Sarah is now in the Johnson City Library’s mural
I was lucky enough to spend the last hour with the artist, Lee Casbeer of LMC Murals, while he finished painting Sarah. Let me tell you, my jaw fell open when I walked in the front door of the Johnson City Library and saw her. My eyes were drawn straight to hers. Then, I started taking in the rest of her. Having been lucky enough to have visited Italy on a Baylor summer study with Jim, I can easily see the Italian influence on Lee’s painting style. The level of detail is stunning. He actually made Sarah look more like “Sarah” than the photo he was using. I guess Lee saw and noted her unhindered curiosity with his beautiful and sweet cats while we did the photo-shoot in his studio. He absolutely nailed it in her eyes and smile.
“The countenance is the portrait of the soul, and the eyes mark its intentions.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero
While doing the painting, Lee had in mind that Sarah was looking back at someone who was telling her not to get too close to the fence. Personally, I could see Sarah’s thoughts in my mind. “Is Mom looking because pretty dress from Mimi or not, I’m about to throw my leg over this fencepost and go play with the longhorns…”
Thank you, again, to everyone who made a donation to the Johnson City Library. You made it possible for the Library’s board to be kind enough to offer to honor Jim by painting his daughter into the mural. Honestly, Sarah looks so much like Jim that it’s almost like having him up there too, especially those eyes…
Leave a reply to Chelita riley Cancel reply
Living with Cancer and a Toddler 
Oh my goodness! This is wonderful!!! Everything about this makes me happy. Sarah’s beautifully sweet face. I love all the hidden thoughts you imagined! The mural, as a whole, spectacular. I love the real person in the second photo too..ha! And the fact that this is a permanent tribute and reminder of Jim made possible by all who love him. Hope I will get to see it in person one day. Thanks for sharing this!
What a wonderful memorial to Jim. This is awesome!! Sarah is a beautiful and her daddy would be proud of her and you, too, Becki.
Oh how very very cool! Can’t wait to be able to ocme see it in person! Hope you two havea spectacular Christmas ! Love you both!
Becki, we are blessed to have Sarah as a permanent reminder of the Library’s mission of serving our community’s children. Thank you and Jim for sharing her with us.