Last month you implored your readers to make this year the one where we support local artists. I am writing to let you know I took your advice, and I am extremely thankful for it.

My significant other had a birthday last month and rather than buying him yet another cheap gizmo as a gift, I heeded your advice and hired local artist Gena Semenov to paint a portrait of our family dog, Bosco. (He didn’t actually sit for the portrait, I sent Gena a few snapshots via e-mail.)

This gift wasn’t any more expensive than an Xbox or a Wii, but now we have a beautiful piece of art, and the memory of our faithful dog to treasure long after the next version of some silly computer game comes out.

Gena did such a fantastic job capturing the true essence of our English Springer Spaniel, who after all, is the true king of the household.

Terry, you are right, supporting local artists was a win-win situation. we have a piece of art that we absolutely love, and dollars flowed right back into our own neighborhood.

– Doug Packer, Orlando

No, Doug, thank you for helping to keep great artists in Orlando!

Terry Hummel: Kyle, Andrew Spear going places – Orlando Arts Blog – Orlando Sentinel