'Citizen' title was humbling

Dear editor,

At the annual Chamber Banquet this month, Eric Tautfest, Amber Cobos and I received the first Mayor's Citizen of the Year award for our efforts on Community Canvas. This was a total surprise and a super humbling experience to be recognized for something we all love and appreciate -- art!

I grew up thinking the words "Starving Artist" were true. Luckily however, I have been blessed with a dream career as an art teacher and a community that hungers for art.

I am full of love, appreciation, and pride for Mountain Home. Thank you to all that have helped support Community Canvas as well as any and all artists in our town, and thank you to Mayor Rich Sykes who not only made Community Canvas supported but also encouraged it.

Community Canvas will be kicking off again in February with a call to artists, so stay tuned for more wonderful talent from our local artists. Sincerely,

-- Brenda Raub, Eric Tautfest and Amber Cobos, Community Canvas of Mountain Home