This month, Cheryl Mauzer posted something unique on the Sun City Wildflower Lake Facebook page: a picture of a beautiful chalk drawing of Lady and the Tramp sharing that classic strand of spaghetti.
“I saw this walking this morning; beautiful chalk artwork. N21. Someone sure is talented!”
The post generated comments with residents remarking on the talent of the unknown artist, and the search soon began for that artist. Finally, the mystery was solved by a post by Mary Kay Prindiville, which said, “It’s the daughter of the people that live in that house. She is my niece. She has been doing chalk art thru the COVID stay at home and just gets better every day. Check out her Facebook page Bridget Erion.”
Erion’s parents, Kris and Bob Ash, recently moved to Sun City during the quarantine.
Kris said, “I did not realize how talented Bridget was until she was in middle school. She had taken an art class and I was amazed at how talented she was. Bob and I have no artistic talent. Somehow all our kids have inherited a creative gene.”
Bridget Erion’s rendition of this iconic classic scene from Lady and the Tramp.
Erion’s twin sister, Stephanie, is a very talented graphic design artist. Her brother, Doug, creates comical superheroes, and another brother, Pat, is a photographer.
Kris said, “My talent goes as far as drawing stick figures.”
Erion explained her work.
“I started the chalk drawings in my driveway during the pandemic. I was homeschooling and started drawing again. I had drawn a giant Chutes and Ladders for my son Bennet in my driveway. You can see some of my drawings on my Instagram account thebridgechalks shows all my chalk art,” she said.
Sun City resident Kris Ash (middle) with twin daughters Bridget Erion and Stephanie Genc.
Erion’s artwork during the pandemic not only included beautiful drawings, games but positive messages.
Erion said, “I wanted to give hope to everyone. I designed and drew colorful messages like ‘Look on the bright side.’”
Art survives through every disaster, but more importantly, drawings like Erion’s helped neighbors to endure the pandemic and find some relief through the beauty of her drawings.
“I love the one of Bennett, my grandson, in the mouth of the Crocodile, Tick Tock, Tick Tock, from Peter Pan. You can find that on the Instagram page,” Kris said.
Where does Erion get her inspiration?
“I belong to private groups on Instagram and I pick up tips and it is a venue to ask questions. I learn from others and we share ideas and resources,” she said.
Erion’s talent extends to sculpture. She won first place for her snowman, Snowy the love bear, in a recent contest in St. Charles.
Erion is working with Sun City to create a chalk painting for all residents to enjoy. Erion is available for hire to brighten someone’s celebration, a birthday, an anniversary or a neighborhood get-together. She can be contacted at irishbridge@yahoo.com for more information.
