I was inspired to draw A Mother’s love by looking at the work of a famous artist child prodigy Akiane Kramarik and old masters Madonna and child. It has always been mine and my mother’s favorite art. I wanted to create a version using pastels in a classical style. Due to my many disabilities and my spine collapsing twice I was never able to have children. I’m drawn to depicting children and babies. When I see this piece I imagine myself being a baby and my mom holding me. It’s a very special piece to me and it’s one of my favorites. I am very lucky I’m very blessed that I’m able to be here tonight. I wasn’t going to put this piece in this year I wasn’t going to enter the contest because my mom is very sick and I’m losing her to Alzheimer’s she’s taken a turn for the worse and I thought I was not gonna be able to come. When I got an email saying it was the last day to enter and I saw the receiving date was on my mothers 88th birthday December 4 I knew that was a sign that I had to put this piece in. I’m so happy I did and I feel my mom is holding so I can receive this award tonight. Thank you so much everyone and a special thanks for the Stamford art association for all your kindness and support through the last four years since I started exhibiting.