We have a wonderful organization in Santa Rosa, Becoming Independent, which has served thousands of individuals with disabilities in the North Bay for the past 40 years. This spring they put together a wonderful portrait exhibit at The Gallery of Sea and Heaven. Three photographers from the Becoming Independent ArtWorks program came to the Museum to photograph me. Each man chose a different background, and artist Robert Best combined the photos with his memories of Peanuts from his youth. Bob is well known throughout the community for his unique and talented portraits. He’s won the California State Disability poster contest three times.

I told Robert I really liked the way he painted Linus’ hair. I think he did a great job!

Here is my portrait by Robert Best which is in the exhibition, and the artist.

The exhibition will be up through June 18, 2011, and features an array of community leaders and icons by Becoming Independent and community artists. For more information about the Gallery of Sea and Heaven and the Becoming Independent ArtWorks program, visit http://www.becomingindependent.org/gallery.html.

—Jean Schulz