Michael Kirksey created this Christmas card artwork for Rowan Helping Ministries.

By Maggie Blackwell

news@salisburypost.com

Having just returned from New York to his native Salisbury, Michael Kirksey is pleased to support Rowan Helping Ministries with his art.

The annual Christmas card for Rowan Helping Ministries has been released, and it's full of symbolism. Done with pastels, the piece includes a gift of life for Salisbury. The rays of the sun indicate beams of hope and promise. The ribbon on the outside of the gift forms a cross, symbolizing Christ. Angels of different races give the gift to all people. Toys show that Christmas is always for the children. Finally, the tail of the ribbon forms a question mark: who knows what the future holds?

This year marks the 16th annual Christmas card for the organization. Every year, a local artist of note is chosen to create an original piece of art to be featured on the card.

Local businesses sponsor the printing, and finally the printed card affords the opportunity for folks in Salisbury to support its worthy programs. Buy the card for $5 from one of the supporting businesses to send a friend. Every penny of the purchase goes directly to the programs of Rowan Helping Ministries: the pantry, the overnight shelter, the soup kitchen and others.

The goal this year is to raise $20,000 through this program.

RHM Executive Director Dianne Scott appreciates Salisbury's support of the program. "The community continues, even in the bad economy, to support us. Every day, someone else loses his job. Every day, someone comes to ask for help who has never asked before. Numbers are increasing. Folks in Salisbury continue to rise to the challenge to support our programs."

Kirksey's artistic journey back to Salisbury has been one filled with adventure. Trained in fine arts at North Carolina A&T, he headed out for New York City, where he worked in several art-related fields. In graphic design, he served as a color expert. As a commercial artist, he helped design packaging for products. As an expert in fine art restoration, he lived on the Upper East Side and worked on Museum Row. While there, he was often commissioned to paint portraits of children.

Michael returned to Salisbury about a year ago, following the death of his mother. He lives in his childhood home near Livingstone College, where he continues to paint.

Neighbors Fred and Raemi Evans are among Michael's biggest champions. Raemi, who was his high school English teacher, is proud of his accomplishments.

"I wish you could see what he's done at St. John's," she says. "It's just beautiful. It would give you an idea of what thought he puts into his work."

Her husband, Fred, serves on the board of Rowan Helping Ministries and put Kirksey's name up for the opportunity to create this year's card.

Kirksey was aware of the card through his friendships with other artists. He helped with the History Camp this summer at Rowan Museum, working with Clyde Overcash, a former Christmas card artist. He's also friends with Carlton Jackson, another alumnus of the project.

"It was exciting of course," Kirksey says. "I was motivated by being able to assist Rowan Helping Ministries raise some money. It's a good feeling to do something for the wider community."

Sponsors this year include Central Carolina Neurology & Sleep, Huffman Law Firm, J.E. Fisher Insurance Agency, Inc., Rowan Regional Medical Center, SunTrust Bank and Trinity Oaks Retirement Community. Printing was done by Diversified Graphics.

Cards are available at the Bible Book Store, all branches of F&M Bank, Community One bank, Escape the Daily Grind and The Stitchin' Post.

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