| Milissa is 46, a survivor of Hurricane Katrina. She is currently enrolled and plans to graduate college in August 2007. Her formal art training is limited to the required course in Art Appreciation, but she says, "I have dabbled in art most of my life." Her submissions include photos of two quilts and a rug that she painted on her daughter's bedroom floor. The rug is painted on concrete using acrylic paint, then coated with several coats of polyurethane. The submission entitled Katrina Quilt was inspired by all the colorful clothing donated after Hurricane Katrina. It was in the summer, so everyone was looking for cool clothing. Milissa says: "After the relief effort ended, I was offered whatever was left. I made this Katrina memorial quilt in honor of all those whose valiant efforts kept us sane during those dark days following the storm. The fabric used for this quilt was cut from colorful cotton shirts that no one really wanted because they were long sleeved and too hot to be worn." The quilt named Tulips is a cooperative effort. Milissa: "This quilt was cut and appliqued by myself and two of my former foster children. It was therapy for all three of us and fun to do. It is 100% cotton fabric." |
Milissa Boykin, Painter, Quilter
