Mountain Brook Art Association member, Joan Curtis, poses with an award ribbon that she received at the Magic Art Connection this past weekend!  She joined other MBAA members, Vicki Denaburg, Sally Powell, Susan Gordon, Richard Russell, Cecily Lowe, Ron Lewis, and Bob Moody at the annual juried art event which takes place downtown at Linn Park.

Gorgeous weather ensured a fantastic turnout, which was particularly noteworthy after last year’s tragic day of tornadoes created devastation throughout Alabama on April 27th.  A special event, Camp Alabama Storm, provided an art outlet for those children affected by the storms on this day last year.   Art can so healing!

“Camp Alabama Storm is the creation of volunteer experts in children’s grief and trauma issues and is intended to be a fun, safe and supportive environment for children affected by the April 2011 tornados in Alabama. Camp Alabama Storm is a community-driven effort, working in partnership with the Alabama Mental Health Commission and Project Rebound as part of Governor Bentley’s long -term community recovery efforts. Camp Alabama Storm is made possible by Camp McDowell (our camp’s charitable home) and generous donations from groups and private donors that include: The Birmingham Jewish Federation, Raymond and Kathryn Harbert, Charles and Lisa Miller, Southern Progress Corporation, St. Mary’s On the Highlands Episcopal Church, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, The Birmingham Zoo and many sweet, wonderful supporters. Our adorable Camp Alabama Storm logo is the creation of children’s book illustrator, Cyd Moore – our love and thanks to her.

Follow Camp Alabama Storm on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates. If you have questions, our email is campalabamastorm@gmail.com .”