Page 44 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2017- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

Henry Salley
Beauty

and the

Ripple Effect

joyfully submitted by
Jody Boudreaux Wilson

ed and I had just completed an breathless admiration. But the
emotional, evangelistic Jubilee questions rushed at us like thundering
TPrison Ministry weekend at the waters. What revelation could prompt
Formby Unit in Plainview. We were this weary, retired minister/artist to
driving to Lubbock to do music for the give himself without cost as an art
home going of our longtime friend, instructor?
Fred Goldsmith, silently grieving
his heavenly “graduation”. We Why would Henry personally
scheduled an interview at the well- purchase art supplies in a season
appointed, gracious home of Henry when income can be a challenge?
and Mary Salley, where we were Why does he prepare the site, set up
served hot coffee and cinnamon rolls. the objects for the still-life, perfect the
Our hearts, already tender and open, lighting, cut the paper, sketch a few
were unprepared for the impact this Schneider, who imparted skills and helpful guidelines? By the time the
ministry couple had on our lives. area is cleaned up at closing, it results
techniques, making him a master
artist. Henry’s work has been shown in an eight to ten-hour day. He and
Henry, a Methodist pastor for in our area as well as in Austin his dedicated volunteers go home
46 years, retired as a District and Dallas. He is the recipient of a happy but spent. Why does he do
Superintendent and went on to serve plethora of blue ribbons and awards. this?
two more churches post-retirement. Now it was our pleasure to enjoy a
His youthful, vivacious wife, who is priceless, personal showing.
a nurse, has always been a caregiver,
still accessible to those who appreciate We were both awed and overwhelmed
and seek her skills and considerable when Henry and Mary shared one
knowledge. They retired but simply impressive published article after
could not settle in their recliners and another. We were escorted from
watch Wheel of Fortune for the rest of room to room, shown painting after
their lives.
spectacular painting, all the while
being sprinkled with bits of history
You see, since 1979, Henry has and elements of art. Henry’s immense
painted. He trained under Paul talent grabbed us by the throat and
Milosevich, Daniel Green, Roman drenched us with incredible images,
Kelley, Doug Dawson, and William
vibrant color, deep emotion, and

44 Lubbock Senior Link