Jarell Portrait of Jarell Christopher Seay by Helene Halstuch
From Jarell’s mother Cheryl Seay: Jarell Christopher Seay born June 2, 1992 and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which is known as the City of Brotherly Love. He grew up in a loving home with his mom, dad, and older brother Joel who he looked up to. He lived a rich and fulfilling life. It was not uncommon for the Seay family to take their boys and their buddies to the Jersey shore, family outings, shopping, Broadway plays, holidays in Florida, and to church. Family fun times were endless, and love abounded where ever they traveled. Love and Laughter was and still is the family motto. The Seay home was the place to go when you needed help. They are givers and always supported the community. After dinner on Easter Sunday April 24, 201, the family suffered the most horrific tragedy one could ever experience. They witnessed the life of their youngest son transition right before their eyes to senseless gun violence. Jarell did not get the opportunity to graduate from high school, marry, or have children. Yet his legacy lives on through their work of the non-profit organization established in his honor and from this beautiful painting created by artist Helene and the Souls Shot Project. We are grateful to you for telling our story without words. In all you do, Let LOVE Be the Power that Rules You!
From the artist Helene Halstuch: “Jarell is still with us, and he is everywhere” are the words spoken by his father, Joel,that inspired me to paint this portrait. I started to know Jarell through family stories and photographs, his laughter which could never allow anyone to stay angry at him, and his love of family and friends. Included in this portrait are the places and people that were important to Jarell, his parents Cheryl and Joel Seay, his brother Joel, Wildwood and Philadelphia, and some of the children who have benefited from the foundation, created to honor his memory, which hosts many events in the spirit of peace and love and also helps families impacted by gun violence. As it is called the Jarell Christopher Seay Love and Laughter Foundation, I wanted love and laughter to be the essence of the painting.
My own anti-gun sentiments have lead me to the Souls Shot Project and thus to the life of this young man, whom I never knew and now feel connected to with deep affection. I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet Joel and Cheryl who work tirelessly to make our city a better and safer place.
From the curator: This beautiful, small portrait tells Jarell’s, and his family’s, beautiful story. In an illustrative, narrative style. We see so many of the things important to Jarell. His large, smiling face presages the energy that the Seays have put into his eponymous foundation.
Jarell Portrait of Jarell Christopher Seay by Helene Halstuch oil on panel 14.5” x 22” 2017
