"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokee Nation Offering “Kards for Kids”

"Cherokee artist Verna Bates provided her work, entitled “Making Small Talk,” for use on note cards for the Cherokee Nation’s ICW program. Funds generated from the cards will benefit tribal children in foster care."

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation is now offering a very special piece of artwork for sale that’s not only affordable, but benefits children in need.

Cherokee artist Verna Bates of Locust Grove assisted Indian Child Welfare staff with the creation of the “Kards for Kids” project by allowing one of her works to be copied onto note cards currently available for purchase. The name of the image is “Making Small Talk” and features a father holding his child.

“So many times, we see paintings, pictures and statues depicting mothers holding their babies, but rarely do we see the fathers represented in this same manner,” said Bates. “In this painting, it appears that the man is snuggling the child while whispering something special and the child is almost holding his breath trying to hear each word. My own two sons are my total inspiration for "Making Small Talk” as it specifically applauds them and all fathers who hug, snuggle, cherish, and whisper while making small talk.”

A set of five cards can be purchased for $10. All proceeds from the sale of the cards will directly benefit Cherokee children who are currently in the care of the Cherokee Nation Foster Care Program, due to circumstances such as abuse, neglect or abandonment.

“Our program is honored to embark on this collaboration with Verna Bates,” said Ellen Guttillo, Cherokee Nation Child Welfare Specialist. “We consider our children the heart, the hope and the future of the Cherokee Nation.”

For more information on “Kards for Kids,” contact Ellen Guttillo, send email to: ellen-guttillo@cherokee.org or call 918-696-7603 (ext.31).