Painting celebrates life of Kenyan hero
WINNIPEG, MB—A new painting by local artist Faye Hall celebrates the life and work of Charles Mulli, a one-time wealthy businessman who gave away his riches to establish Mully Children's Family (MCF), a mission in Kenya that helps children who are living on the street.
The portrait of Mulli is composed of over 30 miniature paintings depicting the work his family does in Kenya, encompassing water conservation, agriculture and education.
Hall says she was inspired to paint the portrait after seeing a video about MCF at her church, North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren (NKMB).
"An image popped into my head of a portrait of many, many children who have been rescued by the Mully Children's Family," Hall says. "This portrait wouldn't go away from my mind and I just felt compelled … to start painting this."
Hall started working on the painting in summer 2011 as her fellow church member, ultra-marathon cyclist Arvid Loewen, was cycling across Canada in an effort to raise money for MCF. She completed the portrait in January.
Hall met Mulli at a special barbeque held at NKMB last July, and he posed for photos with the portrait.
"That was exciting," Hall says. "[He has] a very compelling story."
MCF has helped over 7,000 orphans and street children since 1989. Currently, the organization's homes care for over 2,000 boys and girls between the ages of one week to 24 years.
Hall is hoping to sell the painting to a buyer who is passionate about Mulli's ministry. Her plan is to donate the money from the sale to MCF.
In the meantime, the Exchange District Business Improvement Zone is displaying the painting starting in mid-March along with a few of Hall's other works in an empty storefront window at 280 Waterfront Drive.
The display is called "Portraits of Hope" and can be viewed until mid-April. Visit www.fayehall.com for more details.
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