Budding Dream Center Artist Recognized For Her Work

Tucked in a corner of the Dream Center, normally off-limits to the kids, you can often find 15-year-old Victoria. Hunched over a table, headphones on, and with a complete look of concentration, she spends her time drawing intricate and beautiful pictures

To recognize Victoria’s talent and work, which has appeared in five Thank You cards to donors and volunteers, St. Vincent de Paul recently presented her with brand-new art supplies.

Geri Adelmann, SVdP’s Donor Relations Liaison, was behind the idea of Victoria’s gift.

“I think of Victoria as an emerging artists, and it’s very important for her to know her contribution makes a difference,” she said. “Hopefully this small detail can build her trust in her talent.”

Geri said already she’s gotten a lot of feedback to Victoria’s drawings: a couple of roses and a Lady of Guadalupe.

“I just thought this was a great way for St. Vincent de Paul to validate her work,” she said. “And to let her know we believe in her.”

Victoria, who is about to start 10h grade at Central High School, said she was happy when she heard her work would be featured in the cards.

“I get ideas from different places,” she said. “When they told me they would use the drawings, I felt really excited. It’s just another way for me to say thank you to the people who give us so many services.”

For six years, Victoria and her family have been frequent visitors at our Family Dining Room. She said she really enjoys spending time at the Dream Center.

“It’s peaceful here,” she said. “I can come here and just relax, get some ideas and inspirations and just draw.”

The young artist has been drawing her whole life, and said she enjoys her art classes at school. She said, however, drawing is for now just a hobby. In the future, she would like to become a veterinarian.

A few weeks ago, she found a dog someone else was getting rid of, and rescued it. Fluffy has been living with her since.

For now, she is enjoying her art. “Drawing is my way of relaxing,” she said. “Since they gave me the art supplies, I am able to do it at home, so I want to thank them.”