The Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center in Pembroke, Florida, treats women in addiction with a very high success rate. This is part because of their multiple, tested approaches, their long (six month to two year) residence program, and their commitment to keep the children with the mothers during treatment. This month Anne and I were invited to a celebration of recent graduates.
These are some of the graduates who are already out in the community, working jobs, making their contributions, raising their children. If you recognize some of my paintings on the wall, they were the beginning of the connection between us.
The architectural rendering gives an idea of the size of the place. Not shown are other off-site residences.
Our relationship with Susan B. Anthony Recovery started when Dean Dalbery, the new CEO, wanted to “re-face” the organization did a Google search for abstract images of women and children. A number of my paintings popped up and he contacted me. Basically he was seeking permission to use electronic files of a few pieces for their printed materials.
What he couldn’t know was how just that morning I’d been in the Biblical book of Proverbs (11:25)–“A generous man will prosper.” It seemed like a basis for a business plan; I committed to look for ways. When this call came, and I got a sense of the solidness of the work they are doing, I decided to give them not just permission, or even a painting, but an gallery of paintings. To experience the results of that, the paintings all handsomely arranged on their walls, was a big part of our being invited to Florida.
For a sense of their excitement about it all, here’s a brief video after they opened the crate back in January.
Two dancers, paintings I’d had, even in a gallery, but now have a new home. As with all these picture, click for larger view.
We never did get a photo of the whole gallery, covering all four walls of one big room, down halls and in offices. Here are two as they hang in the lobby. Of course Anne and I received abundant thanks, but we also saw, with them, how the art, and the sheer quantity of it, had truly elevated it from a basic institution to a place of beauty with even a touch of elegance. Both the staff and the women being served tell how they feel fed by it all at a soul level . . . some seeing themselves in the paintings. Beauty is indeed something we need.
I’ve posted their paintings on my website. Though they’re not for sale, being owned by the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center, they can be seen here.
Baby Bundle, in progression from sitting model to mother.
Among the paintings I sent, a number I already had, a few more I painted for the occasion, one big one I finished, and others I altered. This one, and the couple that follow, were originally paintings I done from a live model, on unstretched canvas (thus the wide borders). With a little imagination I figured they could be turned into mothers with a child.
Here’s the result, Baby Bundle, oil on canvas, 28″x 18.”
Another progression–a single woman to mother.
It was the same with this one, a model I originally painted from a number of angles, but liked this three-quarter rear view best. That was months before. For this purpose it was merely a matter of tilting her head and suggesting a baby at her breast. (Looks like I forgot to give her that flower back in her hair.)
The result: Break for Baby, oil on canvas, 28″x 18.” To me, it’s a better painting with the changes, now showing a relationship.
Again, click the pictures for enlargement.
In one case, during all this, I attempted something quite unusual . . . to put an imaginary baby in the lap while painting the model. (I expect the other painters present wondered what I was up to, but nobody asked.)
I did the finishing touches in my studio later, getting rid of that unnecessary chair, etc. The result: Babe ‘n Jeans, oil on canvas, 28″x 28.”
Showing on the wall is about a fifth of the paintings they now have in their gallery.
As “art therapy” is on of the activities they offer, they asked if I’d do a demonstration. I don’t know anything about art therapy, though I suppose I’m doing it all the time. The agreeable model was Tule, one of the staff, with unusually interesting hair (from an artist’s perspective). She was positioned so she could also watch the progress.
Here’s the result after an hour and a half’s painting, lecturing and answering questions–and sharing a lot of laughter with the group.
A flyer for their upcoming anniversary.
Here’s an example of the use of my art they originally had in mind, from a piece I’d painted earlier. Incidentally, that’s our daughter-in-law Nicole, with one of her four children.
The new book, about to be released.
One more thing: It seemed to me that besides a gallery of paintings they should also have a book. So I put the graphic together, included all the 31 paintings, and they contributed the words . . . inspirational and informative. The cover painting happens to be of our daughter Acacia, with one of her four.
Click on the picture and you may be able to read the quote by one of the women being served.
The book is 68 pages, 8 1/4″ square, the same format as my recent others. It’ll be available shortly from Susan B. Anthony, from my website, and Amazon. Once again, that’s Nicole, doing with the painting is named for, “Daily Routine.”
In the end, we’ve been well rewarded for all this. I return to the passage in Proverbs: “A generous man will prosper.” How that will work out, I don’t know. I do know I’m getting a lot of work of late. Some for pay, some not. But it’s all quite rewarding. I’m grateful.
9:36 am
How relevant to us here at Wagner Hills and House of Hope (women’s facility) and especially right now when our daughter–your old friend Kirsten–is GREAT with child! (due to give birth to third daughter in May.)
9:40 am
Hyatt,
So glad to see you giving your art away for the rehab center in FL. A neat place if you must go but I hope none of my family ever has to go. But you can never tell.
Great gallery.
Becky Jones
9:51 am
I am VERY moved by this entire process. I love the timing of those words from Proverbs- that a generous man would prosper. I love how you and Anne walk with a posture of attentiveness to the Holy Spirit. I love the outward manifestation of that generosity in not simply giving one picture but sending an entire crate which now fills an entire gallery and transforms this institution into a place of beauty and yes; even elegance. I love that this program has chosen to keep the children with the mothers during the process. I am sure that is a significant factor in their success as one of the main impetuses of their healing is daily present. May the God of all Grace who is lavishly generous with us, pour out a special blessing on you both.
10:30 am
Absolutely stunning – everything about this. The flyer took my breath away and brought me to tears. I, too, had to send my daughter to a recovery center. She now has two beautiful daughters (and they hope to add more to their beautiful family)! I look forward to adding this new book to our collection of your work. What an awesome gift you have given to these women. You are telling them that they are worth your giving of your precious artwork to their benefit. That is profound in the lives of women who have very little esteem and who are working their way out of darkness. What a blessing…
11:16 am
Dear Hyatt and Anne,
We were honored and priveledged to have had the opportunity to spend time with you and Anne at dinner on the ocean. Although the food was sparce, the laughter, kindness and stories were abundant! My mom and I (who as you know recently lost her husband of 60 years and I lost my loving father) cannot stop talking about you, Anne, your beautiful family your amazing art and your loving hearts. We feel a connection, and am sure it is God’s plan that we stay in touch and hopefully, have a chance to spend more time together in the future.
As a Susan B. Anthony doner, who believes in the organization, their purpose and leadership, your contribution has lifted the spirits of all those who see the Gallery. Can’t wait for the “Art of Recovery” book to be published, so we can share it with family and friends, who will hopefully pay the small price to not only enjoy your magnificant art, but know they are helping the persons this organization serves through this additional creative source of funding. How blessed we all are that even without search engine optimization, God led Dean to you, and that you were reading Proverbs (11:25)! Truly another miracle for Susan B. Anthony, and everyone they touch, including mom and me.
Thanks, Carolyn
11:20 am
So very inspiring Hyatt, good words of wisdom to contemplate, “How can I be more generous to others?” There are always opportunities for me to be generous with love, patience, thinking the best of others,and forgiveness. Just as God’s love is lavished on us, so we can lavish it on others. Blessings of peace and joy to you and Anne.
11:38 am
Hyatt & Anne
You are both amazing! I’m very fortunate to see these beautiful and meaningful paintings while at work everyday. Thank you for your generosity towards our ladies in recovery.
Paulina
Executive Assistant to CEO at Susan B. Anthony Recovery
12:14 pm
I’m honored to be among those who can say, ‘I know Hyatt and Anne Moore’. A great piece of work!
12:23 pm
What a beautiful application of the Proverb! Thanks Hyatt and Anne for letting your lights shine so brightly!
12:26 pm
It’s the craziest thing….I’ve never met anyone who could move me to tears quicker than you can…. all because of your beautiful paintings and your godly spirit.
1:36 pm
Hyatt,
Your art reveals God’s creation and captures the inner beauty of a woman, what a wonderful inspiration for the Center. Your generosity reveals the heart of God in how he generously bestows gifts on each of us.
From 2 Corinthians 9:6 we are reminded of the result of generosity:
Remember this, Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whosoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give as you have decided in your heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
You will be enriched in every way to that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Loved the Cheer at the end of the video.
That is thanksgiving.
God bless you for what you have done!
2:30 pm
Way impressive, Hyatt. You (and Anne) are fabulous in every way!
2:50 pm
Just this morning I was thinking that I’d not seen a post from you for a while. I was wondering if you’d given up on those of us who do not reply to often. Just remember, we still read even if we don’t say much. I enjoy reading your posts. Thank you!
3:38 pm
My heart is so moved by every aspect of this! God bless you and Anne for your generosity. You beautiful paintings always inspire me. Thank you for sharing.
Susan
4:15 pm
Hyatt and Anne,
I love the way you draw us into your painting life through giving us the background, the metadata, the reason why, the way you went about it, the results, the people involved, etc. and not just showing us some fabulous paintings.
From the spark, the inciting element, of that text in Proverbs, and the contact with the SBA leadership, and right through to the end, musing about the rewards, it was a moving emotional experience.
I’m so glad Jo and I know you and Anne, that we worked together for a while and that I was involved with you in, some small way, in the very beginning of your painting career.
Blessings on you both,
Jack
5:04 pm
What wonderful paintings and what an inspirational thing to do with them. I applaud you, Hyatt! ~Anne
7:02 pm
Beautiful on so many different levels, Hyatt! Thank you for answering God’s call to be a generous man.
7:31 pm
Who could have dreamed of a more wonderful outcome for these paintings? The abstract images allow any woman to identify and be affirmed. I love how you responded to the prompting to gift these, Hyatt. It shows, truly, as a gift of the heart.
5:04 am
Great, great story, Hyatt.
I loved how you repurposed paintings to work for the S.B.A. Center. Sometimes the result was better than the original!
May God bless you and Anne for your generosity.
2:17 pm
…and I’m especially enjoying the new(er) biblically themed works outside the Starbucks in SJC.
11:25 pm
Hi Hyatt,
What a positive thing to do! I’m sure you will be blessed by your generosity many times over. I especially love the painting on the cover of your book.
May God continue to bless you,
Betty
10:19 am
Aah Hyatt and Anne…. What a blessing you two are in our sad world. So impressed and just thrilled with this latest gifting … Hyatt u are a genius.. Great inspiration to so many people.
God bless you both.
10:39 am
you and anne are truly a blessing to mankind!
10:41 am
you and anne are truly a blessing to mankind!
4:43 am
Recovery sits well in the artist world. You have taken us into the recovery world in a beautiful caring way. Love permeates your work and your words bring the work to life. Like Van Gogh you have a mission and it shows in all you do. Your gift inspires me to better and greater Art and a deeper love for people.
Blessings to you both
John Nowlan
12:12 pm
I love to see people doing Jesus’ commandments. Love is doing, you paint for love. Beautiful work.
9:54 pm
Hyatt!!!! WOW!! You are exactly right!!! Proverbs 11: 25 “A generous man will prosper!” Awesome!! Truly divine what you did here! God sees and will bless! I am sure of it!! Wonderful and I bet you and Anne were simply blessed by ALL that amazing generosity of sharing all your work at that amazing institution! God bless all you do! Love to you both! Lisa