I took the interstate from Carmel, Indiana, to St. Louis…but then the byways and backroads beyond, deep into the heart of the Ozarks to the beautiful town of Dixon, Missouri (population 1500)!

Can Canvas Across America get any better than this? Stops in towns like Bourbon, Missouri looking for a classic small town bar; searching for the world’s biggest rocking chair; discovering the only–surely it is the ONLY–Vacuum Museum on earth; visiting the best wineries in the heartland when the Concords are at their ripest; discovering that a bluegrass fest was in full swing just up the road from my day’s distination; and getting a camping spot right on the banks of the beautiful Gasconade River with a full moon rising over the Ozark hills as I settled into my little van-bed for the night! How am I suppose to sleep after a serendipitous day such as this?

Tomorrow, I have an early morning radio interview…and afterwards, the honor of presenting an Army wife with a lovely personalized art canvas for her anniversary–all part of Canvas on Demand’s Operation Hi Honey program. Mom

Canvas on Demand loves art and artists of every stripe.   Our mission is to help customers preserve their life’s precious photographic and artistic images.   That’s why we believe that in a world so rich in diversity, a primary way to express our individuality, our tradition, and our culture is through the various forms of art,music, dance, photography, painting, etc.

On another leg of Great Big Canvas on Tour, I traveled this week to the small coastal town of Punta Gorda in southern Belize, a district of jungles and rainforests.   There I visited a remarkable man who is making every effort to preserve his local artist culture.   Subas,a simple yet colorful man,is of Garifuna descent.    The Garifuna are a mix of two ethnic groups, Carib Indians and African descendants. Their culture is distinguished by their language, music, food, dance, and rituals.  According to legend, the first Garifuna landed on the Belizean shoreline on November 19, 1802.   That event is now marked by a national holiday, and a re-enactment of their landing is a highlight of the pageantry.

While it is estimated there are 15,000 Garifuna in Belize, Subas is concerned that his heritage is slowly dying out, so he is doing his part to preserve it.   Every weekday afternoon, he gathers local Garifuna school children together to learn the dancing and drumming of their forefathers.   The rhythm of the instruments and singing of the children resonate across town,a testimony of Subas’ determination to keep the drums of his fathers alive.

On behalf of Canvas on Demand, I was delighted to present Subas with a Great Big Canvas image of the Belizean coast that will hang in his modest home.   Subas said the lovely canvas will remind him and his family of that day so long ago when their ancestors first landed on such a shore.

Canvas on Demand wants to encourage art preservationists from all corners of the earth to keep up the great work.   If you have a story to share, I want to hear it.   Mom

When Chris Redding, a photojournalist from Owings Mills, Maryland, says “jump”…his clients JUMP!

This canvas made me laugh, so I contacted Chris to learn the story behind the image.   He explained:   Anjie and Wayne, the bride and groom in this photo, are a great couple.   In fact, the entire wedding party was terrific.   The wedding was in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.   There had been a downpour during the indoor ceremony, but by the time we all got outside to release the doves, it was beautiful!  Later, I was at Italian Lake Park with the entire group for some additional shots.   They were so happy and cooperative that I decided to try something different.   I shouted, ‘Jump for joy!’   And they did.   I was certain that the picture would be phenomenal, if I could time it just right.”

And sure enough, Chris’ timing was absolutely perfect!

Chris’ professional blog for his business,Photos by Stofferson,is a testimony to his artistic acumen. You can visit him at http://photosbystofferson.blogspot.com/.   While he spends most of his time shooting weddings, special events, and graduation photos, he also specializes in commercial contracts.   On his blog, he comments that a photographer’s personality is as important as his skills.   Jumping for Joy proves that a great photographer with a great personality can create some remarkable work.

This unique photo was certainly worthy of being transformed into a canvas. Chris told us, “I wanted a large 24″ x 30″ canvas as the centerpiece for my bridal display.   And Canvas on Demand did an excellent job.   The end result was even better than I expected, and the turnaround time was excellent. In fact, it was such a pleasant process from beginning to end that I knew immediately that I’d found my new canvas supplier.”

Chris, we’re proud to be working with you. Our goal is to give you products of uncompromising quality, because we know that as one of our pro customers, your clients expect the best.     Mom