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Artist Lends A "Wing" to WFFF

Falmouth, August 2005. Artist and illustrator David Kooharian of Mashpee and his wife, Kelly, know about the financial burdens encountered by families dealing with a child's medical crisis. Their oldest son, Anthony, was diagnosed at age 2 1/2 with metachromatic leuko dystrophy, a degenerative genetic disorder. Kelly gave up her nursing job to care for Anthony as he struggled with a series of seizures, and David, then working in construction, was called from his work by almost daily emergencies. "The only thing that got us through financially was that the community reached out to help us," explains Kelly.

Now a full-time artist and the author of a children's book about a young boy with an incurable illness (Sammy's Story, 1997), Kooharian says it's his turn to lend a hand. Kooharian will be donating half the proceeds of his painting Quissett Harbor Morning to Wings for Falmouth Families (WFFF), an organization which helps families going through the type of medical crisis his family knows too well. "We're very grateful to David, because this donation will help with our current capital campaign, says Lisa Asendorf, founder and director of WFFF.

Quissett Harbor Morning will be on display at Kooharian's art show at the Coonamesset Inn in Falmouth on August 18. The painting depicts a morning view across Quinsett harbor. Reviewers have described Kooharian as a realist, and say his paintings of New England and Cape Cod scenes have a "near-photographic quality." His work can be seen at the Robert Wilson Galleries, 34 Main Street, Nantucket, and J. Todd Galleries, Wellesley.

WFFF provides support for Upper Cape families with school-age children dealing with a medical crisis or tragic event. The organization helps with an immediate safety net of financial assistance so parents can focus on the person who is ill, and seeks to comfort families during difficult times by showing them their community cares.

WFFF is a non-profit organization set up through the Cape Cod Community Foundation. Founder and Chairman, Lisa Deyo Asendorf, can be reached for interviews and comments at (508) 548-1147.

Kooharian's show is scheduled for August 18, 2005, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Coonamessett Inn, 311 Gifford Street, Falmouth. He can be reached for interviews and comments at 508 477-5930, and his work can be previewed at www.kooharianart.com

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