My guitar is entitled “Rebecca’s Song” in memory of Berkner High School Ramblers Head Captain, Rebecca. My daughter is a member of the BHS Ramblers team, which has performed for the past 15 years at the Wildflower festival. This year has been one of change and loss for our Rambler family. Rebecca’s beautiful life was cut short in a tragic car accident and I wanted to honor her by painting a guitar for the festival in her memory. The ombre orange color theme, running from the red of the Texas flag on the neck slowly changing to shades of orange throughout the guitar, represents both the sunset of a life and the passion for music Texans have. Rebecca’s life, as well as that of another great Texan Stevie Ray Vaughan, who both died too young, were on my mind as I painted. Their legacies and memories remain. The silver leaf used throughout the piece represents the “Silver Anniversary” of the Wildflower Festival, as this is its 25th year. It’s neat because it’s also my husband’s and mine 25th wedding anniversary this year as well. The light blue staff covering the front mimics the bass clef shape, and the first several notes on the staff give nod to a famous classical piece. Thinking of the wildflower areas in our Richardson parks and along our streets during May, I incorporated the brilliant colors of our Texas wildflowers abstractly throughout the guitar. The spiral elements, which I personally am continually drawn to, reflect the movement of both music and our lives. Rebecca’s initials, on the front by the Wildflower logo, honor her life. My admiration for the Wildflower festival and my connection to the city of Richardson run very deep. I am a local artist, whose passion for art began during my elementary days at Dartmouth Elementary. Having a daughter, who is currently a Rambler Captain and film student at BHS, led me to know longtime Rambler coach, Natalie Smith, (retired, 2017). Natalie and her mother, Suzanne, have built a connection between our Rambler family and the Wildflower Festival over the last 15 years. I admire that Natalie’s mother, Suzanne, created this Wildflower guitar contest, and still leads it today. The proceeds from the guitar sales go to raise money for Network Community Ministries and RISD art programs. I highly value giving back to the community and raising funds to support the arts, as Wildflower continues to do, and I am proud to call Richardson our home.
July 6, 2018