Artist Helen Lavelle was five years old when she saw her first leprechaun while taking a walk with her grandmother, Margaret McGlynn, and her aunt, Marie O’Brien. "He was perched on a tree, pointed out by my Aunt Marie. I imagine I scared both of them a bit when I confirmed the sighting."

A few years later Helen saw colors burst forth in the sky which she knows do not exist. "I was not scared. I was filled up with a feeling of pure love and deep knowing. Unfortunately, there were no witnesses to this event."

"CONSCIOUS CONTACT"

Educated at Marywood University in communications and at the famed Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, in both Fine Arts and Advertising Art, she has garnered countless awards for her creative accomplishments. "My career has been rich and varied. From Philadelphia street artist to courtroom illustrator for high profile murder trials; from promotional artist for John Wanamaker’s to the famous fashion designer Halston; from freelance photographer, writer, television producer, and painter to entrepreneur; from marketing strategist to creative director of her own advertising agency, Lavelle Murray, Inc., to chair of the Council of Governors of the American Advertising Federation.

"I wonder if the leprechaun had a hand in helping me navigate AAF’s 50,000 members through government relations, academic, diversity and economic challenges?"

This high-spirited lass kept her love of Ireland alive by bringing to America an 11-year-old girl who lost her 26-year-old mother. "I spent every dime I had to fund Rachel Rooney’s five return trips. She is bringing her two daughters for a visit next summer.” Helen also made several trips to the homeland. On her most recent visit, she documented The Roads of Ireland. And she now shares this collection with you, that the luck of the Irish may be shared with those who are truly in need.