural Painted with Students from the Beacon of Hope College. Seroti, Uganda. June 2009 Below is Stella, (holding the hand of Jesus) and the youth leaders who helped organize the 70+ students who painted the mural. Stella is orphaned and does not know where her brothers and sisters are. She wants to be a teacher and help students like herself who are homeless because of tribal wars that still occur in her country. She has a positive outlook on life. Her love of God and radiating smile was a joy and inspiration to all who met her. Sam, Cathy and Daniel are the other students pictured here. Sam painted Jesus, Daniel wrote many of the bible versus on the mural using a stick found on the grass and Cathy mixed paint marveling on how many colors could be made. It was a privilege working with these young people and sharing their life stories.
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Martha's Vineyard
The Old Sculpin Gallery
On Martha's Vineyard, I had a show at The Old Sculpin Gallery in Edgartown, Mass. This is an historic building right next to the Chappaquiddick ferryboat ramp in Edgartown. It is a wonderful place to exhibit my work and I am delighted and flattered to be elected to the Board of the gallery.
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New Directions and Challenges
This is a very difficult time for galleries and sales of art. In this economy, artists are having a tough time marketing their art. Galleries are closing every day and my galleries in the west who have been exhibiting my work, may not survive. I am fortunate to have two shows lined up for this year and a commission from a family in London. I am also joining a gallery in Chelsea, New York
A new direction for me in 2009 will be to tell my story. It is a journey of faith, pain, hurt and willpower to paint and never give up. My paintings are a form of ministry as I hope my message found in the Native American faith circle, that all life exists in balance and harmony with one another, will reach many. I have found someone who will write this story and in the coming months we will begin exploring the best way to do it.
The newest and most wonderful challenge also a new direction, is our puppy, Sassafras or Sassy.  She is a delight and great fun to be with. She and Summer, the other dog, are already great friends. Summer watches me paint and with her paws crossed as if she is praying and Sassy loves my country music. Together they are wonderful company and even when I am frustrated, they always comfort me with a lick!
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Fenway Revisted
Completed June 2009
The Red Sox are always a challenge. Going to the games is such an awesome experience! Fenway Park is magical with the colors, sounds, people, and the players. I love the lights, the wave in the 9th inning, the adrenalin rush that one feels by everyone clapping, standing and doing "high fives" when a good play has been accomplished.
This painting took 4 years to finish and is in memory of a friend's child. During the four years, Fenway Park has changed quite a bit. However, the emotions are still the same. I tried to capture those feelings in this painting.
"Fenway Park Revisited"
Painted July 2009
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The fall brings new beginnings but also challenges for the future. There are new projects to tackle and paintings to be done. Even in these uncertain times, I know God is leading me on a journey and all I need to do is follow! Trust in him, honesty and faith in what HE wishes me to do will help me to keep painting and hoping my spiritual message will help us all have a better relationship to nature and mankind. Have a wonderful fall and I welcome you to visit my web-site, for updates. Soon I will have link to mobile me so I can post images of my paintings as soon as they are completed. I am also on facebook and incase you wish to ask questions or get in touch. Bless you all!Anne GrandinGrandinArt
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