Resident Donates Meaningful Painting to Ridgewood Health Services

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Justin Hunter

Shirley Tidwell, a resident at Ridgewood Health Services, recently shared a piece of her heart with the facility by donating a cherished painting she created.

She hopes it will inspire others to follow Jesus, take up painting, or perhaps both. The painting, which features her late husband Oscar’s well-worn Bible and glasses, is a touching tribute to his work as a Primitive Baptist preacher in the local communities of Boldo and Nauvoo.

Art has been part of Shirley’s life for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Nauvoo, she discovered her passion early when her father brought home chalkboards and colorful chalk for her to play with.

“I had the best mom and dad I could have ever asked for, Bynum and Ila Alexander,” Shirley recalls warmly. “They encouraged my art and my talent. My dad could do anything – electrical work, work on vehicles, build houses. My mom could sew and made dresses out of feed sacks for us to wear to school. My dad taught me how to make things out of wood. I’ve made spice cabinets, magazine racks, and things like that.”

Over the years, Shirley’s creativity has flourished in many ways. She’s written children’s books that, while they’ve yet to be published, she remains hopeful will find their way into little hands one day.

Her artistic touch can be seen in various places, from a sawblade painting of Boshell Mill hanging in the Pizza Bar in Carbon Hill to a baptistry she painted at Ashbank Church. She even won a regional competition when she painted mufflers for the Maremont Muffler Company.

The painting Shirley donated to Ridgewood carries a special dedication on the back, indicating that it was created out of love for God’s children. It encourages all who see it to read about and love the Lord.

Shirley fondly remembers the advice of her former art teacher, Margaret Scruggs, who often reminded her, “Everything casts a shadow, so remember to paint the shadow.” Shirley believes this lesson applies not just to art but to life itself—everything we do leaves an imprint.

Right now, Shirley is having fun with her latest project, a painting of a rooster. With a chuckle, she admits, “I forgot his legs, so I need to put those on. He probably needs them!”

Through her heartfelt donation, Shirley hopes to leave a lasting impression at Ridgewood, inspiring others to embrace creativity and faith with open hearts.

“This painting was done in love,” she says, “and I hope it touches and encourages someone.” WL

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