We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rita Carswell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rita thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My mural partner, Jeannie Villacorta and I were sent to Bonaire, a small island in the southern Caribbean Sea, to paint over the faded 1500 sq.ft. mural building for Trans World Radio, whose mission is to bring the gospel around the world through broadcasting. We were able to bring my twin sister, Lisa Hutchinson and our daughters, Lydia and Kelly, all creatives, for the enormous two-week project. The included reference reads: “See the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep,” Psalm 107:24. The mural was featured in newspapers and news stations. It was the “talk of the town” on this small island, so we were overjoyed to see so many come to the TWR headquarters to view the mural and to hear the gospel.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve always created artwork ever since I can remember. I was close to graduating from Tyler School of Art, Phila. and planned on continuing in the fine arts until I felt the Lord impressing me to graduate with an art teacher’s license which I attained. I balked at the idea at first, but none-the-less pursued art education. For over 25 years, I developed and taught my own curriculum for public, private, and community settings and surprisingly loved it. My family moved in 2008 to Colorado Springs coincidentally along with my now mural partner, Jeannie Villacorta and family. Mural art started when Jeannie asked a school if they needed mural work, and we haven’t stopped painting murals since then! We have developed a nice portfolio of mural art for businesses, churches, residences, and in large outdoor spaces.
I continued to paint murals with Jeannie, and at times added a part time job to supplement our income while raising four kids.
I started oil painting on canvas in 2017 when I had a few moments and enjoyed the process of development and experimentation. I also had commissions for portraits and sold some other pieces. An artist friend encouraged me to submit a few oil paintings to Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts in Palmer Lake, CO for an upcoming exhibition. I did and was awarded 1st place and a Merit ribbon. I don’t believe awards are important or necessary for the art journey, but I felt the Lord encouraging me to continue painting. I’ve continued to exhibit and had a solo show as well. I’ve met fabulous artists and gallery directors through the journey.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My husband and I have the privilege of raising my three young grandchildren this year due to a family emergency. They were suddenly placed in our care and there has been NO extra time to paint murals or on canvas. I also gave up my painting room for a bedroom for my grandson and shoved all my painting supplies under the basement stairs and other parts of the house. I quit all my travel and painting plans and have continued to work my “outside job” for financial stability. I loved helping at the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) with directors Drs. Michael and debi Maddox (yes, debi begins with a small d) by hanging exhibits and assisting at concerts, but all my activities have been postponed for a while. It hasn’t been easy to take care of children the second time around, and Brent and I are exhausted most days. The grandkids are doing very well despite circumstances, so I am very thankful. I will wait until matters change to have time and space to continue painting. Until then, it’s all good and in the Lord’s hands.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Since I have taken a hiatus from painting and anything creative at this time, I have been happy for my fellow artist friends when they create something new, exhibit, sell work, and have solo shows. I’d love to join them but know that it is not my season. The Lord will open the doors for me in the future to paint, travel, for overseas missions’ work, and to serve my community in whatever way he leads. I am learning patience and forbearance for sure during this season, and to trust God in all matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.muralartdesigns.com
• Other: I am not a social media person. The one website is just fine!