Artist Steve Boster donates portions of his sales from his paintings to Fisher House Foundation. As a retired ER doctor, he believes in the importance of having family nearby during medical emergencies. His brother-in-law, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Oates, suggested that he donate to Fisher House Foundation.
Artist Steve Boster has been generously donating commissions from his paintings to Fisher House Foundation for over 10 years.
Based out of San Angelo, Texas, he paints out of a studio at the Chicken Farm Art Center. Steve’s style ranges from realism to early impressionism and he uses vivid colors to depict mostly North American and African animals. He has visited many countries on hunting trips which is where the inspiration from his work comes from.
“I've probably hunted in Africa like six times, and I've probably hunted in Canada probably six or eight times. And then I've hunted really all over the western part of the United States and Texas and Mexico and New Zealand,” said Steve.
After a 33-year career as an emergency room doctor, Steve has a good idea of how important it is to have family nearby during a crisis. He is also especially proud to support those who serve, such as his brother-in-law, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Oates, who commanded the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan. Steve witnessed the impacts multiple deployments had on his sister and her husband.
“Painting the pictures and having Fisher House get the money, gives me a huge sense of purpose. And it's a pleasure,” he shared. “People say they know I was an ER doctor, and then they say, well, that painting is relaxing. And I say, no, it's not really relaxing. I said, it's very challenging, but relaxing is not the right word.”
Along with the family connection, San Angelo is located near Goodfellow Air Force Base and there are multiple military installations within a couple of hours of the town making it a popular area for retirees. When Steve speaks with his customers, he finds many have had experience with Fisher House.
“Many of the active duty and veterans I’ve talked to knew of or have used Fisher House facilities. Many complex injuries like major burns or IED related amputations will require multiple surgeries over multiple months, and the families have used one of the Fisher House facilities for months at a time. There are over 100 facilities, each capable of serving many families at a time, and it's just a wonderful, wonderful charity,” he explained.
These testimonials along with Fisher House Foundation’s high charity ratings are all reasons Steve gives to Fisher House Foundation through his artwork.
“I asked my brother-in-law what the best organization to give money to was. And he said, every dollar that's given to Fisher House, over 92% of it, goes to their mission of housing families of injured or ill veterans or active-duty soldiers,” he explained.
Steve proudly supports Fisher House Foundation on his website www.steveboster.com.
