Love of art drives respiratory therapist to paint for relaxation

Lisa George has expanded on her love of art, recently painting a 16-by-8-foot mural inside a barn for a Brook couple.

"Their daughter is having her wedding reception there. I painted barn scenery with a water mill and a John Deere tractor and a blacksmith shop. It took me 80 hours to do. The blacksmith shop alone is three feet wide," George said.

"This is the first time I have painted a mural, and it turned out really nice."

The Wheatfield resident has been painting since she was 18, and was inspired by her mother's in-home craft store while growing up.

"My mom had a shop in Calumet Township, and I started enjoying it and it took off. I like painting and crafts a lot. I just come up with different things and start creating. I just love doing it," she said.

George followed in her mother's entrepreneurial footsteps as well, converting a pole barn behind her home into a craft and antiques store called Country Dreamin', 11543 N. Ind. 49.

Her artwork has taken her outside the shop and into the community.

"I worked with the DeMotte Chamber of Commerce to redecorate the historic Fairchild House for Christmas," George said. "They loved it and said it was the best décor they had seen there.

"I also decorate people's homes during holidays, and some of my art is on display at the Snicks restaurant in Wheatfield."

George's art has won her awards as well as accolades. She took first place at the Lake County Fair for her Christmas-themed window pane.

She also won for her "Country Dreamin'" float in the Town and Country parade in DeMotte.

"My passion is painting. It's relaxing for me. It's an escape," she said.

George has been a respiratory therapist for 23 years. She works at the Jasper County Hospital. She has also been involved with the Lake County Court Appointed Special Advocacy program, speaking for children in court who have been abused, mistreated or abandoned.

George can be reached at (219) 956-4122.

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