A Christmas Angel

So, in our last post we told you all about the very talented Crystal Despain and her 52 Weeks of Free Art project.  Our mom (the namesake of this blog) and dad are currently living in Liberia, West Africa with a whole bunch of precious kids.  Mom read about Crystal Despain's project on the blog here and sent in a photo and a description in the hopes that Crystal would pick her photo to paint.  Well, guess what?  Crystal painted this beautiful Christmas angel (above) for our mom.  Isn't that just amazing?

Here's an excerpt of the "story" that Mom sent Crystal:
"We live in Liberia, West Africa, at an orphanage. Children who are placed here at this village are in need of care. This place is safe and healthy and they are loved and nurtured. They become part of a family setting, living in a cottage with a Liberian woman as their new "mama",  and other orphans become their siblings.


For two years now, we have prepared a Christmas pageant with the children and then we take it on the road! It is our gift to the community. About two days before Christmas, we walk to nearby villages and perform the Christmas story. People in this area do not have television, and many of our neighbors are illiterate, so this is great entertainment. Being able to watch a play is a treat. We are currently in the process of preparing and practicing for Christmas 2011.

The children are dressed in costumes. There is a large angel choir, and shepherds, wise men, inn keepers, and some Roman soldiers (to accompany Caesar Augustus).  There is a Star of Bethlehem, Mary, Joseph, and Angel Gabriel. It is a big deal to perform for the local people, and  the children do a great job with enthusiasm.  Until they had participated in a Christmas Pageant, these children did not even know what one was! Our neighbors had never before seen a pageant. It is an exciting day.

Would you consider painting a picture of some of our angels? They are serious angels as you can see. Being heavenly beings is not to be taken lightly!  We are pretty sure that these are the cutest kids in Liberia (maybe even in all of West Africa!)."


This Christmas angel was the final painting for Crystal's 52 Weeks of Free Art project.  The good news is that Crystal will still be painting!  And, her prices are amazing---really amazing.  Are you finished with your Christmas shopping?  If not, take a look at the people on your list and consider having a painting or two done by Crystal---really, an original art piece would be the most special gift, wouldn't it?  We really love Crystal's whimsical paintings of children, which you can view at Duck Duck Zebra.  


Happy Christmas shopping!