Since August is Art Appreciation Month, a local woman is holding a fundraiser to get her late grandmother’s artwork into the hands of local residents and to support future generations of artists.
Callie Picarella, 35, of Festus is a graphic designer and the founder of Judith & Bloom Creations, a business that honors her grandmother, Judith “Judy” Hayes, a longtime Festus resident who died on Feb. 6 at the age of 90.
Picarella said her grandmother was a beautiful artist whose talent emerged at a young age when she began producing drawings and paintings. She said her grandmother had a big heart and loving nature that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
“She also had a special wit and a little feistiness that made her uniquely her,” Picarella said.
Now through Sunday, Aug. 24, for every $5 donation, donors will receive a 4-by-6 print of one of Judy’s original paintings.
Prints with Purpose fundraiser
Picarella said she and her family, which includes husband, Ryan, and daughters, Macklynn, 6, and Oslynn, 2, started the Prints with Purpose fundraiser as a way to honor Judy’s memory by allowing her work to be appreciated by others and giving back to the community that meant so much to her.
Now through Sunday, Aug. 24, for every $5 donation, donors will receive a 4-by-6 print of one of Judy’s original paintings.
Proceeds will be used to support the Festus Elementary School’s art program.
“Her inspiration and love for creating started at a very young age. Supporting the school that helped spark that creativity felt like a meaningful way to give back,” Picarella said. “We hope this contribution helps other young students find their own artistic voice just like Judy did years ago.”
More information about the fundraiser may be found on the Judith & Bloom Creations Facebook page. The Facebook page also features 16 images of Judy’s original paintings, as well as a link for donors to fill out to let Picarella know which copy of Judy’s artwork they would like and their delivery preferences. All donations may be sent via Venmo to @Callie-Picarella.
“If someone doesn’t use Facebook or Venmo but still wants to contribute, they can email me at judithandbloomcreations@gmail.com. I’ll be happy to work with them on other options,” Picarella said.
So far, Prints with Purpose has raised $440, which is close to Picarella’s original goal of $500, she said.
“We plan to donate the money the week of Aug. 25 since school will be back in session and that concludes the last week of Art Appreciation Month,” Picarella said.
While this is the first fundraiser to honor Judy, Picarella hopes to hold one every year around this same time to help student artists and to continue her late grandmother’s legacy.
“We miss her (Judy) dearly, and this fundraiser helps keep her spirit and passion alive in the lives of other young artists,” Picarella said.
Remembering Judy
Judy was raised in Festus, a place that shaped her creative spirit. She was a 1952 Festus High School graduate who remained active in her community, Picarella said.
“She was known for her deep faith and lasting involvement in local life. For more than 40 years, she was a devoted member of Charter Baptist Church, where her presence and kindness touched many,” Picarella said. “She also enjoyed being part of a local garden club, where she shared her love for nature and appreciation for beauty and growth.”
In addition to painting works of art, Judy spent her time exploring antique shops for hidden treasures, tending to her garden and writing poetry, her granddaughter said.
Judy worked at Sears and later at the unemployment office in Festus. She and her husband, William, went on to open their own real estate company, Hayes Reality, which had an office on Festus Main Street.
Despite her busy life, Judy made time for those closest to her, Picarella said.
“She was the heart and foundation of our family, the one who brought us together and held us close. We all loved her deeply. Just being in the room with her felt like home, no matter where we were,” Picarella said. “She cared for each of us in the most thoughtful ways, always checking in, calling and worrying like only someone who truly loves you can. Her presence was comforting, constant and irreplaceable.”