In Corey's purses and in the pockets of her coats and pants, three things are constant: lip gloss (probably Burt's Bees, made in North Carolina), a disposable cigarette lighter, and a bobby-pin the color of her hair. Not the dark brown nor the black, but the hard-to-find blondish bobby pins to hold back her silky golden sheen. She had the most beautiful smile, lip gloss or not. I never saw her apply lipgloss except in winter, but I am finding it in most of her coat pockets.

Corey's birthday is August 12, and her dad has created a way to honor Corey's life, her love of art, as well as her own artistry. 

His tribute is the Corey Anne Celebration of Women in the Arts, and this year marks the second annual event, Aug. 4 - Sept. 10 at the Florence Thomas Art School in Ashe County, NC. 

The event is funded through gifts to the Corey Anne Fund established by the art school. Corey and her brother and sister were raised initially in Ashe County, and the Corey Anne Celebration of Women in the Arts celebrates female artists in Ashe County.

Sponsor of the event, the Paul and Florence Thomas Memorial Art School, is a 501 C-3 Private Foundation with the mission to provide resources for instruction, exhibition, and experience in the fine arts, master crafts and heritage crafts for Ashe County and the region. Corey would really love to know that this goes on in her name.