On January 24 Nathan Hanford, an artist-in-residence with our 2017 beneficiary Soldier On Women’s Program, stopped by the WAM office and dropped off an amazing gift for us – this beautiful painting by Ashley, a resident of the Program.
Nathan explained that Ashley started working on this painting, entitled Hummingbird, as soon as she got home from attending the closing performance of The Last Wife. She is a quiet woman and Nathan was amazed to see what she was able to express through her art.
Nathan also told us how moved he was personally at the closing, seeing his students stand up and share their stories. It was important for him to share with us how affected he was by that experience.
“All of us in the office were very moved by his words and this moment,” WAM’s Artistic Director Kristen van Ginhoven said. “I’m so so proud of our work on The Last Wife. What a difference we have made together!”
Ashley also wrote these beautiful words on the back of the painting, which moved Kristen to tears. We will treasure these words always.
And the residents sent us the most beautiful card, which has been shared with the entire cast and crew of The Last Wife.
“Ashley’s work is powerful!” said set designer Juliana von Haubrich. “I am so glad she’s letting us have her beautiful work of art. The closing performance really felt like a special night with a very special beneficiary.”
“This is stellar,” Assistant Director Lia Russell-Self enthused. “And a testament to the beautiful, rich, soulful work WAM inspires.”
“What a honor to work on a show that has reached these women so deeply,” exclaimed lighting designer Aja Jackson.
Ashley’s painting hangs proudly in the WAM office. If you’re in downtown Lenox, please stop by to say hello and admire this special work of art.
