Carla House
Atlanta, GA

The Ladies of Ossabaw exist because of Carla House. She had always wanted to visit Ossabaw Island, so in 2002 she wrote a proposal to the Ossabaw Island Foundation for a group of artists to spend time on the island.

Carla organizes the trip, arranges transportation for everyone, plans all the meals and with assistance from Chantal, prepares all the meals.

It's hard to describe just how much Carla brings to the trip. Meals aren't peanut butter sandwiches and potato chips: She prepares gourment, healthy food and packs the decorations and prizes for "Italian Night" and "Orange Night" and "Awards Night."

When she isn't on Ossabaw Island, Carla is a well-known and highly respected painter and teacher. Many of the Ladies of Ossabaw have been students in one of Carla's classes.

Those who have had the pleasure of hiking with Carla will also tell of her abiding love for wilderness and her bright, adventuresome spirit.

Each of the Ladies of Ossabaw is a unique, creative free spirit: Carla is the Pied Piper of them all.