Tim Vandenack, Standard-Examiner

SYRACUSE — Syracuse artist Carol Flitton doesn’t paint just to hang art on her walls or sell to collectors.

She is increasingly using her talents to brighten the walls of area police and fire stations. “I have such a passion for our military, police and firefighters,” she said.

First responders face intense pressure on a routine basis, they deal violent crime, deadly car crashes, destructive fires and more. So Flitton has started donating works to Northern Utah police and fire departments to add a dash of beauty in places where grim news can dominate.

When they return to their stations after responding to a trying situation, she wants them to be able to decompress. Flitton’s art work, she hopes, allows police and firefighters to “connect with the beauty of life.” Landscapes and close-ups of flowers are a favorite focus.

Beyond that, her efforts are meant as a show of respect. “They don’t get, in my opinion, enough respect and admiration for the sacrifices they make,” she said.

Tim Vandenack, Standard-Examiner

Flitton, who works out of a studio in the basement of her home, recently donated a piece to the Ogden Police Department. She’s also donated paintings to the Syracuse police and fire departments, the Kaysville Fire Department, the Layton police and fire departments, the Clinton Fire Department and more.

“It’s the first thing you see when you walk in and it helps to brighten everyone’s day,” reads a message of thanks from the Kaysville Fire Department from 2020 for a donated painting from Flitton.

Other recipients include the Huntsman Cancer Institute and the Davis County Library system.

Flitton is largely self-taught and loves the process of turning a blank canvas into art, not knowing “what it’s always going to be.” Art, for her, is also therapeutic. “It gives me peace,” she said.

Though landscapes and flowers are a big focus, she also creates paintings with an old world touch and recreates known pieces of art. Oil is her preferred medium. “Oil is so much more flexible and forgiving,” she said.

Tim Vandenack, Standard-Examiner

Her late first husband, who served in the U.S. Air Force, inspired Flitton’s strong sentiments toward first responders and the military. At the same time, art, for her, isn’t about personal acclaim or selling lots of pieces. “For me, I always wanted to make a difference,” Flitton said.

She teaches art out of her home and one of the big messages she imparts to her students is to persevere and pursue their passions.

“I really feel God’s gifted me with talent,” she said. “I feel so blessed in my life.”