Splashes of Hope Remembers Frederick V. Mink

As we come together with family and friends in the spirit of the holidays, I wanted to tell you about a very special project that is near and dear to the heart of Dynasty Brush and The FM Brush Company.

Splashes of Hope, based in Huntington, NY and founded by Heather Buggee, is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to bringing art to life in places that could use a little cheering up--hospitals, shelters, veteran care facilities, just to name a few examples. The company designs and paints murals to brighten environments and improve the quality of experience for patients, visitors and workers alike.

In 2013 Mr. Frederick Mink, CEO of FM Brush, read a news article featuring Splashes and Hope. Mr. Mink was so inspired by their mission that he contacted the organization, wanting to help the artists that bring those murals to life. FM Brush began donating brushes to Splashes of Hope, Heather and Fred became friends, and a wonderful bond was born. Last year Splashes of Hope made Mr. Mink "Man of the Year" at their annual fundraising gala.

Mr. Mink passed away in 2015 due to complications with lung cancer. He spent his final days in the care of those oat Glen Cove hospital. This summer on the anniversary of the passing of Mr. Mink, Ms. Buggee and Mr. Mink's daughter and FM Brush's Director of Cosmetic and Retail Sales Ms. Jacqueline Mink Cooper got together at Glen Cove hospital. It was there that the planning of a mural in honor of Mr. Mink began.

The mural was designed by Joe Gyurcsak of Utrecht Artist Supplies and contains lots of things that were enjoyed by Mr. Mink: heart-shaped clouds that represent Mr. Mink's siblings, Northport Marina, tulips, the family dog Barney, close friends, and the FM Brush logo. Once the design was approved by the hospital, Splashes of Hope got to work bringing the mural to life. Working nights and weekends, it took two artists seven nights of painting to complete the piece--all with Dynasty/FM brushes.

The mural in the Northwell Health Rehabilitation gym at Glen Cove hospital was officially dedicated on December 5 and featured a moving speech by Jacqueline Mink Cooper. Not only is it a beautiful work of art, but it is a beautiful way to honor the spirit of someone so loved by Splashes of Hope and FM Brush Company.

Mural wall: BEFORE

Mural wall: IN PROGRESS

Mural wall: FINISHED!

Thank you so much to Splashes of Hope for all of their hard work and for Glen Cove Hospital for allowing the mural to be part of their facilities.

On a personal note, I'd like to thank Heather Buggee, Jacqueline Mink Cooper, and Veronica Towey for all of their help with this post. All photos appear courtesy of  Heather Buggee and Splashes of Hope.  If you are looking for a way to give back this holiday season, please consider "making a splash" with this truly special organization.