brutherford

I'm posting this invite here because as many of you are also experiencing, the surgery and subsequent weight loss has changed my life dramatically. I had a fairly successful career as a painter for several years until my husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis two years ago. Although I painted a few commissions in the past two years, I gave up my studio and stopped painting for fun because money grew tight and there seemed to be a dark cloud over my life. Medical insurance became a huge issue so I worked in a job that was meaningful (child abuse prevention), but was emotionally draining and incredibly hard, and certainly left nothing creative at the end of the day. Then, the surgery came - quickly afterwards, I realized that I can do absolutely anything that I want to do... My only limitations are ones that I put in front of myself. So, about 6 weeks ago I started working for the Art Institute of California-San Diego, and 2 weeks ago I got a new studio and re-built my website!

All of you are welcome to come - if you do come, please say hello to me so that I can shake your hand and put the face together with the name. I hope to meet you soon!

You are invited to my first group art show in over two years!

WHEN: Saturday, 9/11/04, 6pm-10pm
WHERE: Ray at Night!

At least four of my paintings will be shown at the next Ray at Night group show for the San Diego Art Department. If you're not already familiar with Ray at Night, it's a monthly art event in North Park in which over 20 galleries participate. You can find out more about Ray at Night at:
http://entertainment.signonsandiego.com/profile/246095

The San Diego Art Department is opening an additional location on Ray St. and I may have paintings at both locations. They're less than a block apart, and I will most likely stay around the first address:

3830 Ray St., San Diego, 92104
or
3803 Ray St., San Diego, 92104

If you're not able to make it to the Ray at Night opening, you can stop by during normal business hours during the month of September. To find out more about the San Diego Art Department, go to: www.sandiegoartdepartment.com

FYI - I also have a new website. You can see a sampling of my paintings at www.barbararutherford.com.

Hope to see you Saturday night!
Barbara

__________________
"You are where you are in your life because of what you believe is possible for you." - Oprah Winfrey
Barbara R.
Open RNY 4/28/04
317/165 AT GOAL
5'9", 126.5" lost
Starting BMI 46.8
Current BMI 24.2

watergirl

Wow! I'm so impressed with your work! The colors are what draws me to your paintings, your ability is what keeps me looking further! Congratulations on finding your creativity again and a part of yourself.

I've got a dinner thing at the Greek Othordox church in Balboa Park on the 11th, but I'd love to see more of your work!

Best of luck at your showing!

__________________
Kim
On the road of life, it's not where you go, but who's by your side that makes the difference.

Wherever you go....there you are.

Wrinkles only go where the smiles have been. - Jimmy Buffett

Lap RNY 8.9.04
266/130
Start BMI 41.6
Current BMI 19.9 I'm finally NORMAL! No longer Morbidly Obese, Obese or Overweight!

Myspace: My URL
http://www.myspace.com/h2o_woman

barbana64

Hi Barbara: How refreshing to see the wonderful art you almost abandoned. Isn't it crazy how easily we let go of the talent that keeps us happy, involved, passionate, and responsive when LIFE happens to us? I am so pleased that you have decided to step back, pick up your talent and share it with us. You are truly an inspiration to all of us! Congratulations on your showing. I will not be able to attend this time, but I will be cheering for you.
Barb C.
Open-Callery 7/14/04
239/200/134

brutherford

Barb and Kim - thank you both so much for your kind words! I am so excited about everything in life... there doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to do all that I want to do! Every day I am so grateful for the surgery and opportunity to live the life that I've always wanted.

Thank you both for the support!

__________________
"You are where you are in your life because of what you believe is possible for you." - Oprah Winfrey
Barbara R.
Open RNY 4/28/04
317/165 AT GOAL
5'9", 126.5" lost
Starting BMI 46.8
Current BMI 24.2

Butterfly

__________________
Irela (E-rella)
LAP
Dr. Callery
8-3-04
239/145/130

Love like you've never been hurt..
Dance like no one is looking..
Live like it is your last day.

Phebius

Barbara...your work is beautiful. I wish I could attend your showing, but I will be out of town this weekend. I went to your website...great work! Absolutely amazing.

I love all kinds of art and yours stands out...you are very talented! I am happy you are able to get back to something you absolutely love to do. I'm sure you're feeling very good about yourself right now and that's how it should be. Congratulations!

Take Care,
Pamela
Open 08/26/03
272/138/120

Blueyz

Barbara,
Your art work is simply beautiful and very colorful. I am so happy for you. You are a very talented woman.

__________________
Blueyz
Open 7/14/04 w/Dr. Callery 4 years out
239/103/125 below Goal fluctuating between 108-115
BMI 18.8~Dr. C is ok with my weight...yeah

Official Scale Whore # 27 (Recovered..I threw mine out!!)

emmy

my friend paints beautify pictures. I keep telling her to sell them by displaying them in some art gallery. She doesn't know how to get started any ideas?

__________________

bridgetgirl

I went to barbara's showing on Saturday night. It was very cool. I even took the kiddies with me and they were interested as well. From what I gather they do this the second Saturday of every month. Very cool... 2 thumbs way up!!!!! I had fun Barb, thanks for the invite.

__________________
J.Bridget Fisher aka koi-pea
2/9/04 lap 5'11"
298/172

Find me on face book using this email; bridgetgirl@msn.com

"People will argue with you that getting what you want in life isn’t something you can learn, if you’re destined to be one of the worlds winners as opposed to one of its perpetual whiners, its because you have been born with the right talents and temperament and have a big dose of self-esteem, ambition, and good judgment." Kate White

watergirl

When is your next event? I'd love to come and see your work in person. I have one wall that is just in need of some color!

__________________
Kim
On the road of life, it's not where you go, but who's by your side that makes the difference.

Wherever you go....there you are.

Wrinkles only go where the smiles have been. - Jimmy Buffett

Lap RNY 8.9.04
266/130
Start BMI 41.6
Current BMI 19.9 I'm finally NORMAL! No longer Morbidly Obese, Obese or Overweight!

Myspace: My URL
http://www.myspace.com/h2o_woman