Dana L. Lynch was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, graduating from W. W. Samuel High School in 1969. She attended East Texas State University and El Centro College. After working for the U.S. Postal Service as the first female mechanic at the Bulk Mail Center, she became part owner and curator of Horseshoe Haven Antique Store in Mesquite, TX. Over the years she painted off and on for pleasure and for family members, but never realized her excitement and love of art until moving to Athens, TX in 1996. At that time she began volunteering for the Henderson County Performing Arts Center and the Athens High School Theater department, where her youngest child was a student.
Upon her daughter's departure for college, the need to create became her outlet. She was formally hired at HCPAC in January 2004 as the Technical Director. She has helped design and build over 40 sets, has helped design many costumes and props and has received rave reviews for her skills. One prop that she is particularly proud of is a large black swan that was used for the play By the Bog of the Cats at Athens High School. After seeing the prop at the UIL state competition, Baylor University borrowed it for their production. In 2004, Dana put her skills to work to create a “tree of life” for the annual Henderson County Cattle Baron’s Charity Gala. With her love of all things artistic, Dana is also an accomplished photographer and has won several awards for her photography.
Dabbling in creative paint designs for theater stages and props, Dana realized her love of abstract painting only a few years ago, and has worked daily to master her skills. She now paints every moment she can and is making a splash in the art world. Her first entry in an art competition won her first and second place in Abstract Art. In early 2006, entering in the advanced category at the Henderson County Art Show, she received first, third and honorable mention in the Abstract Category. She has been accepted to participate in juried art shows and continues to enjoy this opportunity to not only share her love with others but to also have the privilege to meet and share ideas with fellow artists.
Her creative skills have earned her many other awards over the years including nine Alty Awards from HCPAC, two Best Supporting Actress awards, Best Cameo award, Stage Manager of the Year, Henry McCord award, Applause award and the Technical Excellence award. In 2002 she received the first ever Lifesaver Award from the Athens High School Drama Department for her volunteer time and assistance making props for the department throughout the year.
Dana is now living her dream and loving every minute.
