Birmingham, AL artist, Sally Waldrup Boyd, is excited to be exhibiting her work at William Raveis Real Estate during the Ridgefield Guild of Artist’s 4th annual ArtWalk this year. Boyd is particularly excited to have been chosen to exhibit at this venue because William Raveis has recently partnered with the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation to help find a cure for cancer. The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation is the leading charity supporting innovative young cancer researchers. For over 65 years, this foundation has funded young scientists who have the creativity, energy and drive to radically transform cancer prevention, detection and treatment.
About four years ago, Sally had a routine hysterectomy during which the surgeons discovered a non-encapsulated tumor on her ovary. She underwent a very aggressive treatment of chemotherapy. Sally cut her hair before beginning her chemotherapy treatment. After losing all of her hair, she noted that, “it grew back with some grey and was curly for awhile!” It was a struggle to stay positive in between treatments, but it was even more difficult to paint as she was often physically exhausted. But Sally feels blessed to have such a supportive family and group of friends who were there for her throughout her ordeal. She is thrilled and thankful to be in remission these last two years.
So, how does an artist from Birmingham, Alabama end up in the Ridgefield Guild of Artist’s 2017 ArtWalk? Well, Sally’s is sister-in-law to Ridgefield resident Cheryl Ann Boyd, “CAB”, a local singer and Raveis real estate agent. Cheryl Boyd recalls, “When visiting Sally in Birmingham, Sally showed me some of her newest works which had been inspired by her recent trip to Cuba. I was so impressed by the colors and individuality of her work and learned that this was a form of art called encaustic painting. It involves adding colored pigments to heated beeswax. ” When Cheryl returned from her family visit, she showed photos of Sally’s original works to her fellow agents. They were so impressed that they asked Sally if she would exhibit her artworks at the ArtWalk this year! Those who know Sally are not surprised she said “yes”! Sally will donate a portion of her sales to the Damon Runyon Foundation to help support this worthy cause. Sally is an ovarian cancer survivor, and has been an active participant in cancer research fundraising at UAB Medical Center (University of Alabama in Birmingham). Last year Sally was one of several artists participating in ArtBLINK at UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center where she auctioned off her work, along with the other artists, after 90 exciting minutes of painting in front of attendees, and all for a cause near and dear to her heart and her health.
Sally seeks harmony in color whether it is vibrant combinations or more subtle palettes. She is inspired by nature, the relationship of colors and the moods they create. (I’m hearing whispers of Marshall McLuhan saying, “The medium is the message.”) The breadth of Sally’s pieces use various materials to create layers that include paint, plaster, papers, wax, acrylic mediums and glazes applied to a wood panel using mostly a palette knife. Her latest works which involves a layering technique over images/photography using hot wax mixed with pigments to create inlays, has drawn particular interest because of the depth perspective that this process creates.
Sally Boyd places great value on community. She spends a month each summer as the head of the craft shop at an all girls’ camp in Mentone, Ala. This grew out of a retreat she attended… “with six other creative women, including a poet, so we were not all visual artists,” she says. “What we shared was the struggle for balance as a woman artist. The experience refueled and focused me thinking about how I wanted to continue forward as a painter and a creative person. I love the time at camp, interacting with young people, exposing them to new ideas. It’s all part of that journey to learn from your surroundings and others. So, I learn from them too.”
Having other family members who have also fought cancer, Sally is glad she can help contribute to a foundation focused on promoting research that will someday cure cancer. She thanks The Ridgefield Guild of Artists, William Raveis Real Estate, and her sister-in-law for this amazing opportunity to contribute back to the community! As an artist, Sally says, “There is really nothing I love more than getting into the creative zone. You have an outlet for ideas, art to do, and something to learn.”
ArtWalk opens Friday, August 25th, from 5-8pm and continues on Saturday, August 26th from noon to 4pm. Sally will be at William Raveis Real Estate’s office at 410 Main Street on both days displaying her artwork. Her work will then be on display at William Raveis Real Estate until September 8th.