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Nancy's Paintings
Nancy's Private Lessons
Nancy's Paintings
Art Projects
Upcoming Classes Taught By Nancy
These are some of the acrylic paintings I've done over the last year. Painting has helped me through the experience and challenge of breast cancer in several ways: using and exploring color has given me great pleasure; painting has helped me process my feelings, so they are not overwhelming and painting has helped me celebrate some of the people who have inspired me.
I've found that the act of painting is a meditation which can be very nurturing. As you become absorbed in your work, your mind becomes focused and calm. This is very healing.
I hope these paintings help anyone who is going through the challenge of illness, or who is supporting someone who is going through illness. There is life, love, hope and healing on the other side of fear. Many blessings to you.
Angels of Surgery
Two weeks after surgery, during a healing practice with a friend, this image came to me. I think it helped me "fill in the gap" of being under anesthesia. The rainbow colors suggest to me the spiritual quality of the operating room.
Have a Blessed Day
I met Aubrey Robinson from Alabama while both of us were getting chemotherapy treatments. He told me he had survived bone marrow and kidney cancer. When he was leaving, he stopped to tell me to "have a blessed day." If he could smile and say that, after all he'd been through, then I believed that I could, too.
Healing Service at St. Paul's
I attend a healing service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Fayetteville. It's usually a very small group, and we pray for each other. I find it very healing and moving. It reminds me of how Jesus must have healed—in small groups, using his loving hands, listening to what needs to be healed and then asking God for healing.
Love Heals All Wounds
This collage was made from notes and letters I received from friends after my diagnosis of breast cancer. I love to look at it and feel the healing energy it gives me. If you hear of someone you know who is going through the challenge of illness, send the person a note. It makes a difference!
African Self-Portrait
After a couple rounds of chemotherapy, my hair came out. I thought I looked like a clown. A friend said, "You look like a woman from Africa." That comment helped me to understand that hair is cultural. In another culture, being smooth-headed is considered beautiful. I went to the library and found a book on Africa. I saw how beautiful the women are in their beadwork. I also wrote the song "Hair/No Hair" based on people's comments.
Many Opportunities for Healing
I did this painting before my second surgery. I knew I was putting my life in the hands of the people who worked at this interesting place, the Arkansas Cancer Research Center. When you think about how many people's lives are changed by going through the doors of this building, it's amazing. I found the energy of this place to be very positive. Kind people are everywhere—at the gift shop, the snack shop, the EKG place, the women's clinic and even the parking maze. When you look for healing, you find it.
Mary of the Ozarks
I've always loved paintings of the Virgin of Guadalupe. They show Mary's ability to send out healing rays of love and energy. One day after surgery I was trying to rest on the bed. I had a drain in my side, so it was hard to get comfortable. Then all of the sudden I felt Mary's presence around me, and I was able to rest. I did this painting to show that Mary also lives here in the Ozarks (or wherever you are).
Giving Fears to the Light
I did this painting after getting a second opinion, thus having it confirmed that I had breast cancer and would begin my journey. All my deepest fears came forward. I remembered what a wise woman once told me: "Give your fears to the light." This painting helped me do that. I like that the fears are transformed and then come back to inform the heart.(I didn't plan it that way; it just happened.)
Nurse Judy
Several of us were sitting out in the hall at the cancer center, waiting to have blood drawn before chemotherapy. (You feel a little sick just anticipating the chemo.) And there was this nurse who was all perky and full of life. Her energy was a reminder that there is life beyond treatment and cancer. She helped me keep my sense of humor, so I owe her a lot.
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Art Projects
In May I joined with several other community members to create and publish a book celebrating the work of young artists from Ramay Junior High in Fayetteville. Entitled "It's Our World, Too!" the book contains graphic drawings and writings by ninth grade art sudents of Judith Paz. An outstanding teacher, Judith encourages her students to trust their instincts, speak their minds and create outstanding art about peace, war, pollution, inequality and other issues of concern to young people today. Call 479.521.5678 if you'd like to purchase a copy ($10, plus $2 postage). All proceeds go to Ramay Junior High Art Department. Thanks to Russell Cothren and Liz Lester for their contributions as well as Katherine and Bob Shoulders, Dick Bennett, The Bank of Fayetteville, Ozark Natural Foods and the Presbyterian and Disciples Center.
South Africa Painting Series
I'm working on a series of paintings about my experiences visiting South Africa in 2003 with People to People, an organization formed to bridge understanding between countries. The paintings help me express my love of the people and the beauty I found there. I hope to show the works as soon as I have them completed. Three of the works were shown at Arsaga's Espresso Cafe in March as part of an art show by MatriArts Alliance.
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Upcoming Classes Taught By Nancy:
Nancy has several years experience teaching classes and workshops in music, songwriting, chanting the chakras, poetry, and movement. For
information on current workshops, contact Nancy at ncmaier@cox.net.
Everyone Can Sing Community Choir
The Fall Session of The Everyone Can Sing Community Choir, founded last year and directed by Nancy, begins Thursday, Sept. 6, at 7 pm. We will meet every Thursday through December 13.
We will have two drop-in meetings in August which are free: Thursday, August 23, and Thursday, August 30. Come and check it out!
Time: 7-8:45 pm. Location: Witherspoon Activity Center (southwest corner of church complex), First United Presbyterian Church, 695 Calvin St., Fayetteville.
The fee for the 14-week session is $112. ($8 per meeting). A sliding payment scale and scholarships are available for students or those not working.
A great way to gain confidence in your voice and allow yourself the pleasure of singing songs from many cultures arranged in beautiful harmony. No auditions and you do not have to know how to read music or be an expert. However singers with experience are also encouraged to join us. Choir members have described their experiences in the choir as "soul-filling," "wonderful," "enlightening," "magical," and "a blessing."
Contact Nancy at ncmaier@cox.net if you have any questions. We'd love to have you join us! This is a safe and fun place to sing.
Also a daytime meeting of the choir (once a week at noon) is being considered. If this is something you would enjoy, contact Nancy and let her know.
Nancy is a graduate of The Gettin' Higher Choir Community Choir Leadership Training Program in Victoria, Canada.
For more information, contact Nancy at
ncmaier@cox.net
The Everyone Can Sing Community Choir
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Nancy's Private Lessons
Nancy teaches voice, beginning guitar and piano to all ages in her home studio. She teaches private lessons in the fall (mid-September through mid-December) and spring (end of January through mid-May). Lessons meet once a week. At the end of each semester, students have the opportunity to perform their pieces for their families and for each other at a recital in her home. Occasionally, students share their music with patients and staff at area nursing facilities.
Nancy also teaches group classes and workshops in her home or in your church or school. Classes include "Not-So Scary Singing," "Chanting the Chakras'" "Songwriting for Young People," "Music and Movement" for elementary school students, and Teacher-Training Workshops using Music and Movement to teach all subjects. Contact Nancy for more information on fees and schedule.
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Please contact the artist with comments or inquiries at info@nancycoopermaier.com or 479.521.5678.
© 2007 Nancy Cooper Maier
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