"Helping Hands Heal Shattered Lives"

In blind judging of the anonymous entries, the Philanthropic Committee has selected a mosaic pattern for this year’s mural project to be completed at Convention. “Helping Hands Heal Shattered Lives” was submitted by Kara McGhee of BattleGround, Washington. Kara is a member of the Cascade Artisans Guild.

Kara offers this interpretation of the mural: "The concept is that when we give of ourselves (symbolized by the hands), whether with clothing, love, food or pastoral guidance (represented by the dove), we help make shattered lives whole. Notice the figures are becoming whole as a family, although one person is not quite there yet."

The winning entry uses several skill sets: woodgraining, stenciling and painting. The majority of the mosaic pattern will be stenciled. A woodgrained border frames the design, and the four hand-painted tiles in the four corners represent food, shelter, clothing and love—the basic needs of every person.

Congratulations Kara! What an insightful and creative approach to all the concepts represented at William Temple House. IDAL will officially present the mural to representatives of William Temple House at noon on Saturday, July 24 at the Oregon Convention Center. Members of the Cascade Artisans Guild will install the mural in William Temple House at a later date.

Be a part of IDAL’s 2010 Philanthropic Project—come prepared to participate! Specific schedule times will be posted at the Philanthropic painting area. Please contact Kara McGhee to schedule your volunteer times. She may be reached at: kara@karamcghee.com