Local artist and teacher wins place in prestigious art show
Betsy Henn talks art, tree houses, and Walt Disney
By Lizz Harold Staff Writer

LIZZ HAROLD/Sentinel Photo Betsy Henn and her grandson Aiden Hall play at a sketching table inside the Artist Common.

"I don't like to do the norm. I like to do the bizzare," At 62-years-old, local artist Betsy Henn knew artistry and creativity wasn't just a talent; it was genetic.

"I started when I was twoyears old. Mom set me out on the porch with finger paints," she recalled through fits of laughter. "Dad had just painted the porch white, so I painted the porch too! I was so proud of myself."

Introducing Henn is as simple as saying her last name. The daughter of Betty Pierson and P.J. Henn, she has grown up in and around the famous Henn theatre in downtown Murphy.

"Film has been such a grand part of my life," she remembered fondly, from growing up under the red marquee, to running the theater for 20 years for her father in his later years. Though her father has since passed on at the age of 99, she often credits him with her early interest in artistry.

With her father's advice, "You can't eat on a fine art degree," she pursued a commercial art degree in Sarasota, Florida at the Ringling School of Art for three years. Graduating in 1967, she was hired by Hallmark Cards.

Unfortunately, a twist of fate in her last year at school changed her life.

"Here's the sad thing," she said, "I was in line to be interviewed by Walt Disney when he died."

The interview that could have rocketed her into her dreams never took place because of Disney's passing. However, the tragic turn of events led Henn back home to teach art for 30 plus years.

"Art never leaves you. The muses are always there," she said with a smile. It was clear that whether working with Disney or local children she was satisfied to express herself regardless.

Henn's latest muse came to her in the form of a tree house. On an eight by eight piece of canvas, she painted her favorite tree house for a contest that landed her in an art show in Martha's Vineyard.

Her art will be up for display with other contest winners who entered their pieces to the Tree House Studio Galleries. Henn is confident that if her art is well recieved by the studio, she could aquire a place in their gallery.

Though her last name is as recognizable as any landmark in town, she isn't an artifact by any means. Henn continues to work, paint, and teach at the Artist Common in downtown.

Interviewing Betsy Henn wasn't just a question and answer session, but a genuine experience that any local should take part in. She loves to discuss her latest dreams, art work and her favorite philospher, her grandson Aiden.