Energizers

6 A beautiful white horse and a mountain scene come to life with a little imagination and the flourishing stroke of Marrene Wilson's paintbrush. In a few short years, Wilson has managed to move from retirement and transform her lifelong hobby of doodling into full-fledged artistry. Wilson, who worked 25 years at Alabama Power, always loved to draw. But it wasn't until she retired in 2004 as a customer service representative at the Columbiana Office that she truly began to pursue art by taking classes. Since then, Wilson has done numerous oil and watercolor paintings – offering those works in professional shows and turning her hobby into a paying venture. As a member of the Birmingham Division Energizers, Wilson has parlayed that talent into numerous volunteer hours, which the Alabama Power Foundation converts into dollars for her chapter's charities. Church muralist The staff at First Baptist Church of Columbiana tapped Wilson to create a mural for their children's church, which was being refurbished with new toys. Using acrylic wall paint, Wilson brought to life a woodland campground scene, complete with tents, a mountain stream and whimsical animals. Incorporating a child's spirit of fun, Wilson even added a squirrel scampering down a tree as a little boy enjoys a tire swing. "The parents loved it!" said Wilson, who radiates enthusiasm and a youthful glow as she discusses her art. "I feel my calling is doing murals. I've done scenery for church plays for a long time, and I truly enjoyed painting the walls where the children play." Paintbrush and passion Wilson's foray into art started on a whim, when she entered a painting of her granddaughter at the Shelby County Fair. Pleased and amazed at winning the "Best of Show" ribbon, that success further whet Wilson's desire for artistic expression. "That gave me a lot of encouragement," Wilson said. Since then, three of her paintings have been selected for Energen's annual art competition and brochure. A portion of the sales went to charity, but Wilson made earnings for her paintings of Utah's Monument Valley at sunset and flowers, bringing her true status as a paid artist. "It was thrilling for me," Wilson said about the sales. "I pick up a paintbrush and it's a passion." BY DONNA COPE Painting is Wilson's passion in retirement Photos by Donna Cope A painting of a beautiful white horse greets visitors at Wilson's barn. For years, Alabama teachers have relied on the Science Suitcase program for interactive science kits for classroom use. This year, the Alabama Power Service Organization took ownership of the educational outreach program. Katrina Haynes, APSO state president, requests help from Energizers in the Corporate, Birmingham, Southeast and Southern divisions in providing Science Suitcases to schools. As part of their efforts to assist in education, APSO members refurbish the kits with new supplies after teachers use and return them. "We can really use Energizers' help in providing the suitcases," Haynes said. It is important work that needs to be done, said Southern Division Vice President Leslie Sanders. "The Science Suitcase program provides important support to our local schools," Sanders said. "The program helps connect Alabama Power to our communities but, more importantly, provides children and teachers with valuable instructional materials." Educators select from more than 150 suitcases, which can be shipped to the Alabama Power office most convenient to the teacher. Energizers Coordinator Don Franklin said members' work to refurbish and assemble the suitcases can serve as volunteer hours. To find out how your chapter can help, call APSO Associate Director Tan Grayson at 205.257.4611. Science Suitcases earn volunteer hours Katrina Haynes

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