art competition

People seldom leave their email addresses when I have exhibited my artwork in the past. But Courage Ablaze evoked such an enormous response that hundreds of people left their email addresses or wrote expressions of gratitude for the Congolese women and their stories. While typing out page after page of email addresses and notes, I spotted two tiny words written from an unknown visitor that summed up the public response:

I care. Beth

Thank you for caring and voting Courage Ablaze into the Top 100. I’m grateful for all the kind expressions. Don’t miss the last response from a nurse who was touched by Courage Ablaze.

Thank you for telling the story! Faith
Your art encourages the eyes and soul…
Beautifully told. Carrie
Very touching – Beautiful work. Meghan
We have been to Africa and carry in our hearts the stories of the refugees who touched our souls. Cheryl
So moving and thought provoking.
I love it. I have traveled to Ghana and Congo. Never give up! I think you should have won! Julia
You’re artwork is so amazing. It has inspired me a lot. Alicia
I really love your work. It’s amazing! Thank you! Hannah
This room is very life changing! Kylie
Thank you for informing me and helping me to know the courage and strength of women everywhere!!
Thank you for telling these stories.
Simply awesome. Absolutely love it!! Jalena
Your art transcends time. This is a gift to the public—a gift of courage, strength, valor, and love. Anne
Keep telling the story. BEW
Thank you for making us aware.
Loved the music and the meaning. Keep on your journey.
This is wonderful. It takes you there. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome for you to choose to make this for the public to view.
This picture is so peaceful and beautiful. JKV
Thank you for telling this story so skillfully.
I’ve seen this ArtPrize entry twice now and I still think it is inspirational and very heartfelt.
You have embodied womanhood in cold and light. Thank you. Susan
Great work!! Thank you for responding to the Spirit’s leading to do this work. Kathy
Very nice work! Natalie (age 9)
It brought me to tears.
The courage of these women inspires and humbles me.
Amazing women! Stay strong! Elle
Thank you for the great artistic ability to do watercolor.
Beautiful and moving. Denise
Pamela, your work is beautiful and so moving! Thank you. Amy
I commend you for exposing this social issue. Great job!
Love it! I will soon be volunteering in Africa once I graduate from high school. This work helps encourage people to see things in a different perspective. Claudia
Unreal yet so inspired by both the art and the message. Great job! RM
This is awesome and you should be in the top 10!! Miriam
I can really feel the art in it.
That’s the problem. The world focuses on what separates us instead of on what binds us.
Your caring expressions of the human heART will stand triumphant. Laura
A great tribute to these women.
Very reverent.
Your words really honor these women.
Very respectful of these women.
What a brave artist.
Bless you Pamela for your encouraging and God-led creativity. Margo
A wondrous inspiration.
You are wonderful! God bless you and the Congo.
Great work of art for a great cause.
Sooo powerful! Keep up the good work. Helping our sisters and men heal. MS
Phenomenal and healing.
Pamela, thank you. Moving. Kathy
Keep on! Jennifer
Your words speak to women and for women. Chiara
I can see your heart.
Thank you for the important message.
Thank you. The black cloth forces the spectator to get involved. It is easy to walk by a flat picture.
From an art standpoint, sociologist standpoint, and humanitarian standpoint—great work!
You’re an honorable woman to tell this story. Unfortunately, people don’t know this story.
Once you go to Africa, you can’t get the people out of your heart.
My heart cries for these women.

Thank you for opening my eyes to this! I’m a nurse and would like to help. I’m also interested in giving a donation. Shannon

Shannon, thank you for caring so much that you are willing to go to Africa to help the women and children who are still suffering.

After another 50,000 votes were cast, more visitors weigh in on Courage Ablaze:

Your art room transcends time. It’s unlike other art in that you don’t get that quick rush of awe. You have to find yourself in the room—then you’re suddenly taken over by the art and you’re taken over by the story. Anne

Your pieces are always thought provoking.

Somehow the columns make the figures come alive.

Every year you have something to say that’s important. I appreciate your message.

You have a very deep heart for these women.

Thank you for dealing with the issues directly and speaking plainly.

Your compassion for these women shows in your artwork.

This display will bless you and break your heart at the same time.

Your art is bigger than the message that’s right there; it has longevity. I believe it will take off in ways that you can’t even imagine.

I can’t wait to see what you do next year.

Thank you for being a voice for the voiceless. The Honorable Governor Kabasu Babu