OBLONG, IL — “Always Live Original.” That is the title of a uniquely and individually decorated feather that will surely attract many fun-loving participants for the final painting party of 2020 at the Oblong Children’s Christian Home. Karla Ries of Art Is Relative will lead the activity on Thursday, November 12, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only 12 participants may register for the event; seats are filling quickly.
In September, Ries led a similar party conducted at New Life Academy on the campus of the Oblong ministry. The participants that night had the choice to vote for the next event’s painting. The choice of “Always Live Original” was the run-away favorite. So on Thursday, for only $30, participants will enjoy Ries’ instruction and be supplied with canvass, paints, and brushes to create their own original work. The canvass will be pre-drawn, however.
“At the Children’s Home, we enjoy these opportunities to welcome folks from the community onto our campus and into our school. We will remain socially distanced and still provide individuals the opportunity to laugh, enjoy some fellowship, and take home a piece of art,” says Amy Kemp, Executive Director-Operations.
Advanced registration is requested for the party on Thursday, November 12. Those interested in securing a spot are welcome to visit the Children’s Home website at www.oblongchristianhome.org and click on Events to learn more and to register online. Otherwise, call the Home at 618-592-3633 to reserve your seat. Registrations are received up to one day prior to the event, and fees can be paid the day of the event.
As an added treat, refreshments will be served to guests by Dana Whitten, wife of new Executive Director, Gene Whitten.
All proceeds from the event will be used to support the operations of the Children’s Home. In 2019, the ministry opened a new satellite facility in Fairfield, Illinois. The cost of the expansion, which includes capacity for eight more girls, a new facility, and new staff members, is gradually being absorbed into the annual budget. However, initially, the growth was made possible because of wise investments. The Home has incurred no debt through its physical and programmatic growth.
The Oblong Children’s Christian Home, now with homes in Fairfield and Oblong, is a non-profit home that houses at-risk, troubled, and neglected children. The Oblong Children’s Christian Home, in existence since 1969, provides homes with unconditional love, builds healthy relationships, teaches God’s truth to the residents, and develops each child’s strength.
