By Ruth Haesemeyer
ruthh@neighborsgo.com

When Elizabeth Bingham of Farmers Branch was going through a difficult time about seven years ago, her sister Lynn Reagan talked her into taking mosaic classes with her to give Bingham an occasional, needed break.

Out of that sisterly care came not only a collaborative mosaic for their mother, but also a shared career as artists.

The sisters now create works, both together and separately, that have appeared at a wide range of shows, including an exhibit at the Farmers Branch Manske Library that continues through July 30, and the upcoming 2010 Red Bull Art of Can exhibition, scheduled July 31-Aug. 22 at Galleria Dallas.

Both grew up in Farmers Branch and graduated from R. L. Turner High School ― Bingham in 1972, Reagan in 1973. Reagan now lives in the Little Forest Hills area.

What is it like to work with your sister?

Bingham: Could not work with anyone more easygoing than Lynn —we can argue —but in a nice way.

Reagan: Rewarding; my big sister has always been there, but it’s different now that we are older and can appreciate each other as individuals.

What is your favorite piece that you two have made together and why?

Reagan: Our first piece, “Flowers for Mother”, because this is the one that got us started doing art together.

Describe your sister in three words:

Bingham: Friend, free-spirited, detail.

Reagan: Helpful, giving and talented.

Is there anything you’d love to see the two of you accomplish?

Bingham: To sell one of our large mosaic sculptures

Reagan: Yes, do a permanent and larger piece of art here in Dallas.

When you’re not creating art, what do you like to do?

Bingham: Walk with friends and golf with hubby.

What are you passionate about?

Bingham: Family

Reagan: The freedom to be able to create art that is beautiful and expressive but not offensive.

Do you have any stories about growing up in Farmers Branch?

Bingham: Playing kickball in the neighborhood on Onyx Lane and still getting together with some of the old neighbors.

Reagan: Everybody knew everyone when we were growing up in Farmers Branch. You could not get away with anything. If you did something at school, your mother knew about it before you got home. … P.S. The friends made while living in Farmers Branch are still my best friends.

What inspires you?

Bingham: New techniques in art.

Reagan: The laughter and smiles.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Reagan: Art comes from within and we all have it, but for some (like me) it takes ‘till we are much older and wiser to find it.
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Ruth Haesemeyer is the Carrollton/Farmers Branch/Addison neighborsgo editor and can be reached at ruthh@neighborsgo.com or 214-977-8024.