Category Archives: Giving Back

The WKU Music Department | Giving Back

Today I’m super excited to show you some images from a personal project I’ve been working on since last fall. As many of you know, my degree is actually in music, from Western Kentucky University. Music was a huge, huge part of my life for a really long time. So even though I decided about half way through college that I didn’t want to teach music, it was kind of hard just to stop being around music all together. I wanted to do something to give back a little bit to the community, and particularly to the music department. For the part it played in my personal life, Chris’s life (he’s also a musician…a man of many talents :) ), and the many ways they enrich the lives of the people of Bowling Green. There are really some phenomenal musicians and people that are involved with the music department, and I am proud to know many of them!

So, it became my goal to document activities through the music department so they would have some updated photos to use for recruiting and promotion (instead of pictures of people who graduated before I even started at WKU haha). I had so much fun, and highly encourage you to check out some performances, and support the arts. Arts education is SO SO important…I could talk about it forever. But I won’t here haha.

Presenting some of my favorites…featuring (in no particular order) the Big Red Marching Band (directed by Dr. Jeff Bright), the WKU Symphonic Band (directed by Dr. Gary Schallert and featuring Lee Blakeman), the WKU Chorale (directed by Dr. Paul Hondorp, and featuring Dr. Wayne Pope and Dr. Liza Kelly), the WKU Jazz Band (directed by Dr. Marshall Scott, and featuring Vince DiMartino and Dr. Wayne Pope), the Bowling Green-Western Chamber Singers, Chorale, and Chamber Orchestra (directed by Dr. Paul Hondorp and Dr. Bill Scott), the lovely ladies of the Treblemakers, and the handsome men (including my husband!) of the Redshirts!  Whew! Enjoy :) (Click thumbnails to see images larger)

View full post »

Capacity, Inc. | Naturally Chic Event | Lorillard Lofts

A few weeks ago I had a wonderful opportunity to donate photographs to the charity Capacity Inc., and their Naturally Chic Event fundraiser at Lorillard Lofts in Lexington, Ky. Capacity Inc. is a fairly new organization, founded by Jessica and Sherry Piersol to better the lives of women locally and globally. (From their website): “Our mission of transforming the women of today into the weomen of tomorrow paves the way into the far future. Through fulfilling this mission, we aim to create a deep cultural change necessary for solving the obstacles that keep women, girls and children worldwide from obtaining the highest quality of life.” They have many long and short term projects on their list, from helping local women find better jobs for a better quality of life to stopping human trafficking.

Jessica and I graduated from the same high school, and reconnected through Facebook, and I was so honored to be able to photograph their Naturally Chic Event held at Lorillard Lofts in Lexington. Naturally Chic was Kentucky’s first eco-friendly decorator’s showcase, with four different lofts decorated by designers from Ethan Allen, Scout Antiques and More, Environmental Decor, and Urban Sanctuary. Proceeds from the event went to Capacity Inc’s career advancement initiative for unemployed women of the Bluegrass project, which is just awesome :)

Here are a few shots of all the INCREDIBLE lofts! These were really absolutely fantastic!

“Urban Contemporary” | by Ms. Kerry Crosby and Mr. Chad Salyers | Ethan Allen

Ethan Allen is the only corporate, commercial furniture and design firm currently producing a new “green” initiative. They are quickly becoming the nation’s leader in the eco-friendly department. Ethan Allen’s loft is designed and furnished as a comfortable, modern, yet hip and cool urban space. It is a forward thinking pretty, sexy, cool space. [All descriptions from signs at the event]

“Eclectic Bachelor’s Retreat” | by Boo Blakely | Environmental Decor

A one bedroom loft unit exclusively decorated with previously loved furnishings and decor from local re-sale and consignment shops. The interior is a creative mix of warm masculine elements, crisp contemporary colors, and quirky decorative elements conducive to a fun and casual urban lifestyle. A 70’s harvest gold pool table, faux moose head and dining bench made from water skis blend in nicely with the vintage leather chairs and contemporary artwrok. FUN can be FUNctional!

“Urban Sanctuary” | by Sherry and Jessica Piersol | Capacity, Inc.

Sherry’s second passion is decorating; her first is the advancement of women. Jessica is an anthropology major and loves the outdoors. They plan to serve as mentors for women who are unemployed and interested in the decorating and design business. Ask them about decorating a room for you. proceeds benefit the career advancement initiative for women. Imagine an elengant veranda, indoors, and expect the  unexpected!

“Repurposed Retro” | by Greg Feeney and Jeff Perkins | Scout Antiques and More

Greg and Jeff’s goal was to create a unique, eclectic space, offering a beyond the ordinary experience. Their loft will reflect a love of history, and create a sense of home with special objects they “scouted” about to find. You will find their loft to be a visit back in time…today! Their store is also an adventure, please visit them.

The following is a list of some of the wonderful businesses that donated to this wonderful event!

Central Baptist Hospital, HOT 102.5, Environmental Decor, Ethan Allen, Scout Antiques and More, Sherwin Williams, Rooster and Rose, B&B Interiors, Creative Kitchens and Baths, Salvage Nation, Another Man’s Treasure, Lucia’s World Friendly Boutique, Bella Blooms, Kentucky AleLover’s Leap Winery, ChiroOne Wellness, Natural Awakenings Magazine, Tops in Lex Magazine, Kentucky Kernel, LEX Channel 18, Channel 36, Jennifer Creed Photographer, The Mad Potter, The Morris Bookshop.

Thank you so much for organizing this wonderful event, and inviting us to be a part of it Jessica :) You all are wonderful and we can’t wait to work with you all again!

View full post »