Don Chapman (1948-2003)

A Big Life.

by Emily Chapman Thompson

Where do I start…

An artist. Master craftsman. Painter. Log Builder

Teacher. Leader. Lover of God and people.

A big tree with deep roots and a strong trunk and fine fruit. Producing harvests of nourishment to those in need of something simply good in this world. Owning the admiration of passersby and gleaners. Not without imperfections, but weathered and scarred enough to be relatable and real.

My Daddy. 

Don Chapman was a man with little earthly wealth, but rich in some of the most meaningful ways. As a small child I was in awe of his greatness, blessed with the comfort of his shade and held by the strength of his branches. Sadly, just as I was beginning to know him as an adult, his life was cut short and I lost the opportunity to fully have a connection to the artistic roots from which I came.

My desire is to cultivate those precious roots by meeting folks who would surely have been like-minded friends to my dad- artisans and craftsmen with big hearts and great stories.

Can’t wait to share this journey with you! Be sure and follow along….

 

Snow, Steve. “Artists Create One Special Christmas.” Mecklenburg Neighbors, December 1, 1991.  

Emily Chapman Thompson

Emily is the Chairman of the Board and CEO of One Special Christmas (OSC) and the daughter of the late Don Chapman, the founder of OSC. One Special Christmas is an all volunteer orgnaization sustained by artisan donations for more than 35 years. OSC helps provide a special Christmas for families in need of Christmas cheer each year. The aim is to share Christ’s love in a big, tangible way.

The Southern Artisans Blog is a personal journey to meet artisans, get to know them more, and highlight their work and life. 

If you are a Southern Artisan and would like to be highlighted, please contact me.