How it All Began

The Mission Trip to Lantern Hill in El Zorillo, Mexico, was life changing, deepening my love for children even more.

The Mission Trip to Lantern Hill in Ensenada
(El Zorillo), Mexico, was life changing, deepening my faith and my love for children even more.

Welcome to Sleeping Baby Portraits, an idea born out of a fundraising effort to support a Mission Trip to Lantern Hill in Ensenada, Mexico. The reaction to the portraits was, and continues to be, so positive, that we decided to offer the portraits to a broader audience.

I’ve designed sets, created murals, painted furniture, taught art, done corporate portraits, and won awards, but my favorite endeavor is painting sleeping babies.  Even if the “baby” is several years old, there is a universal innocence present when children sleep, and it is that quality which captures my heart and imagination.

Working with a capable assistant to complete a mural to help brighten up an outdoor bathroom which was without running water.

Working with a capable assistant to complete a mural to help brighten up an outdoor bathroom which was without running water.

My first attempt in this genre was a painting of our daughter, which is really ironic since she rarely slept.  Perhaps seeing her so peaceful was what made the experience extra special and inspired my desire to share that moment with others.

Friends and family saw my daughter’s portrait and soon I found others asking if I could do one of their granddaughter, or niece, or son or .  . . .   At about the same time, my husband and I decided to participate in the mission trip with our son and his fiancé.  So, I decided to offer the proceeds from the sale of the portraits to help fund the mission trip.

After returning from Mexico, the demand continued and, Sleeping Baby Portraits was born.


In continuing support of the marvelous work being done, 10% of the proceeds from each completed portrait will be donated to Lantern Hill to support their work in Ensenada, Mexico. To learn more about how the program helps to educate children in order to break the cycle of poverty, please visit the Lantern Hill website.