12-year-old Finds Painting and Family Makes Donation to the Gibbes

Last year, painter West Fraser came up with his "Painting in a Tree" project where he would create an oil painting and hide it in a tree for someone to find. "The paintings that hang by string, have strings attached. Fraser writes a personal note on the back of each painting appealing to the finder to give back to their community. Fraser's motivation is to encourage giving back to one's community," explains Marla Loftus, communications director at the Gibbes Museum.

The latest painting was found by 12-year-old Kenner Carmody. Ms. Carmody was on a mission to find the painting after her father read about Fraser's project in the newspaper.

After scouring the French Quarter she found the painting hanging in a tree on the corner of State and Chalmers Streets. Delighted with her find Ms. Carmody now has her first piece of fine art! Last month, she and her family decided to make a charitable donation to the Gibbes Museum, which was directed their donation to the Daniel West Fraser Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Established by West Fraser to honor his son Daniel who was born in 1983 and passed away in 1986, the Daniel West Fraser Memorial Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance for children and teens to study at the Gibbes Museum through art classes and art camp.

According to Fraser, "I hope that with my gift found, the discoverer will give as well, and perhaps encourage others to make random acts of giving and kindness. As a catalyst to perpetuate gift giving in the community, I hope that my 'Painting in a Tree' project can make a difference."

By the way, there are still paintings to be found in Charleston, Cumberland Island and Palmetto Bluff's Wilson Village (Bluffton, SC). Fraser's work can be found regularly at Helena Fox Fine Art at the corner of Queen and State Streets.

For information about donating to the Gibbes, call 722-2706 ext. 38 or visit www.gibbesmuseum.org.