By artist Edwina Sandy’s 2018, 24×30 Acrylic. Painted in homage to the 17 students and staff of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland lost to senseless tragedy on Valentines Day, 2018
Sundown on Valentines Day, February 14, 2019, at Pine Trails Park in Parkland, Florida, gathered more than 1,000 students, teachers, parents, friends and loved ones to honor and remember the 17 precious lives lost a year ago today in the unthinkable tragedy at Marjorie Stone Douglas High School. It was an interfaith presentation of peace, hope and love.
As one of the parents grateful to hug my children today, I want to share another moment of love and giving that took place last spring at the high school where my son Austin Jay was a senior — one of the lucky ones to return home from school that dreaded day.
Our dear friend and renowned artist Edwina Sandys (who first learned to appreciate the art of painting from her grandfather Winston Churchill) graciously painted a heartfelt grouping of 17 red flowers and 17 bright stars floating toward Heaven in homage to the beloved 17 lost students and faculty. Edwina unveiled ‘Where Have All The Flowers Gone‘ to us and other guests at her home on Easter Sunday, 2018.
A month later, she lovingly presented the painting to Principal Ty Thompson as a gift to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School — a lasting remembrance of love. Mr. Thompson told Eloquence the painting will be on display in the MSD media center after a remodeling of the room is completed.
Edwina also presented Austin with the artist’s first print proof of the painting, which he and our family will cherish.
— Robin Jay, Editor
Ms. Sandys has made available a limited number of prints of ‘Where Have All The Flowers Gone’ and will donate 30 percent of proceeds to a charity benefiting MSD families affected by the February 14, 2018 tragedy. For information, please contact [email protected].
