Profile By Yosh Golden Photography by Bill Stokes Sparkling Moments Hazen Folse O n a crisp, bright fall day, sunlight pours through window panes at the Folse home which is filled with artwork. Scenes that the Folses and their artistically-talented children have visited around the world are captured in pastel work and oil paintings that are hung throughout the house. Ceramics by Roland Folse and artist friends are displayed on high shelves and various cabinetry in several rooms. A special addition to their Lake Springfield home – an airy room that is bathed in natural light - is filled with work tables, easels, blank canvas, boxes of pastel sticks in many hues and shades, oils, and completed, framed work stacked in corners of the large room. This 40foot square, comfortable art studio holds many of Hazen Folse’s framed portraits of her grandchildren. The portraits fill the wall space rising above the area where she paints. The portrait of one granddaughter rests on an easel – the loving work of her grandmother’s eyes and hands plainly displayed. “With [local realtor] Rita Victor, we started ‘Denim and Diamonds,’ a very clever theme. Folks could come in denims, and be offered a beer [at the party], or be all diamonded-up and offered champagne.” Hazen smiles at the concept which has proved quite popular. Some 250 items sold in silent and live auctions are a featured part of the event which has resulted in successful fundraising each year. The live auction is conducted by Curtis Tillett, described For the past 14 years, Hazen’s work would by Roland appreciatively as a local realtor also be used in a local project to raise and “Texas cowboy.” funds to fight against cancer and its effect. When the local fundraising event named Cindy Davidsmeyer, Director of “Denim and Diamonds” was undertaken Community Support for SCI, says that in 1999 to support breast cancer patients, Hazen “recruited many of her artist Hazen became a member of the original friends to donate and participate each 25-member planning committee. year [and] she and her husband continue to manage the Art Section” at the annual Hazen explained that “after five years, soiree. As of early October, Davidsmeyer the breast cancer center was changed to reported that the event was “not sold out the Simmons Cancer Institute (SCI)” yet [but they] always do.” which expanded its mandate to include research of all types of cancers. “When The event attracts hundreds of area Gary Dunnington started the breast business and healthcare professionals and On their website, www.folseart.com, cancer center at SIU, he asked if some raises nearly $300,000 annually. Just as Hazen says “I would have to say that of us would start a group to raise funds the funding base has grown, so has the my favorite of all is capturing children for special things . . . like special pillows, focus of the fundraisers. Research and involved in the activities natural to them. anything to add comfort to patients.” summer internships at the Institute, 9 They have an innocence and joy . . . and I try to bring out that sparkling moment in each child.” But Hazen’s work satisfies more than private interests. Since taking up painting some 30 years ago, studying with eminent teachers around the U.S., and actively showing her work locally as well as in venues across the country, Hazen’s landscapes can be found in public buildings, as well as private and corporate collections. Springfield Scene Magazine Tenth Anniversary Issue/Nov/Dec 2014