As daytime television viewers are aware, the much-loved Today host Kathie Lee Gifford is leaving her post on the “fourth hour” of the program, to pursue a new chapter in life, filled with acting, directing, singing and more, based in Nashville. As one would expect, the countdown bon voyage of the ebullient host has been filled with trips down memory lane and many special moments.
A couple of days ago, KLG offered a special parting gift to her host and dear friend Hoda Kotb. After some fanfare, she unveiled a piece of commissioned artwork of Kotb and her beloved daughter Haley Joy. The gift was the work of Nashville-based artist Sydney Clawson.
It was obvious the art triggered an emotional response from the recipient. It immediately reminded me of the outstanding artwork of Sheridan Greer, a gifted artist from Ponca City, Oklahoma, our home town.
While I know Sheridan works hard on her drawings, I also believe that her talent is truly a gift from the Divine. On two occasions, I have offered up photos that Sheridan has transformed into works of art—I imagine the same process was used with Hoda’s painting. Sheridan has an uncanny ability to replicate digital photos—to the amazement of even the most particular New Yorker! This sketch was well-received by my friend Robert Landy, a distinguished professor at NYU. He shared the snapshot of a beach trip, with his children, and immediately I knew I wanted to give him one of Sheridan’s drawings for his next birthday.
Sheridan is a busy wife and mom to three littles. Look at some of her beautiful work in the video below. May I just say, Sheridan is responsive in requests and her reasonable prices make these precious gifts affordable for all. No doubt, her work will become an immediate family heirloom. Visit her website here.
p.s. I can’t help but note that our favorite Today show hosts both have connections to Oklahoma. Hoda Kotb was born in Norman, home of the University of Oklahoma, and Kathie Lee Gifford attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa.