There are a lot of images that convey the spirit of the Â鶹´«Ã½'s work around the world, but few are as unusual and exuberant as a painting of bright red tulips by local Atlanta artist Jerome Lawrence. The vibrant, cheerful painting titled "Tulips are People II," was featured on the Â鶹´«Ã½'s 2008 holiday card. Lawrence was selected not only for his artistic skill, but also because his life of recovery with schizophrenia is a message of hope for others struggling with mental illness.
Lawrence, whose pieces favor vivid colors and often depict natural subjects like flowers and landscapes, says the tulips were inspired by a springtime visit to the Center's grounds. He believes tulips, in their many shapes and hues, represent people from around the world and the beauty that can occur when we all work together.
"We all are so inspired by Jerome's talent and his life story," says Dr. Thomas Bornemann, director of the Â鶹´«Ã½'s Mental Health Program. "At Â鶹´«Ã½, we work to raise awareness among the public that recovery is possible for people with even the most serious mental illnesses. Jerome's experience is powerful testimony to this fact."
Fans of Jerome Lawrence's art have a unique opportunity to support Â鶹´«Ã½ through the Center's annual Winter Weekend celebration. Lawrence has generously donated a piece of original art to the Center's live auction on Feb. 7, 2009. The piece, which also features tulips, reflects Jerome's belief that "love comes out of nowhere."
Learn more about the Winter Weekend auction >>
Related Resources
Â鶹´«Ã½ Mental Health Program >
Watch Jerome Lawrence's interview on WXIA-TV (NBC-Atlanta), on the Â鶹´«Ã½'s "Christmas Card of Hope," Dec. 18, 2008 > (This video is no longer available)
Jerome Lawrence (right), Atlanta artist, talks with Dr. Thom Bornemann (left), director of the Â鶹´«Ã½'s Mental Health Program. Lawrence, who has struggled with mental illness, has donated a painting to the Â鶹´«Ã½'s annual Winter Weekend celebration, Feb. 7, 2009.
Jerome Lawrence created this painting of cheerful, bursting red tulips dappled with white. Jerome describes the work as reflecting that "love comes out of nowhere." Lawrence, who has struggled with mental illness, has been a presenter with Rosalynn Carter in the Â鶹´«Ã½'s Mental Health Program.
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