Lorraine Gebo, mother of board member Lyn Meyer, has generously donated the first painting for the Nest’s “Off the Beaten Path” art competition. The work is by famed Western artist Lester Hughes. Hughes rose to fame after Presidential candidate Ronald Reagan discovered him during a 1976 campaign stop in Hughes’ home town of El Paso.
Gebo’s husband was a collector of Hughes’ works. She explains, “when Lester would have a financial gap, he’d get busy in his studio painting and load the painting in his van before they were dry. He’d drive over to the homes of people who’d previously purchased his artwork and offer his new pieces for sale. This pastel was the first Lester Hughes pastel I had ever seen and I had to have it. We bought it that day along with a few others- all of which had to be put away so they could dry properly”. Of Hughes, Gebo shares, “he was a witty guy, really a funny guy with a lot to say who was never affected by his success”.
Gebo who has recently combined homes with her daughter and son-in-law says explains, “I didn’t really have a place for the painting here and I know that the Nest is a good cause”. Guests at the Sweet Charity Ball will be able to bid on the Hughes painting, one of the only examples of Hughes’ early art remaining after over a million dollars’ worth of Lester’s art was lost in a collector’s warehouse fire.
The Nest is currently seeking donations from community artists to be auctioned during June’s Sweet Charity Ball. Funds generated from the auction will support HEAL and the Nest. Board member Josie Powell adds, “I am anticipating the Lincoln county artists will be in full support of this event with the donations of their wonderfully inspired artwork”.
Artwork can be any medium, color, and size. Artwork should depict the hope we have for all survivors of domestic violence. The deadline for submission is May 31, 2012. Please submit entries to Josie’s Framery or Sweet Charity Resale Boutique. For more information, please call the Nest at 575 378-6378.
Pictured Lorraine Gebo with Lester Hughes Painting donation