Artist Discovers His Paintings Can Heal

NEWS RELEASE                  March 8, 2000
CONTACT:    John Schaefer 888-646-6670      E-mail: john@paintmystory.com
         

Fine Art That Heals
Helping families celebrate memories
that instill pride, joy and recovery from grief.

A unique artistic concept used by corporations to portray their history, growth and the contributions of individual employees is also having therapeutic value for families struggling to heal from the death of a loved one--particularly those that have lost a child."

After more than 15 years working with corporations to tell their story in custom art, John Schaefer and his partner, fine artist Roger Whitney, of Recognition Concepts, Inc., in Phoenix, AZ, are bringing their montage story-telling talents to the consumer market as PaintMyFamily.com.

We all have stacks of photographs stored in our closets. So do relatives. Recognition Concepts allows you to choose the best images and have them professionally arranged and hand-painted by an artist who specializes in montage composition. The finished pieces serve as last memories and heirlooms of a 25th or 50th anniversary wedding celebration or other special family event.

Families that have suffered the death of a loved one-especially a child-have found the montages particularly satisfying. They see this as a way to help them through their grief--as a way to heal," says Schaefer. While its sometimes emotional for them to sort through the pictures, the finished montages seem to help them deal with the loss--actually becoming a lasting memorial for all to share."

Lori Collins commissioned a montage of her brother.
Losing my brother has been the most challenging experience in my familys life. I wanted a portrait of Ron, so that I could feel him with me everyday. When I first saw the finished piece, there was a hint of sadness, but it was breathtaking. Whenever I look at this collection of images, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace and comfort. It truly memorializes the energy of Rons life."

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Roger Whitney has been painting professionally for more than 25 years. I have always loved people", says Whitney, Thats one of the reasons I became a portrait artist and began designing multi-image compositions. Now God is allowing me to help others portray important family events--both happy and sad-through beautiful and sentimental montages."

See examples of Recognition Concepts montage work at www.PaintMyFamily.com , www.PaintMyStory.com and the BRAND NEW www.PaintMyWedding.com .
Or call John Schaefer directly at 623-572-1300 or 888-646-6670 for more information.

Feature story inquiries and interviews welcome.