Hadrienne Kathlene Mendonsa, December 30, 1985 - November 19, 2005
"Hadrienne was sweet, beautifully poised, a lover of animals, rowing, environmental science and art. She was a great friend to those blessed to be her companion. She was a woman of faith as far as I could see...especially in how she lived her life at Chattanooga Christian School. Well, many of you here today could say these same things.
I was Hadrienne's art teacher for all of her high school years. Allow me to share the Hadrienne of the art studio. My Hadrienne. A brightness entered the studio with her. She reflected an intense devotion to her friends, that circle of great, crazy, and creative people who surrounded her. Her energy and laughter were uplifting.
Upon entering the studio, Hadrienne talked to me. She knew I loved animals and water and we connected there. She kept me updated on her pets, talked to me about her summers with sea turtles. She was one of those girls who rowed on the river and inspired me as I tried it for a season. Hadrienne was an encourager.
I have a collection of photographs of many of my art students. I believe the one of Hadrienne I love is from spring her sophomore year, she is in her back yard holding her large tiger cat. But both of her hands are painted as though she were wearing red gloves. We laughed when she presented it to me. This is the essence of Hadrienne as an artist. She was always putting paint or something on her hands as she made her art. She really liked working with clay! She explored by touching, as a tactile learner. Very "hands on"...literally!
(Our backyard, Hadrienne holding our cat, Gernu (they grew up together), 2003)
I quickly realized that her expressive artworks were a product of what she knew and felt deep inside. Sure she would work from observation as I requested of my students but so much of her art was different from my other students. For example her senior year portfolio had the theme of sea turtles because of her summers spent observing and "saving" these animals. Not a single realistic drawing of a turtle was included in her work. She easily made images using sponges, sticks, and even sand! I often have students work in non-traditional media but Hadrienne did this on her own. Having a wonderfully creative mother was reflected in Hadrienne's ease in being able to "Play" and produce such meaningful images. She was teachable and also unique in her way of seeing and feeling the world. In the true definition of Expressive Art, not merely teenager emotional ideas, Hadrienne was an expressionist. Think of Van Gogh's paintings of thick strokes of paint to help you define that.
Elegant, poised, stylish in a classical sense, totally graceful are words I use to describe Hadrienne, a beautiful young woman. Delicate in features yet so strong on many levels. Warm and friendly even to a teacher. The words mature, kind and considerate complete the image of my lovely Hadrienne.
My painting of Hadrienne would consist of deep blues, bright yellows and lots of rich greens. The brush strokes would be subtle, gentle yet very strong, with a boldness in layering paint resulting in something you would want to run your hand over...providing the viewer an invitation to look but also to want to touch the surface." Written and read by Lauren Leutwiler, Hadrienne's Funeral, November 23, 2005.
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www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_76235.asp
www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_76339.asp
www.chattanoogapulse.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/11/30/438caee13b586
"I hope that somehow you and Gloria caught a glimpse of what God blessed our city with tonight... the evening after Hadrienne's spiritually moving funeral. When I went back out to the store this evening, I crested the hill by my house and as I looked up, the sky from the top of the heavens all the way to edge of the river was covered with bright pink, purple and blue waves of color. It literally took my breath away. In all my 51 years, I have never seen anything like this Andy. It was SO much more than a beautiful sunset. I noticed many cars had pulled over and were sitting there in awe at the spectacular creation in front of them. I did the same... and just sat there and cried. It felt like a glimpse into the beauty that heaven holds for each of us... and gave my heart some peace that Hadrienne was enjoying that beauty in it's fullness. I hope you saw it... what a blessing!
Continuing to hold you up in prayer,
Shirley Madewell"
this is a picture that was taken of the sunset that was described by shirley. it was sent to me last night (december 17, 2005)
"We, too, took notice and were awed by the sunset on the eve of Hadrienne's funeral. What a glorious tribute the Lord sent in her honor... you're constantly in our hearts and prayers.
luv,
Helen Ross"
