St. Augustine man using art to help grieving mother whose daughter was killed in crash

A local man is hoping his paintings can help a grieving mother who lost her daughter in a crash.

Alysia LittleJohn, 20, is one of four teens killed in a crash in Gilchrist – she will be laid to rest Saturday.

Michael Sellner’s living room walls are covered with his own paintings.

“I paint these because I enjoy their colors; they’re vibrant, they’re life,” he said.

GOFUNDME: Click here to help with Alysia Littlejohn's funeral expenses 

But he hopes each piece of artwork will soon be on other living room walls.

“There’s always a place for all of us, we just don’t know where it’s going to be at,” Sellner said.

Sellner has a heart to help others and he’s hoping with each stroke he will be able to bring some love and comfort to those who are hurting.

“I knew right away, oh my God I know exactly what she’s going through,” he said.

As Sellner was watching Action News Jax on Tuesday, he said he instantly felt a connection with Elly LittleJohn – her daughter was killed in a crash over the weekend.

“As soon as I saw the pictures of the mother and the daughter together it totally, it bonded with me the way my son and I (were)," he said.

Sellner shares the same pain because a few years ago, he lost his son in a crash.

“We did everything together, and I could just feel that in her, that her daughter was so precious to her,” Sellner said.

As he uses paint to work through the pain, he hopes to help ease another family’s pain – by selling his paintings and donating the money to cover the 20-year-old’s funeral expenses.

“God willing I can help that young lady out,” Sellner said.

If you would like to look at or purchase any of Sellner’s paintings, contact Sellner at 770-883-7867.

Cox Media Group