THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, May 13, 1995 TAG: 9505120058
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERESA ANNAS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
THE DEATH TOLL in Oklahoma City from last month's bombing of a federal building has left loved ones raw with anguish.
Eventually, friends and family members will seek out healing. That's where art can come in.
Virginia Beach artist Vonnie Whitworth has given birth to a plan to fund a memorial to the children who died. She has in mind a gathering point, like the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, where sorrow could rise and be released. A place where the little ones could be remembered.
``It could be a piece of sculpture, or a garden, or even a little sitting area,'' Whitworth said.
Whitworth has set up a fund called ``America's Children of Oklahoma City.'' She hopes to raise money by encouraging artists in outdoor art shows to donate the proceeds from the sale of one artwork.
She's starting with the Ghent Art Show, taking place Saturday and Sunday at Town Point Park in Norfolk. Participating artists will display a pink card in their booths, indicating works earmarked for the benefit.
Whitworth will be on hand during artist registration, talking up the promotion. ``I'm hoping to inspire them to join in and be a part of it,'' she said.
No minimum amount or percent of a sale is required of the artists, Whitworth said. Just whatever they feel like giving.
As for herself, Whitworth has generous plans. An award-winning realist who works in watercolor, Whitworth said she will give the entire amount from the sale of a recent painting she made of a mother and child.
The work is priced at $1,200.
``I'm hoping it will sell at Ghent,'' she said. ``I'd like to have a real substantial start for the fund.''
She has no goal in mind. However much is raised, the sum will go toward a memorial. Yet, she can't help ciphering in her mind: If the 200 artists signed up for the Ghent show gave $100 each, that's $20,000.
And this is just the beginning of the outdoor art show season. There's the Stockley Gardens shows, the Boardwalk, one in Roanoke.
Whitworth believes the Oklahoma City tragedy has torn the nation's heart.
``The whole country is caught up in it,'' she said. ``I think people want to do something.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by BETH BERGMAN /
Vonnie Whitworth will donate proceeds from the sale of her painting
of a mother and child to help build a memorial in Oklahoma City to
the children who died in the bombing there.
KEYWORDS: OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING MEMORIAL by CNB