Meanwhile, she raised her two children, her wizard-boy, Merlin, and her fairy-girl, Melantha, in a creative home filled with art, candles, music, and lots and lots of books! Throughout these years she painted, researched and drew each day, taught her children to love God & the sea by which they played, and planned one day to go to China. Though times could be difficult, her sustenance, both spiritual and emotional, was a deep faith like a great fountain in her Heart.

Her studio, Angel Illuminations, was opened in 1983, in her home, and was named for those winged muses who surrounded her and whose presence she always felt. She has experimented with different styles to suit her mood and subject and synchronized her work with her inner seasons of hope, despair and joy.

Her work has appeared in women's magazines, church magazines, children's magazines--she has designed a little of everything, including theatre posters, menus, business cards, newsletters and logos--created websites and other media for local businesses-- repaired and repainted religious statuary for her church-- shown her work in local galleries, churches and synagogues--and created the bronze installment of the many aspects of Jewish Life for B'nai Brith Jacob Synagogue--painted murals and windows in various homes--and took many private commissions for portraits, devotional images and other types of Art.

In 2003 she fullfilled her long-held dream of moving to Beijing, China for 3 years, teaching English and seeking inspiration for her art. Even though China is thought to be an atheist country, there are still many who actively seek a deeper spirituality through religion, and it was heartening to see how well-attended the Sunday Masses were. While living in Beijing and observing this core of faith among her friends and acquaintances, Cheryl began work on the Sacred Images exhibit that she had envisioned long ago, to pay homage to those saints, and to Jesus and Mary, who had assisted & upheld her throughout her life. Her students & their parents enjoyed watching the progress of each painting from beginning sketches to the end results--afterwards, the Sacred Images were shown at her cathedral in Beijing,
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

In March of 2007 Cheryl--after many years of searching and praying and hoping--- met a very special man, Raul Solis, fell completely in love, and married him in the woodland of Skidaway Island, GA, near the marshes she loves. Her husband is from Peru, and he is a kind, humorous, wise and loving Aries, who has proved to be her Rock in times of trouble, her beloved Soulmate, as well as being a damned fine cook!

Below you will find a few photos of Cheryl and her children, Merlin & Melantha, and Raul,
and a sampling of images of her time in China as well...