French-Deal honored

my feelings about the world around me.”

“Ideas float in my head sometimes for years,” FrenchDeal said. “Then, when ready, through my hand they imbue themselves upon the canvas.”

Any artist living in Indiana who identifies as female may submit one piece of art annually for consideration in the program.

“Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Each year, I am blown away by the talent- ed Hoosier women, of all ages and backgrounds, who have harnessed and nurtured their skills into the inspiring product we see today.

Congratulations to each of this year’s artists and thank you for sharing your work!”

When asked how she has solved the “Picasso problem,” French-Deal said it’s all about following your passion.

“When you follow your passion and your dreams, that requires work,” French-Deal said. “And continuing education.”

In 2019, FrenchDeal followed her passion to Claude Monet’s gardens in France where she

Libraries

be able to borrow hotspots or interlibrary loan items, but everything else in our collections are available!”

“This new agreement will help both of our libraries better serve the people of the entire county by doubling the value of their library cards,” said Cody Abbott, WCPL Circulation & System Manager. “We are now able to offer our com- was able to spend a week painting.

This provided “fresh inspiration” for the five-month project she embarked on afterwards— painting the ornate ceiling of Eagles Theater ballroom with hundreds of flowers.

“I did all the freehand work,” French-Deal said.

French-Deal holds an Interior Design degree from Indiana University and also studied at Fort Wayne Art Institute. She has studied with artists such as Ken Auster, Carolyn Anderson, Kathryn Stats, Dee Beard Dean, Roger Dale Brown and Dennis Perrin.

Her inspiration comes from her travels and fascination with everyday experiences, French-Deal said.

“In each corner of our state, artists are playing a vital role in making Indiana a place where people want to live, work, play, study and stay,” said Miah Michaelsen, executive director of the Indiana Arts Commission. “We are proud to partner with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to both spotlight the talented women artists in our state and to recognize the work that artists do to improve the lives of all Hoosiers.”

Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush said it is a

...continued from Page 2 privilege and honor to display the art from women artists.

“It is a privilege to recognize the creativity of Hoosier women artists,” Rush said. “I am proud to be a part of the initiative and display their work in my chambers.”

Each piece tells a story, said Tera Klutz, CPA, Indiana Auditor of State.

“What a pleasure to experience this spectacular showcase of creativity, passion and dedication of this year’s featured Hoosier Women Artists,” said “We can all appreciate the storytelling these artists provide in their work, creating a bridge to connect us using a universal language that goes beyond culture, religion, ethnicity, or language.”

To see more 2023 Hoosier Women Artists award winners, visit www.flickr.com/ph otos/lgcrouch/sets/ 72177720307113969/

To see more of French-Deal’s work and learn more about the artist, visit her website at https://frenchdeal.com munities access to two excellent libraries with all of the services that entails, while binding us all closer together.”

“The Wabash Carnegie Public Library (WCPL) is excited to partner with NMPL,” said Ware Wimberly, WCPL Library Director. “As mentioned by NMPL, we believe this provides excellent access to resources and services for WCPL cardholders and NMPL library cardholders. We believe library borrowing cards to be a valuable tool to increase access to information and life-long learning for patrons. For residents who have to pay a non-resident card, this provides greater library access living in the unserved public library area. Again, we thank NMPL for approaching WCPL and for the opportunity to collaborate to strengthen libraries in our county.”

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