Artists join to portray Virginia Tech shooting victims

Moments after learning about the shootings at Virginia Tech in April, Ruby Pearl knew what she needed to do: paint. But before breaking out her acrylics, the 57-year-old Brookline artist sent an e-mail on Boston's Craigslist. Her goal was to organize professional artists to paint portraits of all 32 students and faculty members who died.

Pearl said she received about 300 responses to her appeal, which she also sent to local arts organizations and schools. Artists from as far away as Phoenix and Brooklyn volunteered for the Virginia Tech Victims' Project.

"My sister said everybody walks around, wondering what does God have planned for me in life," said Pearl, the grandmother of three. After the tragic events in Blacksburg, Pearl said, her mission became clear. "I can't prevent violence, but I can absolutely help in my art."

Pearl, who suffers from bipolar disorder, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, has participated for 10 years in Gateway Arts in Brookline, a studio and gallery for artists with disabilities. She has also exhibited her paintings in numerous local shows.

After viewing the victims' photos on the Internet, she chose to paint 18-year-old Rachael Elizabeth Hill of Glen Allen, Va. "My eyes loved the way she looked," Pearl said.

Pearl said she hopes that her portrait, done in black and white, will be a "constant reminder" of Hill and may prompt her family to "tell beautiful stories about this wonderful person who was once in their lives."

Reneé Dumont, a 46-year-old artist in Blackstone, whose goal is to "paint with a purpose," embraced the opportunity to paint 20-year-old Leslie Geraldine Sherman of Springfield, Va.

Fighting back tears, Dumont said: "I look at the little angel every day, and I'm thankful I'm alive, I'm here. The least I can do is paint an image and know her image is going to live on. She's not going to be forgotten."

Artist Kathleen Speranza, 45, of Lynn volunteered to paint 20-year-old Lauren Ashley McCain of Hampton, Va. She said McCain's "face is just like sunshine" and reminded her of her 37-year-old sister Laura, who died last year.

"Just knowing that people were literally standing by, at least acknowledging your sadness, was tremendously comforting," Speranza said of her own loss. She said she hopes her portrait will provide "some tiny measure of comfort" to the family, to help them "know they're not alone with their sadness."

Pearl hopes to exhibit the portraits, which will be completed next month, in Boston and Virginia. Later this summer, artists will send their portraits and a short note to the victims' families.

Pearl has not yet contacted the families, but said she is confident "each portrait will be welcome in one way or another."

Donations are being accepted to cover framing and shipping costs. A fund-raiser is scheduled for July 2 at the Center Communities of Brookline, 1550 Beacon St., from 1 to 3 p.m. For information, contact Pearl at rubyartrageouspearl@yahoo.com or call 617-264-2444.