We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Linda Tully. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Linda below.
Linda, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My husband and I were ending careers in our mid 50’s and really felt life in general shifting for us. We sold the home we’d lived in for 20 years, moved aboard a 40’ trawler, and left town to travel for a year or two. During the first few months of that adventure, during a time of prayer, I sensed unmistakably that I was to return to Beaufort to begin an art ministry. I might add that I had no idea what that was!! That call came on top of layers of seasons in my life where I encouraged others – through leading a women’s international Bible study for 5 years, to leading a Children’s Ministry for several years, to mentoring a very young teen mom, to leading small Bible studies with friends. Those years were preparing me for what was to come.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At the point of returning to Beaufort a year later, my path became two-pronged. Art ministry was the “mission” but being a fulltime artist was going to be the vehicle.
The church I attend supported the idea of an art ministry wholeheartedly. We were given an area to display 2 and 3d art, we held artist receptions and exhibits, and did book studies together. I found studio space within a couple of months of returning to Beaufort and was very excited at being given the time and opportunity to dedicate myself to my art AND other artists. After about a year, Covid shut everything down.
I didn’t lose hope though. God is faithful and there is a scripture verse I relied on in those very dry years following the shut down; “He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.” Nothing I’m doing, have done, or will do is in my own strength and so I trust God who guides me.
About two years ago my husband and I began remodeling a commercial building for studio space for me and hospitality to artists. Selah Studio officially “opened” in September, 2024. Art ministry for me is no longer at church but has moved out into the community where I live. I still have my original studio space downtown and it’s open to the public. I paint there two or three days a week, and at Selah studio I paint every moment I can, but I also meet other artist there where together we are growing spiritually and creatively.
It’s still art ministry, I just had to “pivot”.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Early on in my Christian walk, when I was first called to lead the women’s Int’l Bible study, I had absolutely no experience leading anybody, nor did I have a lot of biblical knowledge, but the people who asked me to lead it chose me because they believed I had a “teachable” spirit. They were gracious and compassionate and guided me on that incredible journey. One of the qualities that has helped me is that I’m willing to learn, and the leader/teacher in me longs to help others along their faith journey.
As for skill and knowledge, I am still growing as an artist and I don’t believe I’ll ever stop! I seek out other artists whose work I admire and learn from them. Of course, eventually one has to own one’s gift and develop it – honor it – so, show up and do the work, even when facing challenges, either external, or creative. Take workshops or classes if necessary. I also choose to thank the master Artist, God, who gave me whatever measure of gift or talent I might possess, and to do my best work to put out into the world that it might inspire hope.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Now I’m going to date myself! When I was a young girl – 12? – I entered a drawing ‘contest’ in a magazine, and of course I was talented enough to buy one of their correspondence art courses. This was before online learning :). My dad believed in my young artist self and purchased the course for me. (I completed assignments received in the mail and returned them for grading and the next lesson.) Later, over the years while I was busy working and then creating whenever I could carve out a little time, he’d always ask me “how is your art going?” These are just little things, but they inspired me to believe in myself. I AM an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lindatully.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linda_tully_art
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