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Brushstrokes
of Hope
Elsie and Louis Freund
Once upon a time there lived a charming and
talented couple named Elsie and Louis Freund, artists both,
who made the world a more beautiful place. They were accomplished,
but not just in the mediums of oil, watercolor and studio
jewelry; they were accomplished in the mediums of life,
love and sharing with others. Today, lucky collectors, corporations
and museums enjoy fine art pieces by the Freunds, but hungry
families around the world, from Afghanistan to Zambia enjoy
the gift of hope sculpted by the Freunds, with the help
of Heifer Foundation.
The Freunds, both born in Missouri, studied, lived and
worked around the world. They called Arkansas home for
many years. In an Arkansas Arts Center exhibit catalog
of Louis Freund's work, the curator, Townsend Wolfe remarks
on Freund's "passionate concern for human values."
Wolfe says Freund's "later works reveal his fervent
belief that redemption lies both in the land and in religion".
It is not surprising, then, that the Freunds would be
attracted to Heifer and its work. They especially liked
the fact that Heifer helps others help themselves.
Years before their death, the Freunds established a trust
with Heifer Foundation. After Louis died in 1999 and Elsie
in 2001, the remaining trust funds were distributed per
their wishes, which included a portion used to establish
an endowment in their names at the Foundation. These funds
are invested and each year a percentage is made available
to Heifer International to further their work around the
world. So, long after the Freunds are gone, their love
and concern for humanity, much like their art, continue
to touch lives and bring hope and beauty to others.
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