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Connections art showBy: Patrick Leon Date Posted: 1998-02-21 Dr. Trafton has been working in art a great deal of her life, beginning her studies in northern Canada, then expanding all over North America, and for many years now into Asia. She has studied and tried a variety of art styles, from cubism to impressionism and in between, but claims no particular style to be her own. In her own words, ‘I believe that my style is determined by the subject matter and how I feel about it.' Her education and professional experience have covered the globe, receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art, English, Elementary Education from Olivet Nazarene University in 1972. She has worked in the Education department of the University of Maryland, Asian Division since 1995. George Lamson, a United States Air Force retiree agrees with Dr. Trafton that working in one particular art style exclusively is too limiting, and he allows the individual subject to dictate the style. After retiring from the Air Force, George used his G.I. Bill to get a fine arts degree from he University of Texas, then moved on to Florence, Italy for study. His current inspiration and works are of Okinawan Shi-sa Lions, but he says simply that he paints his ‘surroundings,' wherever that may be. While Dr. Trafton and George’s artwork show true talent and experience, it was not that which fascinated and impressed me. It is their desire and dedication to work with and assist handicapped individuals to develop their artistic abilities. The evening we spoke, they were being interviewed along with Naoto Kadekaru, a quadriplegic Okinawan artist. They have worked with him over the past several years. His artwork will also be displayed at the CONNECTIONS art show. The title ‘connections’ comes from how the three came to meet each other, the two other Americans and three Okinawans also showing, over the past 12 years. Their intent for the show is to recognize the talents of handicapped individuals like Kadekaru and encourage others to pursue their own talents. The show goes from February 2 - 28 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. at the Guwa Gallery and Restaurant at the Tropical Technology Center. An opening party and reception will be held on February 6. Take some time out to take in this show. |
   
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