From Julia Collins and John Henry Hopkins to Severin Roesen and Ruth Blair, our region has contributed much to the arts.
We are proud that, with a new historical marker to soon be unveiled, as reported in Thursday’s edition of the Sun-Gazette, we can add another name to that list.
Frances Tipton Hunter was an artist and illustrator in the early 20th Century. Her work often graced the cover of the Saturday Evening Post, as well as Women’s Home Companion and Redbook magazines numerous children’s books.
We should be proud of Frances Tipton Hunter’s contributions to the arts and diligent about teaching our communities about the history and historical figures of our region. But recognizing the work of Hunter, as well as painter Roeson, actress Blair, author Collins and songwriter Hopkins goes beyond that.
All five are vivid examples of how the arts can not only enrich our society but can be a calling for our individual lives.
We hope the example of Frances Tipton Hunter can encourage people to pursue the arts or to not give up their pursuit of the arts, when the frustrations and stress of such endeavors arise.
The arts are important. We appreciate that the life of Frances Tipton Hunter is testimony to that, and we hope the historical marker can inspire all of our communities to recognize and embrace that.
