Artist paints to support Habitat for Humanity

By Staff

Published: September 23, 2008

A local artist is using her skill with an art brush to paint a picture of love to support Habitat for Humanity.

Janie Herndon and her husband Kenneth love to ride bicycles and last year they rode more than 50 miles in the Tour de Habitat to help construct a home for a local family.

Herndon won’t be able to ride this year because of her health. Instead, she traded her bicycle for paintbrushes to support the event, which will be held Saturday.

Marlin Yoder, director of the local Habitat, said the picture channels Herndon’s love for cycling and Habitat into a wonderful gift.

“She is painting a picture of Tour de France riders climbing through the Alps to be donated to the local Habitat affiliate and sold at silent auction on the day of the ride,” Yoder said. “Even before the picture was finished, Janie turned down an offer of $1,000 for the work.”

Herndon’s painting will be on display at the Habitat office at 503 Hughes St. through Friday. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The painting can be seen Saturday at Dan Daniel Park during the Tour. Anyone can bid on the painting that has been assessed at $1,200.

The 4th Annual Tour de Habitat riders are supporting the Carroll family as they build their new home on Golf Club Road. Francis Carroll will be riding five miles as part of the Tour to help out.

Danville-Pittsylvania County Habitat for Humanity is an inter-faith self-help housing ministry.