A sea of white tents will blanket CottonwoodPark in southwest Richardson on Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2, for the 40^th annual Cottonwood Art Festival.  More than 240 artisans from around the country will display wares from jewelry to art.A new artist to Cottonwood is Gary Bachers of New Boston, Texas.

Bachers never dreamed of becoming an artist. For years, the married father of three was a family physician. But that changed in 1987 when at the age of 38 he suffered a debilitating stroke. The effects: losing the use of the right side of his body and robbing his ability to communicate, a condition called expressive aphasia.

“Gary was depressed,” said his wife, Gabrielle. “It’s a stressful thing losing your ability to communicate and the aphasia not allowing him to write either.”

For years he tried every medical procedure possible. As a form of rehabilitation, he began sketching with his left hand and continued hoping for a miracle.

“Finally, one day we realized there was no chance of improvement and no point in spending the rest of our lives trying to get him to speak,” Gabrielle Bachers said.

As a release, he spent hours each day communicating with the world the only way he could – through his art. After three years, he was able to draw with his left hand. Eventually he was doing art shows, with his work selling for up to thousands of dollars.

He titles his exhibits “Silent Conversations,” referring to his ability to communicate through his artwork, which has a nature and universe theme.

“His work is captivating," said Serri Ayers, assistant superintendent of recreation and community events.  "We knew the public would be inspired by him and his art."

The artist, who turns 60 on Saturday, loves meeting the public, said his wife.

“Gary may only be able to say a few words but he says a lot through his eyes and expressions,” she said. “And what others will see when they look in his eyes is a man that is totally at peace.” 

Chris Coats is a neighborsgo community columnist. E-mail her at ctcoats@aol.com.   

MORE INFO Cottonwood Art Festival is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 2-3 at CottonwoodPark, 1321 W. Belt Line Road, Richardson. Admission is free.