At their Fourth Annual Awards Gala, The Lupus Foundation of America will present
a portrait by Georgia Artist Deborah Ankrom Kepes. Kepes honors the legacy of
the late Philip J. Whitcome, Ph. D., Chairmen of the Board of Avigen Corporation, a
distinguished molecular biologist and highly successful businessman who
passed away Dec. 6, 2005. Dr. Whitcome bequeathed a gift of $1.7 million, the
largest contribution to the LFA to date, designated for research and education.
Lupus is a chronic disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own
healthy tissue and organs causing inflammation and damage to various parts of
the body which can result in debilitating pain, organ failure, and death. More than
1.5 million Americans and
at least five million people worldwide have Lupus.
Kepes is an alumni and patron member of the Portrait Society of America and has
been an award winning juried member of the Portrait Society of Atlanta since 1998
holding several positions within the organization. She has served the past three
years as a Georgia Goodwill Ambassador for the Portrait Society of America.
Recently, she was one of four recipients of the 2007 Art Marketing Consultation
Scholarship presented by The Portrait Society of America by the Cecilia Beaux
Forum. The scholarship was created to strengthen the role of women artists by
providing programs and resources to enhance the quality, as well as the publics
knowledge and appreciation, of their work.
The portraits presentation is in conjunction with the LFA Fourth Annual Awards
Gala which was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel located in Washington, D.C
a portrait by Georgia Artist Deborah Ankrom Kepes. Kepes honors the legacy of
the late Philip J. Whitcome, Ph. D., Chairmen of the Board of Avigen Corporation, a
distinguished molecular biologist and highly successful businessman who
passed away Dec. 6, 2005. Dr. Whitcome bequeathed a gift of $1.7 million, the
largest contribution to the LFA to date, designated for research and education.
Lupus is a chronic disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own
healthy tissue and organs causing inflammation and damage to various parts of
the body which can result in debilitating pain, organ failure, and death. More than
1.5 million Americans and
at least five million people worldwide have Lupus.
Kepes is an alumni and patron member of the Portrait Society of America and has
been an award winning juried member of the Portrait Society of Atlanta since 1998
holding several positions within the organization. She has served the past three
years as a Georgia Goodwill Ambassador for the Portrait Society of America.
Recently, she was one of four recipients of the 2007 Art Marketing Consultation
Scholarship presented by The Portrait Society of America by the Cecilia Beaux
Forum. The scholarship was created to strengthen the role of women artists by
providing programs and resources to enhance the quality, as well as the publics
knowledge and appreciation, of their work.
The portraits presentation is in conjunction with the LFA Fourth Annual Awards
Gala which was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel located in Washington, D.C
| Phillip J. Whitcome, PH.D. Former Chairmen of the Board of Avigen Corporation Collection of the Lupus Foundation of America Oil on Linen, 20" x 30" Washington, D. C. |
| Copyright 2006, Artworks, scans, and web design Deborah Ankrom Kepes. All rights reserved |
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| Deborah Ankrom Kepes Unveilings |
| GEORGIA ARTIST UNVEILS PORTRAIT AT THE LUPUS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA AWARDS GALA |
Letter from the Lupus Foundation of America
This is beyond our expectations. It is truly magnificent.
I have tears in my eyes thinking about Phil's life and
Mrs. Whitcome's reaction to this painting.
Blessings to you for your dedication to reveal the man.
I believe you have captured Dr. Whitcome's spirit-
his dignity- intellect -kindness and generosity.
He was a man who led a thoughtful life and he left a legacy that will not
be forgotten-thanks in great part to you. We all thank you, with our
deepest appreciation,
Sameta "Sam" Kemp
Vice President of Development and Marketing
Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.
This is beyond our expectations. It is truly magnificent.
I have tears in my eyes thinking about Phil's life and
Mrs. Whitcome's reaction to this painting.
Blessings to you for your dedication to reveal the man.
I believe you have captured Dr. Whitcome's spirit-
his dignity- intellect -kindness and generosity.
He was a man who led a thoughtful life and he left a legacy that will not
be forgotten-thanks in great part to you. We all thank you, with our
deepest appreciation,
Sameta "Sam" Kemp
Vice President of Development and Marketing
Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.