In 2011, local artist Faye Hall was asking herself how she could contribute or fundraise for the largest family in the world: Mully Children’s Family.
She had heard Dr. Charles Mulli speak at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, where he reported on the group’s work in Kenya, and Hall wanted to help.
There was Arvid Loewen, who has been using his ultra-marathon cycling platform to fundraise for this non-profit organization in Kenya for many years. But, Hall didn’t seem to find a fit for her gifts as an artist.
One day, she received a phone call from Paul Boge, the author of two biographies on the founder of Mully Children’s Family, Dr. Charles Mulli. Boge was looking to publish a children’s version of Charles Mulli’s story and was searching for an illustrator for the book.
Eighteen months and 32 paintings later, Faye Hall is thrilled with the turnout of the paintings for this children’s book. Hall has extraordinary talent to paint facial expressions. The stories come alive on these paintings; the colours are so vibrant, just as colourful as one would imagine Kenya to be.
Faye Hall surrounded by the paintings she has done for children’s book.
All 32 paintings are currently exhibited at the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery, 600 Shaftesbury Blvd. The exhibit runs until Saturday, September 13.
On Friday, September 12 from 7:00-9:00 pm, Faye Hall and Paul Boge will be present for exhibit tours and stories. Private tours can be arranged directly with the artist by emailing Faye Hall at fhall@shaw.ca
MHCGallery hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Saturdays 12:00 – 5:00 pm.
The book is scheduled to be published in fall of 2014. All proceeds will go towards Mully Children’s Family.
