Dear editor,

I am one of the Alabama Plein Air Painters who participated in the paint-out last weekend during the annual Historic Selma pilgrimage. I am writing to express the wonderful experience I had and to thank the people of Selma.

I have fond memories of visiting my grandmother, Elsie Reid, in Selma six or seven times each year as I was growing up. Having not visited Selma since my grandmother died over 25 years ago, I assumed I would have a bittersweet experience. Instead, there was nothing bitter about it; it was all sweet.

I very unexpectedly met many people who remembered my grandmother, Elsie Reid, and my grandfather, Cap’n Harry Reid. I was thrilled to be able to see two of my grandfather’s paintings during the course of the weekend, and to hear many great stories about both grandparents from people who remember and loved them.

I spent a good bit of the weekend in happy tears and filled with warmth. A precious new friend even tracked me down to give me a photograph of my grandfather. What a treasure.

The Selma Art Guild made our group very welcome, also, and I enjoyed painting at Sturdivant Hall (where I saw one of my grandfather’s paintings) and in Live Oak Cemetery. The art show was busy and fun.

I look forward to coming back again next year. If anyone else has a story you’d like to share with me about either of my grandparents, please contact me.

I would love to hear from you.

 

 

Leslie Reid Brasher

Beauregard