At sunrise this morning staff, family and friends gathered to say one final goodbye to Dr. Michael Guido.  For months, leaders of the ministry have been trying to determine where to bury him.  They finally decided to place his body in the family plot at a local cemetery.

The service was touching and beautifully done.  Archie Jordan sang some of Dr. Guido’s favorite songs written by Archie for Dr. Guido.  Even in his death – he continues to draw large crowds. 

If you have been in our studio – you have seen a picture or two of Keith Johnson.  Keith is in Nashville pursuing his dream of acting and singing professionally.  He was recently featured in Luke Bryan’s “Do I” video and Danielle Peck was featured with him in his video below from his song “Can’t Get Enough.”  Many of you saw him last week on America’s Got Talent.  He was selected to move on to the next round this week in Las Vegas.

We wish Keith the best of luck.  I also want to thank him for naming me as one of the special supporters of him through the years.  Every time I have the opportunity to photograph him – I am amazed at how much he has grown – musically and from a modeling perspective.  We encourage you to tune in and give our “hometown”  boy your support.  Click here to learn more about Keith and see my photographs of him through the last few years.  Check out Keith’s MySpace page here and listen to and download more of his music.

Normally I do not mention names in my blogs – but this client gave me permission to include her and her families names in this blog.  Dr. Patricia and her husband Greg are referred to simply as “THE ARTISTS” in our region.  They both have a love and passion for ART that is contagious at every level.  Both of them have devoted their life to improving and elevating the Art community in our region.  Greg is a well know artist in the region who has a popular gallery in downtown Statesboro and teaches art at the Charter Conservatory School.  Dr. Carter is the Chair of the Art Department at GSU and leads the Betty Foy Sanders Art programs there.  If you have been on campus recently and seen the new facilities – you know the mark this dynamo couple has had on our community.  Georgia Southern University and Statesboro has now become a destination for growing artists– thanks to the Carters!

Since they moved to Statesboro, we have been big supporters of them – as they have of us.  I have been honored to include them not only as clients but also friends.  I have to admit, being selected to photograph such accomplished artists and art leaders is a bit daunting.  They breath art, they live art – they ARE ART!  It is a humbling compliment to continue to be their families’ personal Portrait Artist.

It is, however, always fun to work with clients this creative – who allow me complete creative freedom. 

Last year we began an amazing project at Believer’s Church in Statesboro.  The Backpack Project is a project where we gave backpacks filled with school supplies to under-resourced kids in our community.  We learned that one of the reasons that lots of kids are hesitant to go back to school was because their parents did not have the money to purchase their school supplies.  In a few short weeks, last year, we raised enough money to purchase and fill 500 backpacks.    The cost of a filled backpack is $10.

This was a HUGE success.  The kids & youth of our church helped “pack” the backpacks and as part of this they wrote a personal note to the recipient of the backpack and placed it inside.  I can not begin to tell you how incredible this project was.  Click here to see pictures and read my blog about this from last year.

Due to the challenging economy – our church as decided to stretch our goal this year to 750 backpacks.  Edie Grace has set our “family” goal to purchase 50.  Last week we hosted a garage sale and we have sold Lemonade and popcorn at events downtown.  So far she (we) have raised over $300.  We need your help to meet our “family” and church wide goal.

There are two ways you can help.  Email us at info@lorigrice.com with a pledge of a contribution of $10 for every backpack you want to sponsor.  Please have your children write notes to the recipient for each backpack you sponsor and we will include it in “your” backpacks – if you wish.

The second way – is to book a full session with me.  The next FIVE sessions booked – I will donate HALF of your sitting fee directly to the project in your honor.

Mark your calendar and bring your family out on Saturday, August 1st as we meet these families and remind them of God’s love for them with this gift.

Our world has really changed quickly lately.  Kids need our help…not just in Africa and other parts of the world…but in our own towns too!  Jesus said, . . . I tell you the truth whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40, NIV).

Edie Grace completed week Four of Summer camps.  Camp Snipesville was the first – which took them on a fictional journey through the Victorian Era.  The following week, she spent outdoors and in the Wild – at the GSU Raptor Center.  The next week was Circus Gymnastic camp and this week was all things Arts at the Averitt Center.  Today Edie Grace and her class mates had their “exit” show.  She had a blast and made some incredible pieces of Art.  We want to thank the Averitt Center and all of our family and friends that came out to support Edie Grace today.