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Cause For Hope

Original Size: 60x72"

Acrylic on Canvas

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Subliminal layer

After

Story Summary

Over three separate evenings at Porsche Bend, models had headshots taken, shared Furnish Hope inspirations, and contributed interpretations of “Dignity Runs Deep” and “Light of Hope” on a 5’ x 6’ canvas. I reflected on each contribution, prayed over the work, and painted in treatments using Furnish Hope’s brand colors. Revealed on August 25, 2025, the creation will be photographed, displayed at Furnish Hope, and auctioned at “Catwalk for a Cause” to support Furnish Hope.

Story

The creation, Cause for Hope, preliminarily began on May 2, 2025 when Megan and Mark met at Furnish Hope headquarters to discuss the Kickoff event in preparation for the Ambassadors of Hope: Catwalk for a Cause evening to be held on November 8th, 2025. Furnish Hope is a wonderful organization in Bend, OR that transforms empty houses into furnished homes for those in need.

After canvas preparations were made, on June 11th, Furnish Hope picked up the 5’x6’ canvas and delivered it to Porsche Bend in preparation for the following days model headshots and video filming kickoff. Being involved in the kickoff and event held in November is an incredible honor and having a lifelong passion for cars, especially Porsches…this was a dream come true. On June 12, the Subliminal Art Experiences team arrived to set up other Subliminal Story Art works to provide examples of how the final work could appear.

After the first models arrived, the evening kicked off with a video of Furnish Hope’s most recent “Chair” raise. Megan shared details about the fundraising journey the models would be embarking on. After the logistics were covered, each model introduced themself and shared a brief story about themselves. Following intros, the next round of intros included Megan from Kendall Cares, Andrew, the photographer and videographer and then Subliminal Art Experiences team. Megan, from Furnish Hope explained the “prompts” for their inspirational contribution based on the Nov 8th evenings theme. The two prompts to be reflected on were “Dignity Runs Deep” on the left side of the canvas and “Light of Hope” on the right side.

After the models collected their packets, they individually entered the photo/video studio, shared their inspiration for “why” they said yes to being a model and then contributed to the canvas. I interacted with the models and was repeatedly reminded (very lovingly) that I was speaking loud and they could hear me in the video. When I wasn’t speaking too loudly, I enjoyed listening and seeing the intention behind the contributions which would elicit a deeper intention when I started the painting process. After June 18th and then June 23rd, the final contributions were made to the canvas from the other models.

On July 26, 2025, I began the canvas. Each contribution was read and reflected on from the conversations that colored in more of the details behind each model’s “why.” There were a few scripture contributions and I opened my bible to read Roman’s Chapter 5 to read the scripture in entirety. Before picking up a paintbrush to get started, I prayed over the painting. The paint colors selected are all Furnish Hope’s brand colors, including the primary and secondary colors. Selecting the first color, I began with black, knowing the light of hope would shine through. It also would showcase the clothing options the models would be wearing for the evening. Black to reflect “dignity runs deep” and the other being white/gold reflecting the “light of hope.” In Matthew 5:15, “And people don't hide a light under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand so the light shines for all the people in the house.”

Each model had a unique perspective of how they were focusing their effort and I worked on capturing the individuality while blending their contributions. The first treatment reflected the balance of “dignity runs deep” and “light of hope.” The second treatment was applied later in the day after the first treatment had a chance to dry. Several quotes that I reflected on ended up making it through all the treatments and others were covered, simply because of the full expression of the work. There were many more colors added to the second treatment although two colors were omitted from first and second treatments. When I circled back for the third treatment a week later those two colors prominently appeared.

On Aug 2, 2025, I added the third and final treatment to the canvas. During this treatment I discovered the depth of the contributions through the texture. Upon reflection, there are matted color aspects and vibrant color textures highlighting how “dignity runs deep AND light of hope” can coexist. The idea is designed to make a difference and bring light to a challenging situation. When others go through difficulties, there are always two perspectives on that which is reflective in the colors, sheen and textures.

This canvas showcases the lightness that reflects the details of people bringing their gifts. When dignity runs deep, the light of hope can truly serve our community. Without further ado…enjoy “Cause for Hope.”

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Subliminal Dates

June 12, 2025 | June 18, 2025 | June 23, 2025

Painting Dates

July 26, 2025 | Aug 2, 2025

Music Playing

Treatment 1

Treatment 2

Laura C – I AM (The I AM that I Am) | Laura C – SHALOM (Breathe) | Laura C – WORD OUT OF HEAVEN

Treatment 3

Words

Furnish Hope | Hope is a driver, a powerful emotion! It enables and encourages you to take that next step and then the next and next… until eventually you turn and see how far you have come, and the person you are now is someone you love and who has an abundance of hope—hope you want to share with the world. – Br Kelo | Having roots of integrity, worth and self-respect (what we all need & deserve) – Angie | Dignity can only flourish when rooted in a firm foundation. | Put the “Dig” in Dignity—dig deep and be rooted with security, be grateful, and help others less fortunate. | Hope isn’t a wish, it's a confidence in what God can do… | Home gives dignity, gives people love and hope. – Trish Oury | A real home provides basic safety, the joy of togetherness and a true sense of dignity and community. – Molly May | Dignity is connected to our identity, and so often we believe a lie—that our identity is based on our circumstances. But the truth is dignity is the by-product of full confidence in who we are as sons & daughters of the God of all creation. We are His workmanship, created in His image, and made clean by the sacrifice of His son. My dignity is in knowing who I am. | Humanity deserves dignity & does not have have to be earned. Giving the gift of respect and the benefit of the doubt brings hope, which breeds confidence & dignity in all. | Dignity is our understanding of who we were created to be by God and an ability to love others as He loves us! | Dignity is always finding the silver lining in all situations. What is God’s plan for every situation? – Crystal | Treating someone with dignity helps them hold their head up. It lets them know that they matter… that their life is important. – Sean | There is always HOPE, no matter how bad the situation. Never give up. | Daring to Invest Generously Nobly Intentionally Timely Youthfully Energetically—Believing in people so they can believe in themselves. – Keith Clayton | Dignity – You have extraordinary value, because you are human. You are alive! | My Lord → My Father taught me dignity & respect; my mother taught me hope and faith. I am the man I am because of this. | Helping Others Purposefully Endure – Keith Clayton | Tomorrow can always be better. | In my life, HOPE is a partner. HOPE holds onto the vision and TRUST is the blindly faithful believer. Together, they create opportunities, perseverance, and magic—even one step at a time. | Hope is the light at the end of the tunnel… and it’s not a train. | If you find yourself in a hole… stop digging! There is hope, there is light—even in our darkest moment. – David K. | We simply believe a word, and it changes everything. The light of the world enters our hearts and shines out, revealing His love and truth. | Wherever we are in life, hope keeps us moving ahead—always something to look forward to. – Sean | Hope does not disappoint! Rom 5 – Shanda Harris | Hope is never lost. – Crystal Someli | Hope – the belief, the faith, that the future will be better. | Hope is our north star—our guiding light. Fear sells. Status sells. Privilege sells. Hope is the equalizer, the piercing light of truth, inspiration, and radical love. – Cole | But those who HOPE in the Lord will renew their strength… Isaiah 40:31 | There is a fine line between spirits and Spirit. I make spirits but share the Spirit of HOPE. – Jim Bendis | Deep and Profound Resonance of Hope | Hope is the anchor you can always hold on to, no matter the storm! | Be the light the world needs! – Derek | Give first without expectations and you’ll get more than you could imagine. – Caleb H | God is one prayer away. – Angie C | Never lose sight of the magic true hope brings. | I hope to inspire people to go for their dreams.

Visual

Stick figure person | Furnish Hope House Outline | Heart shapes | Cloud/bubble shapes

Catwalk for a Cause: Ambassadors of Hope | Furnish Hope

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