10 Most-Beautiful Finalist: Susan Sommer-Luarca

Age: 41

Occupation: Artist

Background: Susan is from Billings and has lived in 417-land for all but three years of her life. She currently resides in Springfield with her husband, E.J. Luarca.

Tell us why you love 417-land.

I was born and raised here and want to stay grounded here. I am forever grateful for the support I have received throughout the years from my many friends and clients here in 417-land.

Tell us about your community involvement and volunteering. (Please tell us what organizations you’re involved in, what you do to participate and how long you’ve been doing it.)

Board Member for Alzheimer’s Association–Southwest Missouri Chapter, four years. I began the first “Memories in the Making” art therapy program, for the Alzheimer’s Association Southwest Missouri Chapter. I was Honorary Chair for the Springfield “Memory Walk” in 2008. I am partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association to begin a program here called “Memory Room Project.” I will guide high school art students in creating pleasing wall murals for late-stage dementia patients.

SSL4HABITAT (Susan Sommer-Luarca for Habitat) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2006 by my husband, EJ, and me. Our mission is to “Preserve Wildlife and Habitat Through Sharing Art and Education.” I paint huge murals from small towns to inner cities that bring awareness to wildlife and habitats of all kinds. We invite schools and adults to watch and ask questions.

What makes your community involvement worthwhile?

Being involved with the Alzheimer’s Association has greatly benefited me in my role as caregiver. My father battled lung cancer for 18 months, and my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. As their caregiver, getting involved with the Alzheimer’s Association meant learning more about Alzheimer’s so I could better assist them, as well as staying informed on all the latest research and therapy.

Mom began painting with me at the gallery, and I saw that it was great therapy for her. I found out that the Alzheimer’s Association had a program in California called “Memories in the Making.” The program uses painting as therapy for memory-loss patients. I began the first “Memories in the Making” program for our chapter two years ago, and I am thrilled to see many patients thrive with the opportunity to paint to express themselves, as well as create beautiful memories for their loved ones.

Hobbies (Go ahead; list them all! And tell us why you love them.)

Traveling to events with my husband, EJ, and our dog, Blue, because it is always an adventure.

Painting. It’s always nice to paint.

Horses. Anything to do with horses.

Creative writing, especially children’s books.

SSL4Habitat. As a muralist for Bass Pro Shops, I realized what an impact art could have on children and adults alike for our environment. In conjunction with traveling to the events in my career, we schedule these SSL4HABITAT murals along the way. It is my passion to paint these murals, and we have several scheduled for 2008.

Are you involved in any professional organizations? (What are they, what’s your role, and how long have you been doing it?)

Alzheimer’s Association

Springfield Arts Council, member, three years

Participant of First Friday Art Walk.

NTRA Charities: I help the National Thoroughbred Racing Association raise funds for charities like the Disabled Jockeys Fund (Jockeys disabled by racing accident) and the Barbaro Memorial Fund (created to raise awareness and money for equine health and safety). I help with my art and personal appearances for events they put on.

Belmont Childcare Association’s Anna’s House: It’s a school built for the children whose parents work the backstretch of Belmont Park Race Track, in Elmont, New York. I help with my art and am currently planning a mural for Anna’s House to be unveiled in June.

What’s something that might surprise us about you? (Or a story you love to tell.)

I was pursuing writing while serving an internship for communications at Walt Disney World in 1989. That year, MGM Studios was opening in Orlando, and it was suggested that I go to MGM to audition for the part of Ma Durango. I got the part and opened the studios as the crazed, 1800s female bank robber. For several months, I robbed a bank in a Wild West show and then blew it up with dynamite. Escaping the fire, I would then shoot a tour guide, hijack his tram of 600 tourists and entertain them at gunpoint until I was captured.

Opportunity then led me to West Hampton, Long Island for a summer. I attended Broadway shows for inspiration in New York City, while creating art in the Hamptons.

I soon moved to Jackson, Wyoming, and won the lead part of Prudence in a comedic theatre show, Beyond Therapy. The popular show sold-out for six weeks. But, It was also in Jackson where I was commissioned by a restaurant to paint my first mural, and I was also commissioned to paint LIVE Ski Art for Buffalo Trail Gallery. I never auditioned for another part after painting professionally in Jackson. I found my heart and passion in art.