Disabled Artists – Precious Art By Precious People

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Business Thank You Card

March 14, 2016March 13, 2016thasc1Leave a comment

A great way to say thank you to your customers.

BTY_E Business Thank You Card by THASC – Key Biscayne Lighthouse by Novella Duke

http://www.thasc.com/product/BTYE.html

THASC is a unique small American business producing cards and other promotional products.
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Thank You For 41,000 Facebook Likes

January 26, 2016January 25, 2016thasc1Leave a comment

Thank You Facebook Friends For 41,000 Likes!

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THASC is a unique small American business producing cards and other promotional products.

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South Pole Day Care

September 17, 2015September 17, 2015Maria Libera Vallone3 Comments

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“South Pole Day Care” is an original watercolor painting by Marlene Schwartz, resident of the Garden State, New Jersey. Marlene was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1980. Marlene loves creating art and usually paints shore birds and other wildlife. This greeting card was reproduced from an original artwork by Marlene Schwartz for THASC Sales Co. which has employed a unique group of handicapped artists who create art to help rehabilitate themselves. They gain self-respect and pride through their work.

After seeing a program on PBS’s Nature series on how penguins stay warm, Marlene’s greeting card has given new meaning to the word “huddle”. The only other place I hear this word regularly is when I watch football. Emperor penguins are like no other penguins, even though there are others of different shapes and sizes who don’t even live in Antarctica but in other

20150914_125033-1-1 — Emperor penguin huddle

places like Madagascar and the Galapagos Islands. Did you know that larger penguin species like the Emperor are found in colder climates while smaller ones are found in warmer climates? One has to wonder, when temperatures reach 40 below zero, isn’t there a point where even Emperor penguins get cold? The answer is yes and the way they handle it is even more phenomenal. Huddling for them is a matter of life and death. Collective movements rather than individual ones are a necessity. The penguins on the outside row are reshuffled to the center without a single one getting crushed! The secret is they move very slowly without changing their position and do not use force in or out of the huddle.

20150915_200153-1 — Emperor penguin chicks

Marlene Schwartz’s watercolor painting is so accurately detailed that it could easily be a photograph. Penguins are flightless and she shows their distinct tuxedo-like appearance which helps keep them safe in the water where they catch their food. Their young are raised, however, on land. Each penguin has a distinguishing call allowing them to find their mates and their chicks in large groups. The female Emperor lays one egg during spring and summer but it is the male who covers it with his brood pouch with which he keeps the egg warm for 65 days through icy cold temperatures. After about 2 months, the chicks are hatched and the mother returns from her fishing session at sea with food for the newly hatched chicks. In her painting, Marlene shows you the large penguin with the newly hatched chick in the brood pouch. The males now leave for their session at sea while the female takes over caring for them. 20150916_165239-1 Both male and female Emperor penguins take very good care of their young and procure anything they need. This comes across to us immediately in Marlene’s watercolor. We can learn a lot from these social aquatic birds. Knowing that their lifespan is about 20 years it is pretty safe to say that these creatures will be around for a long time.

Thank you, Marlene, for your amazing depiction!

See you on Tuesday! Have a great weekend!
-Maria

THASC is a unique small American business producing cards & other promotional products.
www.thasc.com

Summer Afternoon

September 3, 2015September 2, 2015Maria Libera Vallone9 Comments

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“Summer Afternoon” is an original oil painting by Carol Marquardt, resident of the Evergreen State, Washington. Carol is a Quadriplegic from a gun shot accident at age 13. Carol paints with a brush held in her mouth and enjoys spending time with her family, painting and reading. This greeting card was reproduced from an original artwork by Carol Marquardt for THASC Sales Co. which has employed a unique group of handicapped artists who create art to help rehabilitate themselves. They gain self-respect and pride through their artwork.

20150901_161645 Although most of us “four-season people” try hard to avoid the inevitable of summer coming to an end, there are some signs that finally bring us to the realization that summer is really fading and fall is near. THASC artist Carol Marquardt hints at some of those things that we dread to admit are starting to happen, but at the same time, tells us there is still more time to enjoy it. The trees are starting to shed their leaves and some branches look more like twigs now, as Carol shows in her painting. I must say my yellow dried-up lawn, which has suffered from an especially hot summer, has begun to look more like a hay field as well.

Her sole basket of flowers reminds me of how I wait until late summer to see my delicate roses of Sharon. They are the last flowers to bloom but are still accompanied by a very green pine tree in the back yard and some greener holly bushes in the front yard. The summer beach days are not ready to give in to Fall just yet. In fact my favorite time to visit and walk the beach is in late afternoon, when most of the crowds have dwindled and only the serious beachgoers are still lingering in the sunset on their lounges or throwing the last crumbs of their lunches to the patient seagulls.

Sand Hill Cove Beach at sunset

Carol’s gray watering can has not lost it’s purpose yet and looks lovely sitting on the patio (with the matching gray grout) where it is ready to revive the nearby flowers, even though at this point, hope is lost for the dried grass. Carol’s painting of “Summer Afternoon” reminds me that there is still time to warm my skin in the sun, still time to water and enjoy the last summer roses of Sharon, and still time to walk the coastal beaches at sunset.

Although I dislike admitting it, I actually DO get a bit anxious for the arrival of Fall’s Fashion Show, but until that time, Carol’s painting keeps me in my favorite season, summer, with her wonderful THASC greeting card. I hope you all have a delightful end to summer and enjoy these last days. Wishing you a pleasant Labor Day weekend. See you next Tuesday.

-Maria

THASC is a unique small American business producing cards and other promotional products.
www.thasc.com

The Harbor

August 20, 2015August 19, 2015Maria Libera Vallone3 Comments

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“The Harbor” is an original charcoal drawing by George Everett, resident of the Constitution State, Connecticut. George was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and is now living in a nursing home. George is a senior citizen and holds more than 20 patents on various technical and scientific products.

This greeting card was reproduced from an original artwork by George Everett for THASC Sales Co. who has employed a unique group of handicapped artists who create art to help rehabilitate themselves. They gain self-respect and pride through their artwork.

With the approaching passing of summer George Everett brings us to that place where we transition into the peaceful ending of the scorching sun and into the tranquil resting place of sailboats which, with their lowered sails, helps us to relax after the hot temperatures of the days we’ve endured for the past three months. As a native New Englander, and a Pisces, being close to the water is part of my soul and I yearn to search out these little harbor villages which put my mind at ease and, at the same time, retain the beautiful memories of the warm season I love.

Life is almost forced to slow down here and leave the hectic city behind where you can either enjoy lunch on an open porch, search in the numerous little shops that are usually close by, have a refreshing beverage or just plain meditate and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. In little Rhode Island we have many such coastal villages to enjoy. My favorite is the quaint village of Wickford in the town of North Kingstown.

Wickford is the home of painter Gilbert Stuart who was born in 1755 on the outskirts of Wickford village named Saunderstown. Stuart’s famous portrait of George Washington hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Gilbert Stuart self portrait & portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart

20150819_090052-1 Wickford is also is the home of the Wickford Art Festival which attracts thousands every year in July to one of the biggest events of its kind on the Eastern Seaboard.

THASC artist George Everett’s “The Harbor” also draws me to another village located on scenic East Bay between Providence and Newport called Warren.

The well-known Wharf Tavern famous for it’s delicious seafood is where we are headed today. Nothing like dining on the harbor of the Bay. 20150818_105935-1-1

Hope you are enjoying one of the pleasantries of our American harbors as the summer brings us to a relaxing way to enjoy the dormant boats and the inviting waters. George Everett brings us there with his lovely greeting card which you can find on http://www.thasc.com

It is wonderful to be back with the THASC family after a vacation which brought me back to enjoy the harbors in little Rhody after visiting so many across our great land.

See you next Tuesday!
-Maria

THASC is a unique small American business producing cards and other promotional products.
www.thasc.com

Day-Glow Skyline

July 23, 2015September 2, 2015Maria Libera Vallone1 Comment

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“Day-Glow Skyline” is an original watercolor painting by Robert Mauro, resident of the Empire State, New York. In 1951, Robert contracted Polio and has been painting since 1968. Robert is dependent on a wheel chair and can only paint for about 20 minutes at a time, so he creates his art in stages.

This greeting card was reproduced from an original artwork by Robert Mauro for THASC Sales. Co. which has employed a unique number of handicapped artists who create art to help rehabilitate themselves. They gain self-respect and pride through their artwork.

For me, there is no other city that has a skyline like New York. I love the way Robert Mauro lights up his city with the glow of the moonlight and keeps it “The city that never sleeps.” The last time I was to go to New York City was tragically on September 11, 2001. We were to celebrate my sister’s 60th birthday, but it was never to be. The lights went out on Broadway.

After fourteen years I am going back to New York. This time I plan to visit Ground Zero and pay my respects. It will be a very emotional trip for me. My sister is no longer with me, but my cousins from Sicily are, so part of the excitement is still with me. In fact, we are leaving today, July 23, 2015, and in addition to seeing the wonderful things that New York symbolizes for our country, like the Statue of Liberty, we are also going back to Broadway. So as you read this blog, we will be visiting this magical city and getting ready to see “Aladdin” on W. 42nd Street.

There are so many things that I am in love with in New York, but Robert Mauro’s bright colorful watercolor makes me continually think of the excitement of New York’s night life, particularly in Manhattan. Nothing can stop this wonderful City from drawing us into “being a part of it, New York, New York!“

I personally prefer musicals and comedy to drama, but there is nothing really that can hinder me from seeing live theatre no matter what the theme. In fact, I always secretly wanted to act. I suppose I did everyday in a way in my own classroom. They say teachers are always “on stage!” Since the universal language is music, I always incorporated pop Italian music in my lessons, wondering how quickly kids learn the words…even if they aren’t sure what they are saying, they certainly can sing the songs!

I’d love to read your comments on what your favorite things to do in New York are. I could never leave out the many museums, sky-scrapers, Cathedrals, temples, restaurants, neighborhoods, opera houses, hotels, stores, parks, TV shows, entertainment, fashion, monuments and on and on. For me that famous skyline has no equal and THASC artist Robert Mauro doesn’t let us forget it with his pink, orange, blue, green and yellow buildings along the Hudson River.

I hope you all get to New York and Broadway at least once in your lifetime and if not soon, put them on your bucket list.

See you in late August!

-Maria

THASC is a unique small American business producing cards and other promotional products.
www.thasc.com

Cat Bed

July 21, 2015September 2, 2015Maria Libera Vallone1 Comment

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“CAT BED” is an original pen and ink drawing by Gary Lapelle, resident of the Mountain State, West Virginia. Gary contracted polio at the age of three that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Gary is now able to walk and has the partial use of his right hand and arm from surgery and rehabilitation. This greeting card was reproduced from the original drawing for THASC Sales Co., which has employed a unique group of handicapped artists who create art to help rehabilitate themselves. They gain self-respect and pride through their artwork.

When I see paintings of cats, it is so easy for me to think happy thoughts, as cats have always been my pets of choice. That is, they are the domesticated pets I’ve personally chosen to cohabitate with. We always had dogs as children, but once I lived on my own, I chose cats. Actually my first cat, Tesoro, which is the Italian word for “Treasure” or “Darling”, lived almost 20 years and was so difficult for me to say goodbye to, that I didn’t get another cat for a long time, a VERY long time, almost 20 years later. Her name is “Sofia” as in “Loren”. The classic beauty, the dramatic poses….they are all there.

20150717_163947 Gary Lapelle’s painting reminds me of her charismatic personality, although Sofia’s colors pale to those of Gary’s. I wonder if he’s had as much success with his cat actually sleeping in her cat bed as I. In fact I’ve had practically none. As you can see from my photo below, her bed has become a haven for her countless number of toys rather than herself.

Even though cats literally sleep their lives away, I don’t remember one time that I’ve actually seen her sleep in her bed. She really preferred much more to sleep in her perch when she was a kitten and even as she grew older. Now at almost 4 years old Sofia sleeps either on top of my legs or draped right beside me on my bed.

Do you know how much cats sleep all day? They sleep an average of 15-20 hours a day.
The reason is that cats become active around twilight. I can verify that, as Sofia jumps on my head every morning about 4-5am to wake me for breakfast. After that they wind down for a long day of sleep. Cats are still predators but give chase and hunt mainly at night, but even housecats still retain that wild streak. Kittens and older cats tend to sleep more than the average adult cat.

Just like us, it should come as no surprise that cats are affected by weather and like to sleep more on rainy or cold days. I know many cats, like Sofia, who adjust her sleep patterns to feeding schedules. I almost get the sense that THASC artist Gary Lapelle’s CAT in “CAT BED” is anxiously waiting for her bowl to be filled too! Just look at those big, green yearning eyes!

I hope you all find time for a “catnap” during your busy day. I’ll see you on Thursday and then I’m off on vacation until August 17. In the meanwhile please continue to read our blogs for some scrumptious treats and sweets on our blog: http://www.preciousartbypreciouspeople.org Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

See you at the end of summer!

-Maria

20140919_221217-1 — Sofia caught in her cat bed!

THASC is a unique small American business producing cards and other promotional products.
www.thasc.com

Full Bloom

July 9, 2015July 8, 2015Maria Libera Vallone2 Comments

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“FULL BLOOM” is an original marker painting by Paul Bailey of the Badger State, Wisconsin. Paul is a Quadriplegic from an automobile injury. Paul creates his artwork dot by dot with a head stick. This greeting card was reproduced for an original artwork by Paul Bailey for THASC Sales Co. who has employed a unique group of handicapped artists who create art to help rehabilitate themselves. They gain self-respect and pride through their artwork.

For the many THASC artists whose subject is flowers, I must say each one of them speaks to us in a different way. Most flowers have a specific seasonal time to bloom and it wasn’t until late last week that I noticed the beautiful tiger lilies that abound in my garden. Each day now there are more and more and when I looked at Paul Bailey’s marker painting it immediately reminded me that these lovely flowers were about to bloom in my back yard. It is not until they spread their wings fully that you can capture the glory of their lovely peach color and the length of their reach.

Tiger Lilies

Most of my flowers are already bloomed and gone by the end of Spring but my Summertime bloomers remind me that there is still more to come. Paul’s dot by dot method is not only incredibly precise but captures each leaf with remarkably, explosive color
changes. It is only when a flower reaches its pinnacle of growth that do we realize nature’s beauty at it’s peak. As I looked around my Summer garden, I captured other wild flowers at their “full bloom” and would like to share them with you.

Summertime flowers in full bloom

While visiting my cousins in Sicily this past month, I went into a local florist in town and was amazed at the bouquet of fresh flowers he put together for me as a gift for them upon our departure. They were a beautiful combination of fresh flowers as you can see, all newly bloomed and the best part is that he charged me only 25 euros (about $30)!

Bouquet in Sicilian florist

Thank you to THASC artist Paul Bailey for reminding us all “Nothing says it like Flowers!”
Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy your full-bloomed Summer flowers and fruit trees. See you on Tuesday.

-Maria

PS. Thank you to a wonderful friend who graced my aunt’s birthday table last year with a gorgeous bouquet!

20140417_144946_1 — Aunt Nancy’s Birthday flowers

THASC is a unique small American business producing cards and other promotional products.
www.thasc.com

Lady Liberty

July 2, 2015July 1, 2015Maria Libera Vallone4 Comments

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“LADY LIBERTY” is an original watercolor painting by Janice Peroni, resident of the Garden State, New Jersey. Janice is a Quadriplegic and is aided by the use of a wheelchair. Janice paints with restricted use of her arms and hands. Her paintings come alive with color and movement. This greeting card was reproduced from an original artwork by Janice Peroni for THASC Sales Co. which has employed a unique group of handi-capped artists who create art to help rehabilitate themselves. They gain self-respect and pride through their artwork.

From Tuesday’s blog on “Waving Proud” until today’s blog, “Lady Liberty”, THASC artist Janice Peroni continues with her incredible watercolor impression of the powerful Statue of Liberty meeting her celebratory, colorful and explosive fireworks lighting up the New York skyline. There is nothing more exciting and decisive than the thunderous roar of these vivid bolts to verify her significance to the world. She does so with grace and distinction and nothing confirms her stance more than the skies of New York.

The French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi originally named the Statue of Liberty, “La Libertè Éclairant le Monde” or “Liberty Enlightening the World.” He modeled the sculpture after his mother, Charlotte. Broken chains lie at her feet symbolizing her as a woman free from weariness and submission. The Roman numerals for July 4, 1776, the date of American Independence, are inscribed across the tablet held in her left hand.

The Statue of Liberty was completed in France and then gifted from France to the United States as a symbol of freedom and democracy. It was a joint effort between the two countries. The Statue arrived in New York in June of 1885 in over 300 pieces from France. It was reassembled in four months and placed upon a granite pedestal which was built in America. In October of 1886, President Grover Cleveland unveiled and accepted the Statue on behalf of the people of the United States. The full statue measures 305 feet one inch from the tip of the flame to the ground. The total weight of the Statue of Liberty is 225 tons or 450,000 pounds.

The Statue’s original torch was the first part constructed in 1886 but in 1984 was replaced by a new copper torch covered by 24 Karat gold leaf. Here are some interesting facts about the crown. Let’s take a closer look: Did you know that the seven rays of the Statue’s crown represent the seven continents and seven seas of the world?

There are 25 windows in the crown which represent the gems of heaven shining over the world. Access has not been available to the torch since 1916. You need to climb 154 steps to reach the head. To give you an idea of some of the measurements of the Statue: her index finger is 8 feet long and the width of her mouth is three feet.

In 1903, the poem, “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus was inscribed on a tablet and placed in the Statue’s pedestal:

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning
to breathe free,
The wretched
refuse of your
teeming shore.

Send these,
the homeless,
tempest-tossed
to me,
I lift my lamp beside
The golden door!”

When I look at Janice Peroni’s watercolor I am reminded of the middle name my parents gave me, which was my paternal grandmother’s name. Maybe some of you have noticed that it is “Libera,” the Italian word for “free.” I feel I have a special connection with this greeting card and with Lady Liberty and will feel that more every year on July 4th. Thank you to Janice and to my immigrant grandparents who made this journey to freedom for me.

I hope you all have a special connection with Freedom as I do and enjoy your Holiday!

-Maria

THASC is a unique small American business producing cards and other promotional products.
www.thasc.com