- Nancy Smith Hopp
- http://www.ruthvansickleford.com
- Nancy Smith Hopp enjoyed a long career in marketing communications for health care, education, and not-for-profit organizations. A lifelong resident of the Aurora area, Nancy pursued her education at Aurora University where she earned a B.A. in Social Sciences and an M.S. in Business Management. She has been an active community volunteer for more than 40 years and is the recipient of several local and national honors for her achievements. She served on the board of the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame for 14 years, and is currently a trustee for The Conservation Foundation based in Naperville. Nancy's book, Warm Light, Cool Shadows: The Life and Art of Ruth Van Sickle Ford, was a 7-year project and self-published. The 177-page hardcover book, designed by award-winning artist and author Wendell Minor, is an affectionate in-depth look into the life and art of one of the Midwest's best watercolorists. Illustrated with 75 color images of Ford's paintings and 30 candid photos, the narrative is part biography, part diary, part lesson, and part tribute. Nancy lives in her childhood home with Enzo, her late husband's therapy cat. She and her family enjoy water sports, cultural arts, auto racing, and the great outdoors. Her experience covers the full range of publications, including more than 40 "growing up" stories for her grandchildren. She is currently compiling a collection of invocations. She accepts free-lance writing assignments, and gives customized talks to both youth and adults.
