Nearly twenty years ago, after the death of her father, Carol Pratt was handed the realization that time is dearly precious. She accordingly decided to take action on things that she wanted to try, that maybe had been put off. In turn, she never regretted a moment of this decision.

She started taking painting classes from her husband’s Aunt Aurora (Ginger) Bull. She paints things she likes, such as landscapes. She says, “I especially enjoy painting the beautiful things around Union County. There are plenty of resources to paint from.”

She regularly paints with oils because they flow so easily. Acrylics are used when working with school students as they dry faster and are less expensive. Painting is used as a reward somewhat to the equivalence of making honor roll. Pratt says she enjoys painting and swears that it is much cheaper than therapy and promotes relaxation with a result of something to be proud of.

Over the years, Pratt has taken some classes from Seth Haverkamp. He taught her much about portraits, which is something she had always had an interest in exploring. “When painting you are constantly learning something new which keeps you interested,” she insists.

Looking into other interests, Pratt says, “I choose to not work for money but instead for smiles.” She deservingly considers herself a Professional Volunteer which she finds much more rewarding.

She has belonged to the Big Ridge Family and Community Education (FCE) group for over thirty years and that is where she has learned many crafts. The members teach each other crafts they have mastered. They all enjoy each other’s company and share many laughs. As a group they take field trips to local places of interest as well as hold regular monthly meetings.

Carol is currently President of Big Ridge FCE and Chairperson of Union County Art’s Council. She has resigned from other volunteer boards, but finds herself continually drawn to Union County’s Children’s Charities' Under the Tree. This is a huge undertaking but she says that the blessings are many. “This is the most rewarding position I’ve volunteered for in years. I’m blessed to have many friends who lend a helping hand to this charity,” she says. Other organizations of interest were 4-H when her boys were involved, still gathering a few of the ladies to help in the 4-H Bread Baking Judging. She had severed on many boards and lent a hand where needed whenever possible.

Throughout the years Carol and others in the group have dabbled in a bit of everything crafty, from jewelry making and stained glass to corn-hulk doll making, quilting and so much more. The Union County FCE which is a part of State FCE through UT Extension, has a camp held annually in Greenville where there is opportunity to learn a variety of crafts. If you become interested in visiting an FCE meeting, contact Alyshia at 865-992-8038.

For the past four winters, Carol has shared her knowledge, love and desire to paint with FCE members and anyone additional who wanted to join, for a set of four weekly sessions learning how to paint with oils. It was intended to help get members through the winter months. It is a delightful time had by all attendees with a soothing, uplifting atmosphere filled with smiles, laughter, and well, a few fun messes. This year the class tackled the Grist Mill at Big Ridge State Park which turned out beautifully.

Carol does sell her gorgeous paintings, but can find meaning in the age old saying “starving artist”. She merely sells enough art to pay for supplies. She articulates, “I’m not in it for the money. I get my blessings when presenting a painting as a gift and get to see that priceless smile.” She has the most success selling her bird paintings as all Tennesseans adore song birds. A personal favorite of hers is old barns constructed across the hills and valleys here in the county.

Naturally as an artist, she sees something and grabs a camera to capture the image. Most recently, she was on Hurricane Hollow Road and passed the old Maples place which holds an abandoned house in the woods. The magnificent thing was the woods were full of blooming daffodils, hundreds of them at the least. She took photos and is currently working on a painting to mirror the image. “This is what makes me happy. Life’s too short not to enjoy yourself,” she believes.

Carol has a passion in her heart for Union County and it shows. She finds it such a great place to live and raise a family. She and husband, Ronnie Pratt, raised their children on Union County soil and now both sons love coming back home to the place they were raised. The accomplishments she is most proud of are their two sons, Aaron and Tyler. She finds it a true joy being their mom. They are both happily married and successful with their jobs. They have blessed Carol and Ronnie with grandchildren whom are adored as treasures in life. Tyler lives in Nashville where he works for Batten & Shaw as an Assistant Project Manager. His wife, Courtney, is a school teacher. Aaron lives in Rockford and works for ERISA Services as a Facilitator and 316 Specialist. His wife, Amanda, is a MDS Coordinator at NHC in Knoxville. They are expecting a little girl in May.

In looking at the painting, physically and theoretically, that Carol Pratt has crafted during her life, she serves as an inspiration to those who need a word of encouragement that success is more than what can be seen. Success and happiness are hand in hand and can only be crafted by each individual artist. Enjoy each moment with a smile.