Artist’s creation symbolizes happy childhood

The painting of a happy young girl by artist Katherine Rutledge, titled “A Happy Childhood Lasts A Lifetime,” has been chosen as the official Night of the Child artwork for Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Louisiana.

Chris Farr, director of resources for PCA Louisiana, had placed an open call for artists in July but ultimately tapped Rutledge to create this year’s signature piece.

“Chris Farr asked me to paint a scene that would best represent what Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana stood for, which is helping children live free from the cares thrust upon them by people and circumstances beyond their control. This oil painting depicts a young girl living in and enjoying the benefits of what we want for every child: a safe environment where they can live carefree and happy in a loving atmosphere,” said Rutledge.

The 2005 Night of the Child artist Kathleen Rutledge displays her painting, “A Happy Childhood Lasts A Lifetime,” at Acadian Frame and Art with Acadian owner Cathy Sherburne and Chris Farr, director of resources for Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana.

The Louisiana native has displayed her work throughout the South, including the Old State Capitol, The Southwest Regional Audubon Society Show, the Acadamie Gallery and the Chartres Gallery, as well as appearing in Louisiana Life Magazine and The Delta.

Acadian Frame & Art on Drusilla Lane , owned by longtime PCA Louisiana supporter Cathy Sherburne, has donated the framing for the original piece. Fine art giclée canvases of the original will be available at Night of the Child silent auctions around the state. The giclées are donated by Greg Doucet, owner of Renaissance Imaging on Jones Creek Road .

Night of the Child is PCA Louisiana’s premier fundraiser, assisting the organization in implementing child abuse prevention programs throughout Louisiana . Night of the Child events are held throughout the state.

For more information about Night of the Child or to purchase tickets to either a Night of the Child event or a poster, call (225) 925-9520 x200.

Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana , the state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America , is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of abuse and neglect in all its forms. The organization is headquartered in Baton Rouge , with regional offices in Shreveport , Monroe , Alexandria , New Orleans , Lafayette and Lake Charles . In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, PCA Louisiana is offering a variety of aftermath services to help the families affected by these tragedies. To find out more about the programs and services PCA Louisiana offers, call KIDLINE at 1-800-CHILDREN (244-5373) or visit www.pcal.org.