Your Entry Title Not in My America

Your NameAdele Buytenhuys


MediumMixed Medium

Your ProfileI am a mother of three wonderful sons, a grandmother of eleven. I am also a wife, artist, and animal lover. I started painting in 2000 when we were living in the Netherlands. I don't have any formal art training but have studied with well-known artists in the Netherlands, Houston, California and North Carolina. My medium of choice is oil. Recently I have been working with colored pencils and find that the hand movement calms the mind. The veteran program is the drive behind what I do every day and behind my art.

The Story Behind My AmericaI was born in South Africa, lived in a middle class white neighborhood and didn’t understand discrimination until I was much older. I didn’t see many homeless people as most were in the more rural areas and townships. We moved with our family to Maryland 32 years ago. The first item on the agenda was to visit Washington DC where I saw people living in boxes placed strategically over grates to keep warm. However, I was in awe of my surroundings and not really thinking about the homeless. Over the next twenty years we moved many times, including a two-year stay in the Netherlands and were fortunate enough to travel in Europe. I realized that gypsies were real people, not the folks who travel in caravans, tell fortunes and dance around the fire. They live on the street with their families. There were refugees looking for a better life, many not having a place to call home. When we returned to the US, and our son came home after eleven years in Iraq and Afghanistan, I became more aware of the homeless in My America. I was surprised to learn that many had fought for our freedom and homeland security. I started to ask myself how many veterans were on the streets under a blanket. I sleep better at night knowing that the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans is working to assist our homeless heroes. I am also proud that A Stroke of Patriotism is able to provide some support. My mixed media painting is probably not going to hang on the wall in anyone’s home, but with your votes A Stroke of Patriotism will be able to continue their mission to assist veterans in times of need.

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