Local woman creates leg art

A Camas woman is among the artists who have decorated mannequin legs -- to benefit the Children's Center. Elida Field's "Dear Legs" creation included an apology letter to her legs. "For me, it was about accepting our bodies and being thankful for the things we have," she said. The letter mentions making it through knee surgeries, cuts, bruises and muscle tears. "I looked with admiration at other legs -- legs that were leaner, longer, smoother and more beautiful -- wishing I had those," Field said. "I'm sure this made you feel badly. I am so sorry! "Even with all of this poor treatment, you helped me to jump high and run fast!" she added. "You are strong, tan, muscular, and you do almost everything I ask!" Before working on the leg project, Field contemplated how women and men have problem areas of their bodies that they hate. "We look longingly at others, whose problem area is not the same as ours and think how fantastic it would be to switch bodies," she said. Field's leg art can be viewed through Sunday, Sept. 16, at Latte Da Coffee House & Wine Bar, 205 E. 39th St., Vancouver. Beth Cox, of Vancouver, is another artist involved in the "Legs About Town" exhibit. One of her creations can be viewed at Twilight Pizza Bistro, 224 N.E. Fourth Ave., in downtown Camas. Cox was inspired by the kids at the Children's Center and the issues they deal with -- anxiety, depression and physical and sexual abuse. "I wanted to design a leg that would make people smile," she said. "I love the pop art style, and the vision of flowers came to mind. Flowers brighten everything -- no matter where they are - the garden, the dining table, your office desk or a wedding. When you want to please someone, you bring them flowers. "My hope is that this leg will inspire happiness in those who view it," Cox added. Another one of her leg art creations can be seen at Erik Runyan Jewelry, 900 Washington St., in downtown Vancouver. Cox was inspired by a story she read on the Children's Center website regarding a teenage girl who loved to write, especially about fairies. "She suffered from depression and anxiety and as those issues grew stronger, she was no longer able to write," Cox said. "After getting help through Children's Center, she was able to not only pursue her writing, but she became an editor and found great happiness pursuing her goals." The leg is dedicated to the writer. "It features a forest scene with a beautiful fairy sitting peacefully, high in the tree branches -- to symbolize growth, freedom and happiness," Cox said. Additional "Legs About Town" can be seen at Beaches Restaurant and Bar, The Rock Wood Fire Pizza and Spirits, NW Personal Training, Vancouver Marketplace (Art on the Boulevard and Java House), Shorty's Garden and Home, Angst Gallery/Niche Wine Bar and Rand Jewelers, all of Vancouver, and New Phoenix Casino, in La Center. The public is encouraged to view and vote for their favorite leg artwork. All of the legs will be sold during a silent auction at the "Glamorous Gams" event Saturday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m., at Vancouver Hilton Hotel & Convention Center, 301 W. Sixth St. Ticket prices start at $40 per person. The Children's Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency that provides mental health services for children, youth and families. For more information, contact Kim Hash, director of development, at 699-2244 or KimH@thechildrenscenter.org or visit www.thechildrenscenter.org.

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