May 16, 2008 6:48 am US/Mountain
Colorado's Former First Lady Reflects On New Life
DENVER (CBS4) ―
It's been a year and a half since the Owens family left the Colorado Governor's Mansion. In that time, life has brought all kinds of changes for Frances Owens. In January, she and Bill Owens filed for divorce. Frances Owens started a new life filled with philanthropy. She sat down with CBS4's Brooke Wagner to talk about her work.
"I'm actually doing very well. I kind of got in over my head, saying 'yes' to too many things. The best thing is to be able to continue many of the things I worked on as first lady," Owens said.
As first lady, Owens consistently created a special mask to donate to the Mask Project, a benefit for the Denver Hospice. She's recently become more involved in the project as co-chair of the Acquisition Committee, helping secure masks from some of the most sought-after local and national politicians, celebrities, musicians, and artists. For example, Owens was instrumental in acquiring President George W. Bush's signature on a mask painted with the presidential seal. This is the first time a sitting president has contributed to the project.
"I would love to bid on this one. I'm not sure I'd be able to afford it. I think it's up to $1,100 or $1,200 right now," Owens said of the presidential mask.
Hundreds of masks are on display in center court of Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Organizers hope they'll bring in a million dollars through the on-line and live auctions this year. Contributors include all three current presidential candidates, Jenna Bush, George Clooney, Michael Douglas, John Elway, Mike Shanahan, Penny Parker, and many others. Owens' own mask incorporates pictures of the Colorado Governor's mansion, as well as the signatures of Colorado's four most recent first ladies.
"I have always loved art and I have always felt art is a real outlet and I think by creating your feelings, a lot of these are based on families and individuals that have had a reason to use hospice," Owens said.
That includes Owens, whose parents both received hospice care.
"It's a real safety net, and being able to have the professional help, to understand what's happening, and to accept it, I think that's the hardest thing is accepting death at any level," Owens said.
One reason she works for the Denver Hospice is that she is moved by the stories behind the masks. One of Owens' particular favorites in the exhibit is from an Englewood alternative high school. The mask is broken.
"The broken part of this mask signifies ... so many of the kids were broken and they've come together and were able to improve their lives," Owens said.
Those Englewood students joined Owens in actually building the Cherry Creek displays. It's the kind of hands-on work Owens enjoys as she makes a fresh start after leaving behind the mansion and her marriage.
"We've tried to keep things as low key as possible, especially for the kids, and they seem to be doing fine. I have to say, things are better than I would have thought. You never know what's in the plan for your life, but I feel very positive," Owens said.
She worked so tirelessly to restore the mansion and carriage house, it was hard for Owens to leave it behind.
"I miss it a lot. I think the first year that we were out of office, Bill was out of office, I used to dream about the mansion in quirky ways. It was very unusual settings. It must have been a subconscious loss."
As for the very public loss of her marriage, Owens looks on the bright side.
"Actually, I'm just doing great. Kids are great. Life is good."
The masks and their stories can be viewed through the Mask Project website. The Mask Project Gala is scheduled for May 31st.
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