Photo by Amy Cherry Ginger Himes works on a Chalk Talk drawing during one of her monthly visits to St. Marys Catholic Elementary School. The 4 ft. by 3 ft. drawings are situated on a large easel which features colored lighting. The special colored chalks and lighting help to bring the drawing to life.

Himes has been conducting Chalk Talk programs since 1994 in which she has gained notoriety both locally and among the expansive artist community.

As a former art teacher, Himes utilizes her 15 years of experience teaching area youngsters in portraying positive and inspirational messages.

“I’ve never done any Chalk Talks that were difficult because of God’s grace, which I totally rely on. Everything always comes together. He’ll take care of the details,” Himes said.

A typical Chalk Talk session features Himes creating a large 4 ft. by 3 ft. picture in pastel chalk. Audience members, both young and old alike, are often mesmerized (entranced) by the calming atmosphere in which Himes creates by playing serene, inspirational Christian music. Occasionally special singing guests, including Kathy King of Johnsonburg and Tammy Wingard, join Himes as part of the presentation.

Upon completion of the drawing Himes brings it to life by manipulating a set of red, yellow and blue colored lights mounted on the easel. The lighting display plays off the specially designed chalks creating black light / fluorescent effects, soft focus, bright scenes, highlights and much more.

Himes noted that local electrician Greg Samick re-vamped her lighting system recently.

Himes conducts Chalk Talk sessions in a variety of venues ranging from schools, nursing homes, senior centers, churches, retreats, holiday gatherings  and womens or mens groups. Every session lasts between 30 - 45 minutes, depending on the request of the organizer.

She continues to add to her list of appearances. In November, Himes was invited to demonstrate her Chalk Talks at the bridal shower of former St. Marys resident Kelly Simons, who currently lives with her husband Marty Bauer (also  formerly of St. Marys) in Kamas, Utah, a suburb of Park City. Himes created a unique drawing showing Kelly and Marty in their wedding attire. Also incorporated into the drawing was a rendering of Sacred Heart Church, where the couple was married, along with numerous signs and symbols of marriage such as a cross, wedding rings and flowers.

A majority of her Chalk Talk sessions take place in schools. Himes visits St. Marys Catholic Elementary School once a month. Each year she presents special programs for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist classes. Soon Himes began incorporating drawings pertaining to the gospel lessons which the students were learning in class.

Throughout her visits to the school, Himes has produced drawings about the mysteries of the Rosary. Over the past three years, she has completed drawings on the Luminous and Joyful mysteries and is currently working on the Sorrowful mysteries.

Janet van Eerden has joined Himes on various occasions as she provides information on the lives of some of the saints.

In order to display the drawings, SMCE teacher Mrs. Renwick secured a donation of five large frames from Suburban Builders in St. Marys. The drawings are currently displayed in the school’s cafeteria. Each year, the drawings of the mysteries are changed to help students learn them as they see them throughout their years at the school.

Also on display inside the cafeteria is another of Himes’ creations, a large portrait of Jesus and Mary inside a heart.

In addition, Himes also visits one of the local nursing homes at Elk Haven or Pinecrest on a monthly basis, as well as one or two other locations.

On average, Himes completes four drawing per month, however one year she did as many as 22 drawings during the Christmas season.

Himes has also taken her Chalk Talk sessions on the road, traveling to Family Life Ministries events in Bath, N.Y., a Catholic home school conference in Chantilly, Va., as well as to Cleveland and New York.

In addition, Himes has also produced a series of art lessons on DVDs which she sells at various conferences. The three-DVD series includes Chalk Talk based lessons on “Teaching the Seven Sacraments”, “Simply Drawing” for students in grades K-4, and a follow-up DVD for fifth grade to adult students. The DVDs are also sold online and marketed through Seton Home Study.

Artistic Endeavors

While Himes concentrates mostly on Chalk Talks, she also enjoys other forms of artwork as well, especially portraits. She has spent at least a month working on a portrait of St. Theresa, a current favorite of hers.

Among her other favorite pieces are an oil painting of her husband, Jake and her son, Jacob and a still life of fruit which she did for her mother and father-in-law.

“I have fun doing family portraits.” Himes said upon completing a piece of her niece and nephew.

She explained that another one of her nephews asked if she would paint a picture of him playing basketball with Jesus.

“I thought that it was interesting that he would request that,” she said, adding that he has been diagnosed with childhood diabetes.

Himes is including a scripture into the piece as well.

Art at Heart

Ever since she was a child, Himes has always been interested in art.

When she was younger, Himes was often delegated the family’s official sign maker.

She eventually began teaching art lessons to area youngsters inside the couple’s home along Woelfel Avenue. Himes situated students at her kitchen table for two-hour lessons during which she taught such genres as pencils, pastels and acrylic painting. Some students ever learned Chalk Talks as well.

In order to accommodate as many students as possible, Himes hosted classes no larger than six students, requiring her to teach two classes on selective days. Classes were held two to three days per week.

Currently, the Himes have re-located to Kersey where Ginger’s enjoyed her basement studio for the past year.

Divine Inspiration

In 1993, Himes attended a retreat during which she decided to give her gift of art to the Lord.

“I realized how God had given me the talent of art and I was thankful for it,” Himes said. “I had entered my art and received awards but wanted the glory to go to God. Whatever He wanted to do with my art, it was his.”

Soon thereafter, Rev. Jim Ailes and his wife Stacy of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in St. Marys invited Himes to see a Chalk Talk at a Pittsburgh church. Himes was accompanied by her family to the event, which featured Gary Means. She added that she  was touched by the experience.

 She expressed interest in the talks and attended a seminar in 1993 featuring Means. Himes was joined by her aunt Sarah Jane Beimel of Kersey who also offers Chalk Talks in the area.

Himes added the late Elmer Grunthaner made two easels, for her and Beimel.

In April 1994, Himes began her Chalk Talk endeavors at Holy Rosary Church in Johnsonburg.

“It would take me up to two years to finish a picture and I was not the best speaker so I wondered how I would do this,” Himes said. “I still pray to God for inspiration.”

A Family Affair

In the near future, Himes said her family hopes to open an art gallery inside their home on Shelvey Summit Road in Kersey.

The gallery will feature small Chalk Talk drawings, her husband’s painted rocks and slates, her son Jacob’s paintings and her daugher-in-law’s photography.

Initially, the gallery will likely only be open Saturdays.