w Precious Memories Pencil Drawings and Unique Impressions By Christi

Precious Memories

Pencil Drawings and Unique Impressions by Christi

By Rita Dykes

Discover Hancock County Contributor

Who knew that the comedic antics of Snuffy Smith would lead one little girl to become an amazing artist? As early as age 10, Christi Fleenor loved to draw the newspaper comics and enlarge them to a full sheet of paper. Soon, she realized she was an artist.

Being raised in the picturesque mountains and valleys of Hancock County, Christi also drew inspiration from the beauty that surrounded her. She said, “Hancock County is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The fall colors, snowfalls, waterfalls, swinging bridges, and landscapes are works of art that appeal to most artists.”

Artist Christi Fleenor

Christi comes from a very talented family. She said, “My love of all crafting, sewing, reading, painting, drawing, crocheting, and quilting comes from my mom, and my love of music and playing musical instruments is from my dad.” Christi’s dad and brother are talented woodworkers, and they make most of the frames for her artwork. Christi’s sister also loves to paint as does Christi’s oldest daughter, Kelsey. “My daughter and sister are both very athletic, and my daughter also has an eye for photography,” Christi said proudly. Her entire family is very supportive and has always lent a helping hand to her when needed.

Christi credits both her mother, Rita, and her mentor, Wendy Leedy, for being two of the most influential people throughout her journey as an artist. “My mom has always encouraged me, and when I was a child, she provided the materials for any project that I wanted to attempt.” At the age of 25, Christi and her mother decided to attend art classes taught by Wendy. While training with Wendy, Christi realized that she had also been given the gift of drawing people. Portraits of humans and pets soon became her passion.

Many people have commissioned Christi to draw precious memorial portraits of their loved ones, both human and animal. When finished with a piece, Christi feels a sense of accomplishment followed by the joy of bringing happiness to others through her art. Customer Jacqui Lawson said, “Christi has been drawing for our family for several years. I love her

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work! Her sketches are truly beautiful and so life-like.” Michelle Hopkins also sang Christi’s praises. She said, “Christi is the most talented person I know! It doesn’t matter what I request, she always impresses me! Her artwork is amazing, has such fine detail, and it doesn’t matter what she is drawing...babies, adults, or pets. She can draw them all! I love her work!”

One meaningful piece drawn by Christi was commissioned by her church. It was a portrait of the pastor’s late mother-in-law and was given as a Christmas gift to the pastor’s wife. The drawing was also used as an engraving on her tombstone.

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Another very special piece was a drawing of a cabin built by a father and son that was later destroyed by fire. The family wanted to keep the memory alive of the cabin that once housed the many military medals the son earned while serving the county.

Christi does much more than pencil drawings. She also incorporates ink and acrylic into her artwork, and she crochets, sews, and quilts. She uses her talents to give back to her community. She makes memory bears and pillows for those who have lost loved ones, including prayer bears with crocheted hearts full of prayers. She joins HOPE for Hancock Cancer Group in raising funds for people fighting cancer, and she spends much of her free time crocheting hats and blankets for cancer patients. Christi also donates drawing certificates for fundraisers, and to round off her community service, she volunteers with the Girl Scouts.

Christi’s goals are to open a shop and develop a website to support her dream of creating art full time. Currently, most people initially contact her through Facebook.

Follow Precious Memories Pencil Drawings or Unique Impressions by Christi on Facebook to commission a drawing of your special person or animal! If you are lucky, you might also find her set up at area craft festivals.