Remember Ima Gem Queen
By: Liz Gonzales
Updated: November 15, 2012
"We were donated this work and we really didn't realize what we had until we started putting it up for the show," explains Sandra McSwain, a Brownwood Art Association member.
The show is in honor of Ima Gem Queen who passed away on September 10, 2011.
"It's phenomenal that one would acquire such a body of work in their lifetime," says Ms. McSwain.
Ms. Queen contracted polio as a young adult and spent many years of her life in a wheelchair.
"In spite of tragedy, I never thought that she thought too much about it," says Sandra Blasingame, a BAA member. "She just did what she wanted to do, needed to do and had to do."
But even in a wheelchair, Ms.Queen did what she loved the most.
"Oh my yes. She was gonna paint," exclaims Ms. Blasingame.
It's this spirit and character that people will remember her for.
"Tenaciousness. Just to keep going, no matter what your disability is. And enjoy life and do what you love," says Ms. McSwain
Ms. Queen was never married and had no children but to her, these paintings were her babies.
"She would've loved this. And you know, the fact that we have these paintings shows that she did love us and wanted to do something for us," says Ms. Blasingame.
Ms. Queen will live on forever in her beloved paintings.
