"This has been a joyous, excellent celebration," said Assurance Home Board President Martha Murphy, center. World-known artist Henry Arias is on the right and friend Urial Peña is on the left.

The fund raising art exhibit of Colombian artist Henry Arias, wonderful food from Santa Fe caterers, Catherine O’Brien and Glenda Griswold and a benefit for the Assurance Home of Roswell developed into a much greater connection with the children Sunday afternoon.

“There will be a connection from my heart with these children until the last day of my life,” Arias said. “A difference in language doesn’t matter.”

The children of the Assurance Home (who are from abused and neglected homes) felt a profound influence from the painter and his friend, Urial Peña, who are from a country in civil war with the guerrillas, according to Assurance Board President, Martha Murphy.

An unspoken empathy seemed to materialize when they learned that Peña is seeking political asylum in the United States and that every man, woman and child in their country is a prisoner of the guerrillas.

Arias’ paintings are oil on canvas and tell a story of the world that he sees presented in a surrealist treatment.

His painting titled “After the Storm,” was a gift to Martha and Bert Murphy from the artist. In it, he painted ships and lost passengers reaching out for survival in a stormy sea. A man on a makeshift lifeboat reaches out to an angel whose back is turned. The spirit of religion is shown by a man holding a cross in a stormy ocean. Angels cling to the mast of a sailboat as the moon hides behind dark clouds.

The painter believes in salvation. A special light from the moon represents salvation.

“It is an analogy the guerrillas don’t want. To understand the message is a profound statement,” said Ann Murphy Daley, of Santa Fe.

Works totaling 15 were exhibited by Arias for the fund raiser. Fifty percent of works sold will go to the Assurance Home.

“The kids were amazed and overwhelmed by the presence of the two men from Columbia,” said Murphy. “It seemed to be a real eye opener for the kids and might help them realize the challenges they face.”

The children wanted to know more about the artist, his life and art.

Arias said he was envious of the freedom in the United States. While traveling from Santa Fe with Daley he saw the adobes houses, Chimayo and Taos. He often asked to stop the car so he could take a photo and save the vision that he saw.

“From this visit I have taken ideas that will be part of my next paintings,” Arias said.

“I’m happy to meet these people with such great hearts, love, warmth and beauty. I’m thankful to know them,” he said. “To stop on the highway and take a photo would be impossible in Columbia.”

“The work of Henry Arias is an anecdotal work that tells a story, describes and narrates a scene to whoever looks at it,” said Colombian writer German Santamaria.

Arias seems to draw on life experiences that are expressed in his work. He communicates through his work “the dreams and legends of Hispanic American literature.”

In his travels he has showed for Nancy Reagan in Washington, D.C., in Miami and New York as well as many locations throughout Europe.

His next show will be in Costa Rica in March followed by shows in Spain and other European places.

“There was a tremendous response to our art exhibit and dinner,” said Assurance Home Director Ron Malone.

Although the plans were for barbecue from Catie’s Bodacious Barbecue, (catered by Peas and Pods from Santa Fe) to be held on the lawn of the Assurance Home, 1000 E. 18th St., cool weather placed attendees in the library.

“Even though weather was a little cool, we crowded inside,” Malone said.

“Peas and Pods and Henry Arias have done all of this out of the kindness of their hearts. Everything was donated.

“Our tickets were sold out and I believe around 100 people attended,” he said. “It was a excellent turnout. The food was wonderful.”

Tickets to the barbecue became contributions of $100 per person to the home, which is for children from 12-18 years of age who have had a difficult time living in family situations.

Malone said residents usually come to the Assurance Home through referral from the Department of Children Youth and Families or through the court system. He said some children have called him themselves asking for help out of bad situations.

The remaining paintings are expected to be on display at the Assurance Home for four more weeks.

Further information is available by calling Malone at 624-1780 or Martha Murphy at 622-7925.