Local Woman Helps Fund Homeless Shelter Art Program by Selling Original Pocketbooks
Five years ago, an eight-year-old child and resident of a homeless shelter presented Stephanie and Joel Markel with her artwork as part of a thank you for the Markels’ long-term financial support for and involvement in the Homeless Health Initiative (HHI), a volunteer outreach program run by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). It was that gift that became the inspiration for the PEC (People’s Emergency Center) Art Program at CHOP and now Stephanie Bee Bags, which helps fund the art program.
Stephanie Markel, Morganville, a retired dentist, incorporates her love of art by handcrafting pocketbooks, each a one-of-a-kind, unique piece of art. Markel says, “The leather is beautiful and high quality. Not only are they manufactured in this country, but the leather and hardware come from here as well. Every bag is unique, and each is made with an inordinate amount of love.”
Markel has studied art her entire life, first as a teen at the Brooklyn Museum and then as a college student. Although she completed all the premed and dental requirements, she majored in art. Markel said, “Art is more than a hobby but I can’t quite call myself a professional artist although I have sold a limited amount of pieces. I now study at the Art Student League with the most amazing talented and passionate artists.”
Dr. Stephanie Shuman-Markel, DDS, graduated from NYU Dental School in 1983. She was a resident at the Brooklyn Veteran’s Administration Hospital in 1984. Recently she gave up her practice of dentistry to pursue her dream of being a full-time artist. Markel leads an art class in an inner city shelter for battered women.
Her husband Joel is the founder of Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services (PHHC), Eatontown, a company that provides a wide range of medical and non-medical home health care services from pediatric to geriatric care throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/HandbagsByStephanieB?ref=l2-shopheader-name to view and buy pocketbooks created by Stephanie Markel. For more information about Stephanie Bee Bags or Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, contact Lisa Gallicchio, director of community relations, at lisa@preferredcares.com, or call 732-547-9886, or visit PreferredCares.com