NANCY MCCURTAIN

     First, let me tell you about Nancy McCurtain. Demur and soft spoken, Nancy is a true Southern Lady. She was born in Smithfield, North Carolina and has always had an artist’s heart. She majored in music at WCU and taught in the public school system for several years. Other opportunities took her into an investment firm and then after retiring, as many of us do, she sought her passion-the arts. 
     Nancy threw herself into creativity as a painter and was doing well until she was hit by a series of strokes that took her sight at the age of 69.  
     Her first thoughts were: “How do I get to where I need to be? How do I go grocery shopping?” You know, the basic things. “I had to learn how to feed myself, to walk without bumping into things, and the hardest thing of all, reading people.”
     We all do that, or try to, at least. Especially when we are sitting across from someone, just having a conversation. How do you read them when you can’t see their eyes?  Nancy has faced challenges most of us never think of. But she is no slouch. “I am determined to go out with a bang,” Nancy tells me with her brilliant smile. “I want to live NOW, do as much as I can.”
     And Nancy has done just that. Since becoming blind, she has taken on the task of writing and completing a children’s book, Topsey, A Parable of Hope for People with Disabilities. It is a wonderful book of hope and determination for people of all ages. She has completed two other books as well and is waiting for them to be published. 
     Nancy’s artist endeavors still burn inside her as she creates works of art on canvas using more tactile helpers such as string, cloth, pins, and clay to help shape images.  A coffee table book of her artwork is in process along with an annual calendar.
     She is a busy woman, with so much to give and so much to teach others. Her books can be found at several Topsail Island shops. Take a look at her works at NancylandMcCurtin.com. You will be amazed! Check out her site on Shopify-blind-brush-pen.myshopify.com. Her books can be found locally at Carolina Décor and More, Coastal Blends and Orange Blossom.