COMMENTS FROM CHERYL FEY, ART DIRECTOR

COMMENTS FROM CHERYL FEY, ART DIRECTOR

Art was not my intended career. I have a BS in Chemistry Education from The Ohio State University and taught high school sciences for five years. As a stay-at-home mom with two young sons, I began a cottage industry folk art business, creating folk art during the days and selling it evenings at home parties. Later, I became an interior decorative painter and muralist, traveling far and wide for nearly 20 years.

Tired of working on scaffolding and ladders every day and becoming restless with all that type of job entailed, I felt called to using my art talent in a way that could help others - to make a difference somehow in my little part of the world. This change in careers was a huge step of faith since I had never previously had any connection with the MRDD community. Just like so many who lump “them” into a single clump - those with mental retardation, developmental disabilities, mental illness - I had to discover that they are each individuals, with personalities, gifts and talents, hopes and dreams, stories to tell. It gives me immense pleasure to see them express their innermost thoughts - indeed, bear their souls - through their wonderful art.

Their art provides a valuable way to communicate to the world and we, who view their creative works, marvel at the insight, the sensitivity, the passion conveyed. One man almost always has something broken in his paintings and drawings…it might be a little boy with a broken arm, an old professor with a bandaged foot, or an overstuffed sofa with a patch sewn on. When I finally asked him why he does this, he replied that “nothing is perfect in this world. Everything needs fixed.” I was just taken back by how very insightful this was of our earthly existence.

I have learned so much from the Blue Shoe artists about life, about feelings, about passion to create. It’s one of those things where I thought I was going in to help them, but instead, they seem to help me more. They have taught me to break out of the box, to trust my instincts, to laugh when things don’t go as planned. I only wish there was a way for you to know our Blue Shoe artists like I do. They are warm, loving, fun to work with, passionate about their art and focused on their projects. The joy I see on their faces as they meet people who appreciate their art is simply priceless.

It is my hope that you will get a glimpse of who they are through viewing their wonderful art and reading their “Up Close and Personal” biographies. And please come visit us if you get the chance. We would love to meet you!