Desmond Blair is an artist and a problem solver. Being born without hands has not stopped this talented young man from pursuing his painting with passion and ferocity.

As a child learning how to write, Desmond would practice in coloring books with his grandmother. That early exposure to color and graphics instilled in him a love of art that has become a driving force in his life. With a background in 3D and digital art, Desmond now works primarily in oils on canvas, with a focus on portraiture.

“Part of the reason I paint, and will continue to paint, and will continue to get better at painting, is to prove that just because somebody has a disability or is born different doesn’t mean they are limited in what they do,” he says.

“I know there will be somebody coming along behind me and will have to deal with the same things, and if the pathway is already kind of cleared. ... I think I can rest easier knowing I made somebody else’s life a little easier.”

Currently working as a project manager in the IT department of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Desmond credits a hospital fundraising event, Summer Colors Art Show, as one of the main reasons he has gotten serious about his painting in the past few years. In 2011 he was asked to donate a piece to the silent auction, and Desmond says it has become one of his favorite shows and a benchmark for his work.

Desmond is just one of the local artists being showcased this year at Summer Colors Art Show on July 30. Founded in 2009 by Jenny and Loren Koziol and Dupree and Jill Scovell, Summer Colors has grown from a small two-person show to an exciting silent auction featuring upward of 25 artists from around Dallas-Fort Worth, and it has raised nearly $50,000 for the hospital.

Entering its seventh year, Summer Colors offers the Dallas community a chance to support Texas Scottish Rite while being exposed to some of Dallas’ most exciting up-and-coming artists.

Co-founder and artist Jenny Grumbles Koziol says the main goals of Summer Colors are to introduce new friends to the hospital, raise funds and to give emerging artists a platform to share their work. “Plus it’s a good deal,” she adds. “Because it’s an auction, you can leave with some beautiful art at a great price!”

Event details:

Summer Colors Art Show
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Thursday, July 30, 6:30-8:30 pm
Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door
To purchase tickets: https://community.tsrhc.org/SummerColors

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children has been caring for children since 1921. TSRHC treats children with orthopedic conditions, such as scoliosis, clubfoot, hand disorders, hip disorders and limb length differences, as well as certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders such as dyslexia. Please visit us online at TSRHC.org or Facebook.org/tsrhc, or call us at 214-559-5000 for additional information.

Desmond Blair works in IT at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, but he's also a talented artist who contributes works to the Summer Colors fundraiser.

Photo courtesy of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

Desmond Blair works in IT at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, but he's also a talented artist who contributes works to the Summer Colors fundraiser.