Artist's Grand gesture elicits Obama appreciation

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - In a letter to President Obama, Dongan Hills artist Myrna Gerson explained that after reading in the Advance that the First Family had vacationed at the Grand Canyon, she was inspired to create a watercolor of the stunning site in Arizona and sent it along as a gift to the Obamas. She added that she’d be honored if perhaps his daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama, might be so
moved to display the original painting in their rooms.

Myrna explained that she mailed her creation as an early Christmas gift inasmuch as she was about to undergo heart-valve replacement surgery and knew she’d be recuperating at holiday time.

Along with the note, Myrna sent a photo of herself and husband Bob and two laminated enlargements of her World Trade Center postcard she re-created from an original portrait of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers painted in 1973 when she worked in Tower 1 as the building was being constructed – as well as several stories about her work as published in the Advance, along with her sincere wishes.

In return, Myrna received a heartfelt note from the President and Mrs. Obama extending their deepest thanks and appreciation for her generous gift.

“It is gratifying to know that we have your support,” said the Obamas, before adding: “As we work to address the great challenges of our time, we hope you will continue to stay active and involved.”