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Art, Inspired by Tragedy, Will Now Help Children

Those interested to spruce up a room, support local artists, and contribute to a good cause should keep their eyes peeled for cards and poems created by Old Saybrook residents Judy Perry and Pat O’Brien. Money from the purchase goes to Save the Children.

Recently, Perry became concerned about the ongoing war in Ukraine as well as other worldwide events and decided she had to do something. And that something was art.

“I’m very concerned about world events. Ukraine, the assault on democracy, you name it. So, this flame of hope I call it, it came to me,” Perry said.

Perry then sent the painting to O’Brien, who said it inspired a poem she had written in under an hour.

The pair have decided to channel their artistic creations into a bit of goodwill. Cards depicting the painting and poem will be sold at participating location in Old Saybrook and Old Lyme with every dollar going to Save the Children. O’Brien said the cards will be available for sale the last week of April at Pursuit of Pastry and Mirsina’s Restaurant in Old Saybrook. The cards will also be available at the Lyme Art Association in Old Lyme.

“The cards are at the printer now, Perennial Designs in Old Lyme. They have generously agreed to waive all overhead costs so that every penny we make can go to save the children,” said O’Brien.

“We’re delighted, absolutely delighted we can do this,” O’Brien continued. “This way the money goes to a good cause and the people end up with that looks beautiful.”

O’Brien noted that the card can be framed and displayed in homes, a hope Perry shares.

“Any little bit helps and the hope is that people will respond to it and we’ll push out the help. Maybe it’ll even spur people to do more,” Perry said.

O’Brien and Perry have been longtime friends and have collaborated on art projects frequently over the last 10 years, but this is the first time using their combined efforts for a charity drive.

“Judy and I have a long history together and we’re very good at using her art and my poems and making them go together,” O’Brien said.

Perry agreed and added, “Pat and I worked together a lot of years, so I don’t ever tell her what I’m thinking with a picture and she just responds with her poems with something so deeply.”

Perry said that other business owners interested in selling the cards in their store should call her at 860-395-1695.

Find O’Brien’s poem “Firelight” with this story at Zip06.com.