When I saw the children of Africa, their faces, their enthusiasm for life, even though they were living in horrible conditions, I saw a side of them that still clung to hope. I have tried to provide that hope to them over the years," said Nancy Noel.
Zionsville, IN (PRWEB) July 27, 2011
During a recent visit to The Sanctuary in Zionsville, Indiana, Russian dignitary Ilya Uriloy was so moved by Nancy Noel’s artwork that he gave $30,000 to the N. A. Noel Preschool in Mbita on Rusinga Island, Kenya. The school is one of Nancy’s many humanitarian ventures.
In The Sanctuary, home to Nancy’s exclusive collection, her art is displayed in a unique and historic renovated 1890’s church in the quaint town of Zionsville, just outside Indianapolis, Indiana. During Ilya’s visit he had an experience similar to that of many other visitors to The Sanctuary. He was touched by the emotion of her art, the serene energy of the renovated church and the stories behind much of the art. Through this visit he learned of the N. A. Noel Preschool on Rusinga Island, Kenya.
On one of Nancy’s many visits to Africa, she stumbled upon 60 children inside a hut. Making a promise to them, Nancy has kept her word for more than a decade to help these children with her financial support. Her promise to care for these children has never wavered, and with her interest and financial support, the school has expanded to nearly 240 children. Many of the children at the school have been orphaned by the AIDS pandemic that plagues Africa; some of the children have AIDS themselves. Nancy worked with the school to implement a feeding program, a health program that provides weekly visits by a medical doctor, as well as school supplies and academic support. Recently the ONE NET-ONE LIFE Program of Oakland City University at the Indiana Women’s Prison program, made and donated, 264 lifesaving mosquito bed-nets for Nancy's preschool. With volunteers involved with the IU Kenya Partnership program, the mosquito bed-nets were transported to the school in Africa.
Breaking ground on a new building will allow for the increase of new students, which has been a long time goal for the school and for Nancy. Ilya made it possible with his generous $30,000.00 donation. Mr. Uriloy, also a philanthropist, extended an invitation for Nancy to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg to plan how to introduce Nancy’s art and books to his home country. Nancy just returned from this exciting trip inspired and ready to begin other new projects to benefit children in that part of the world as well.
“When I saw the children of Africa, their faces, their enthusiasm for life, even though they were living in horrible conditions, I saw a side of them that still clung to hope. I have tried to provide that hope to them over the years. Now with the building of a new school, we will be able to continue to care for them for many years to come,” said Nancy Noel. The staff at the school said if it were not for Nancy Noel, there would be no school.
Ilya Uriloy saw the same passion and emotion in Nancy’s hopes for her school that she has put into her art. He is now part of an international movement to continue her efforts to bring hope to the children of Rusinga Island. The N. A. Noel Preschool’s Advisory Board is made up of dignitaries from across the country and around the globe.
N. A. Noel Preschool Board Members include: Dr. Dmitry Arbuck, MD Psychiatrist working in Indiana, California and Russia; Dr. Ursula Jacob, MD Renowned cancer research authority from Germany; Jane Seymour, Actress, Author, Artist from California; James Keach, Actor, Producer, Director from California;
Mickey Maurer, Chairman of the Board for Indianapolis Business Journal and National Bank of Indianapolis, Indiana; Leslie Athol, Life Coach from South Africa; Mark Roesler, CEO and Chairman CMG Worldwide from California.
Nancy Noel is a world celebrated artist and is well known for her ability to capture something almost spiritual on the canvas. Nancy’s work includes a unique versatility with a wide variety of subjects including Amish, angels, animals, an in depth artist collection, and of course her African series. Nancy has published eight books featuring her art along with stories that comfort the soul.
In 2005 Nancy purchased and renovated a church originally built in 1894 and re-opened her gallery here naming it The Sanctuary. It has become just that, A Sanctuary people visit and find comfort, wonder, and peace. The Sanctuary was voted a “must see” destination of the Midwest. The space also features a restaurant and gallery shop. People often reserve the space for elegant events such as private dinners, weddings, and concerts.
“Every year, as the heart of Nancy’s spiritual and artistic life expands, so does the breadth and power of her art.” Said Alex Kosene. “But the merger of this extraordinary historic building with many dramatic paintings may be her greatest work yet.”
As a 501c3 Charitable Organization through Women Like Us Foundation, Nancy continues to seek out ways to better the life of the children she happened upon long ago.
For more information, visit the web site at http://www.nanoel.com or contact the gallery at 800-444-6635
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