Belleville Artist Wins Trail Logo Contest

Rena Askey's design for the new Badger State Tr= ail logo was selected from
among more than two dozen submissions in response to the contest sponsored =
by the Friends of the Badger Trail. Rena has been involved with art "ever
since I can remember," she said in a recent interview. "I c= an't remember a
time when I wasn't sketching, doodling, drawing, or creating something.&quo= t;

A co-worker told Rena about the logo contest, saying "You can win this!"
Rena thought it would be fun to show the Wisconsin badger walking the Badge= r
Trail, and her idea paid off. In addition to the honorarium of $100.00,
Rena and her family will receive official trail T-shirts embossed with the =
logo. Rena will be attending the Grand Opening celebration on July 8 = in
Belleville, and looks forward to meeting friends old and new.

Rena lives with her husband, Tim, and three sons in a charming home
decorated with Rena's other passion, hand-made quilts. "I've probably made
25 quilts over the years," she admitted. "I love combining colors and
patterns." Rena's art has been featured in traveling displays an= d
publications, most recently in the March/April issue of Somerset Studio
Magazine. One of her specialties is "mail art," with highly decorated cards
and envelopes. Her enchanting, colorful drawings of fairies are endea= ring
to young and old alike. "I'd love to illustrate children's books someday,"
she told us.

Rena's busy life includes a full-time job as an embroidery designer, as wel= l
as wife, mom, homemaker, and artist. Rena grew up in Placerville,
California, and then lived for six months in South Korea when Tim was poste= d
there during his military career. They also lived in north Michigan before
settling in Belleville about 17 years ago. Her mother moved here from
California about six years ago to be near Rena and her family. "I love the
Midwest," said Rena. "I would never want to live in Califor= nia again - they
don't have fireflies!"

When asked what advice she might have for aspiring artists of any age, Rena=
said firmly, "Don't be so hard on yourself. Find the artist you = are meant
to be and don't compare yourself to anyone else." Believin= g in yourself is
probably the artist's greatest challenge, she added.

The clumps of beautiful, deep pink lilies blooming outside Rena's front
door, planted by her mom, are a perfect introduction to a warm-hearted and =
very talented lady. The Friends of the Badger Trail thank her for the great
new design. Congratulations, Rena!

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