PHOTOS BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
PAINTED JOURNEY … Bryan resident Eric Ryan has painted three outdoor murals outside of the Sanctuary of Williams County building. Despair, Love, and Hope, depict his own life obstacles.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
Overcoming numerous life obstacles, Eric Ryan wanted to do something special for the Sanctuary of Williams County in Bryan with his own painting talent.
The Bryan resident, who had previously lost two fingers in a table saw accident, later turned to painting outdoor murals in an alley on the south side of the Sanctuary of Williams County building.
“I came to painting because it allowed the fluid motion of my hand and fingers with brush strokes and techniques,” said Ryan.
“I also do painting to bring the arts to those who don’t have a ton of money, that enjoy the expression art truly gives you.”
His painting talent also inspired the original idea from Pastor Mike Kelly, who also serves as director of the Sanctuary of Williams County.
“We had these built-in windows and doors or something else at one time,” said Kelly. “After we had repainted the outside of the building, I realized that we could use it to put art on, so that’s what started this idea.”
Ryan and Kelly developed three outdoor murals depicting Despair, Love, and Hope, reflecting a journey from hurt toward healing.
“We wanted someone who was in trouble, and we’ve all seen people in trouble, and that’s the reality of life everywhere, not just in small towns,” said Kelly.
“So, we took that and put it into a Bryan-looking setting with the Williams County Courthouse in the background. We took the second one called ‘Love’ and really put a close-up on the faces of people and could see the difference in them.
And the third one, ‘Hope’ was designed for those coming into the shelter to get their life renewed again.”
Ryan, who has been sober for the past five-and-a-half years, experienced homelessness and lived in and out of motels before eventually meeting his wife, Jacqueline. They also have five children, Hailey, Brooklyn, Dominic, Rowan, and Emma.
“We wanted something for people to appreciate in which the alley is a place where nobody is really looking, and we’re doing something about that,” pointed out Kelly.
“What we are also doing is painting some graffiti on the edges of the walls at the entrance so people driving down the street will see something that gives attention to the alley.”
Kelly commented that this is just the beginning of painting the alley portion of the building and is looking for other artists to do a series of paintings.”
The Sanctuary of Williams County has spent $150,000 on improvements to the building this year.
“We’ve done some indoor and outdoor painting and installed new inside flooring and put in a tremendous amount in this building to make it much nicer for downtown,” said Kelly.
Ryan commented that his ability to paint the outdoor murals at the Sanctuary of Williams County has been self-taught since his accident.
“I have been homeless, and that’s what drew me to the project itself,” said Ryan. As for the ideas, we collaborated on getting the message through that the Sanctuary is there for your health and recovery through the process of a clean lifestyle.
“Following in the word of God and following in Jesus’ footsteps, is really what will bring you to a more positive lifestyle choices you make.”