Summer Colors, now in its 11th year, was an idea born out of passion for both art and the patients of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Founded in 2009 by Jenny and Loren Koziol, this silent art auction raises awareness about the hospital, while also exposing the Dallas community to up and coming local artists. Each year, local artists donate original pieces of art to be featured in the auction, with all the proceeds benefiting our hospital. Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing you to all of the artists. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, July 25, at Scottish Rite Hospital.
We’d like to introduce you to our Scottish Rite Former and Current patients who will be participating and donating their artwork in this years Summer Colors Silent Auction:
Christina Mitchella
How long were you a patient of Scottish Rite Hospital?
As an infant
What were you treated for?
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
Biography/ Artistic Background:
As a former patient of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, I am pleased to be able to give back in a way that I can – through my art. It is mutually beneficial that I am able to show my art as well as participate in supporting the children of Scottish Rite.
In 1985, not long after I was born, I was diagnosed with a Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) that resulted in a bone clicking sound every time my leg moved. The issue could have caused other bone problems as I grew, and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children treated me with a Pavlik harness that held my hips in a sling that would correct the problem and promote normal growth. The Pavlik harness allowed for me to strengthen the muscles and ligaments of my hip while it was developing.
The treatment helped all the bones grow properly without a malformation from the bone on bone disturbance. Today, all is well and every bone in place just as it should be, and I am very grateful to the doctors at Scottish Rite Hospital!
How long have you been a Summer Colors Artist?
Since 2015
What inspires your artwork?
My art is remarkably inspired and contemplative, spanning many different artistic mediums. I often use the synergistic relationship between music, color and light as a muse to gain insight into my work. Whether I am creating a portrait, painting in still life, or transforming a canvas with abstract expressionism, my impeccable attention to detail and vibrant use of color breathes life into every stroke and sketch.
Is there an element of art you enjoy working with most? Why?
Oil is my medium of choice as it spreads like butter across a canvas. The colors blend seamlessly together like a beautiful sunset sky. Any mess is worth it, as I admire the textures and array of endless colors.
Describe yourself in three words:
It is my hope that her works will emit joy, stir inspiration and spread enthusiasm for the arts in all who view them.
Charlsie Doan
How long have you been a patient of Scottish Rite Hospital?
Since I was 6 months old.
What were you treated for?
I was born with symbrachydactyly—I was born without fingers on my right hand. I’ve mostly been involved with the prosthetics department for the creation and maintenance of different things they make to help me.
Biography/ Artistic Background:
I’ve been involved with the arts since as long as I can remember, and they’ve always been a huge part of my life. I’m a ballet dancer and a violinist—I’m minoring in music at the University of North Carolina. My grandmother introduced me to painting when I was young and gave me the set of watercolors that I use today. I’ve never taken any formal classes in visual arts because I prefer to follow my own instincts and style. It’s the one thing I do where there is absolutely no pressure, and I’m free to do and create whatever I’d like.
How long have you been a Summer Colors Artist?
This will be my fourth year.
What inspires your artwork?
I think lines and curves are what make nature beautiful—the jagged outline of a mountain against the sky, the curve of a duck’s belly, sloping cursive writing, the line that a dancer makes when she reaches out her arm, and (in the painting I did for this year’s summer colors) the curved wood of a violin.
is there an element of art you enjoy working with most? Why?
My favorite medium is watercolor, but in a more abstract sense, I love the connections I can make between all the types of art I study. It’s a constant cycle of inspiration: music, dance, and visual art all influence and shape each other in my world, as they do in the world at large. Degas painted Paris Opera dancers, Saint-Saens composed “Danse Macabre” based on a painting called The Macabre Dance, Tchaikovsky wrote Swan Lake for a Russian ballet company. It’s all pretty amazing how everything connects.
Describe yourself in three words:
Stubborn, witty, intense.
Abby Law
How long were you a patient of Scottish Rite Hospital? What were you treated for?
My first appointment here at Scottish Rite was in 2010 with Dr. Sucato. I was treated for my scoliosis from 2013-2015, and I spent about a year and a half wearing a back brace. In 2015, I ended up having surgery for my scoliosis. I am extremely thankful for the wonderful doctors and staff that have made my journey possible.
Biography/ Artistic Background:
My name is Abby Law, and I am an artist. I first picked up a camera and started entering photography competitions when I was eleven years old. I am a self-taught photographer, and I am very proud of how far my work has come. Over the years, I have earned many awards for my photos, including many ribbons in the State Fair and the Trinity River Photo Contest’s Grand Prize. I have also hosted numerous photo shows for charity, giving a portion of the proceeds to none other than the Scottish Rite Hospital. I see it as my way of giving back to the hospital, because they have helped improve so many lives- including my own.
In addition to photography, I also work with other less traditional mediums in my spare time. Some of my favorites are special effects makeup, music composition, and video game design. I am currently in the process of writing a video game, and I have composed many songs for the soundtrack. This Fall, I will be heading off to the Savannah College of Art and Design to pursue my many artistic endeavors.
How long have you been a Summer Colors Artist?
I have been a Summer Colors Artist since 2017.
What inspires your artwork?
My work tends to be inspired by the beauty of nature, and all of the tiny things in life that often go overlooked.
Is there an element of art you enjoy working with most? Why?
I enjoy working with many artistic mediums. Although photography is my primary medium, I also enjoy drawing, sequential art, special effects makeup, creative writing, music composition, and video game design– just to name a few.
Describe yourself in three words:
Creative, Humorous, and Quirky. It’s hard to fit my entire personality into just three words!
Desmond Blair
What is your role at Scottish Rite Hospital?
IT Infrastructure Project Manager. I manage all the hospital projects that involve network infrastructure, telecommunications, hardware, and I also work with the Cybersecurity team.
Biography/ Artistic Background:
I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I became a patient at the hospital about a month after I was born. I’ve loved art, specifically animation, since I was a kid. My background with art started as a by-product of learning how to write so I could begin grade school. After learning how to write, I began drawing and creating cartoons. As I got older, I ventured into using different types of media. Once I completed grade school, I went on to continue my undergrad and graduate education at the University of Texas at Dallas where I studied computer graphics for gaming and 3D animation. After spending about 3 or 4 years only doing digital work, I had a desire to get back into traditional painting with oils. Painting gave me a way to put emotions and feelings into my work that I felt could only be conveyed through the tactile feedback you get from working with traditional media. After bouncing around with my subject matter, I settled on painting people because I like learning from others and telling a story about them in one painting.
How long have you been a Summer Colors Artist?
9 years! Time flies! Summer colors was one of my first shows!
What inspires your artwork?
I draw my inspiration from people, music, and the stories they tell. I love painting portraits in a way that invokes an emotional response from the viewer.
Is there an element of art you enjoy working with most?
Why? I really like painting large scale portraits when I can. I paint smaller ones too, but the large ones I think really allow me to capture emotion and the large scale amplifies that.
Describe yourself in three words: Humble, Determined, and Inquisitive
Sonam Tashi
How long have you been a patient of Scottish Rite Hospital? 6 months
What were you treated for? Clubfoot
Artistic Background: Sometimes I like art!
What inspires your artwork? Sometimes I get bored and just do it, but there are times that art can be interesting.
Is there an element of art you enjoy working with most? Why? Listening to music while I create art. I like listening to Sunflower by. Post Malone because it is FUN.
Describe yourself in three words: Nice, Playful, Giver (I enjoy giving stuff to friends/ everybody).
Hazel Rivera
How long have you been a patient of Scottish Rite Hospital? I’ve been a patient for 7 years. I’ve been coming here since I was 4 years old.
What were you treated for? I had a curve on my back, and I am here to get my back straight.
Biography/ Artistic Background: I love to do arts and crafts every chance I get.
What inspires your artwork? Because it is FUN. I feel excited when I do art, and I forget why I’m at the hospital. I LOVE doing art!!!
Is there an element of art you enjoy working with most? Why? I love painting. I love how paint gets in my hands and seeing all the different colors on my hand.
Describe yourself in three words: Smile, helpful, sweet
Tacovian Bell
How long have you been a patient of Scottish Rite Hospital? 7 months and counting
What were you treated for? Blount’s Disease
Biography/ Artistic Background: I’ve been doing art my whole life. Anything could be art, anything that you use to express yourself is a form of art. Music is art. Games are art. You (yourself) are art because everyone is unique in their own way.
What inspires your artwork? Art calms me down because I know how to do it. For those people who say they can’t do art just TRY. For a long time, I did not know how to do art, but from trying anything you believe you can achieve. I hope art helps other kids.
Is there an element of art you enjoy working with most? Why? Listening to music while I create art. I love music. I listen to music and I get inspired. I get a pen and paper and the music guides my hands, and I start creating art. It is COOL!
Describe yourself in three words: Smart, Funny, and Playful
Rhudi Perez
How long have you been a patient of Scottish Rite Hospital? 6 months
What were you treated for? Scoliosis
Biography/ Artistic Background: I took two years of advance art, which taught me so much about art, it showed me how to make beautiful flowers. I also enjoy doing arts and crafts at home, my go to craft is Slime!
What inspires your artwork? Strength. I love doing art work that shows other people not be scared. There is a canvas painting that I did and it’s outside the hallway of Child Life. It says “You are Amazing, You are Strong, You are Brave”
Is there an element of art you enjoy working with most? Why? I enjoy painting because it calms me down, it’s fun, and it’s a great distraction.
Describe yourself in three words: Funny, Bright, Kind