I was inspired to paint this series of paintings starting with “The Garden Party” while seeing all the sad cuts the government was making to social services - USAID programs around the world,  and the threats to the supplemental nutrition programs and Medicaid, and more here in this country.  My husband and I started donating to a charity that feeds hungry people and I thought how beautiful it actually would be if everyone took care of those in need.  I’ve been blessed in my life with never having to go without,  however when my husband I first got together we were young and dumb and so broke.  I remember shopping at the Omni store and choosing wisely, while totaling up the cost of items in our cart in our heads as we shopped, so that we wouldn’t be embarrassed at checkout.  We were very strapped for cash and buying groceries was stressful back then.  My paintings often depict children and animals enjoying life together so naturally that’s what came to mind for this series of paintings.  I have my kids growing a bounty of vegetables, fruits, and edible flowers and the hungry critters that need and appreciate those goodies hanging around enjoying them.  Friends taking care of friends has always been an important theme but it has special meaning particularly now.