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The Foster Lifson Undiscovered Artists Fund was established by Rachel Ann Foster for the purpose of increasing access to art classes for area children. Foster named the Fund after her own two children. She believes that art enhances life by fulfilling a fundamental need people have for processing emotion, a necessary part of life. “If it doesn’t evoke emotion, it’s not art,” said Foster. She recalls wishing, most of her life, for some type of artistic talent. “But I couldn’t draw, paint, or sculpt,” she said
Foster might never have picked up a camera had she not been diagnosed with Parkinson's two years after her daughter was born. As Parkinson's increasingly affected her life, she had to go on part time disability and work fewer hours. Accustomed to a busy lifestyle, Parker turned her time and focus to photography. Well into middle age, she discovered she had artistic talent after all. Foster seeks to create something pleasant with her camera and to educate with her work. She wants everyone to realize Parkinson's affects more people than they realize. Through art, she hopes to inspire people to look beyond the disease to try to identify with individuals who have been affected. She also hopes her lesson sticks with people when they cast a vote on an issue that affects Parkinson's .
Whether for education or fun, Foster is "very much committed to bringing art into children’s lives". Her husband owns and operates the photography business but the artwork is her own. Photographs from her collection are available at Art Reach in Mt. Pleasant. A significant portion of the proceeds from the photographs sold there will be donated to the Undiscovered Artists Fund. Foster said she does not care if the children who will eventually benefit from art classes have talent or not. “That’s not the point. The point is to bring a bit more pleasure and beauty into children’s lives.”
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