Pictured on left: Fay Falany (second from right) and her family with artist Brenda Harris Tustian (third from left) and Reinhardt President Mark A. Roberts, Ph.D. (center)
Brenda Harris Tustian, a world-renowned local artist, intricately created a painting in honor of Reinhardt President Emeritus Dr. Floyd Falany (1936-2025). Titled A Christmas at Reinhardt, the painting features Santa reading a book about the University. A closer look reveals even the smallest of details has a reference to Reinhardt, including the names of founders and buildings, the Honor Pledge, the original campus building, an eagle, the Hagan Chapel, and athletics. The gift behind Santa’s chair features the Falany name.
Fay Falany, Dr. Falany’s widow, and her family enjoyed the painting’s unveiling on December 15, 2025. Tustian stated, “Dr. Falany is the inspiration for this painting. He was one of the first people I met when I moved to Cherokee County. He was such a special person, who made everyone feel important. This painting reflects his love of Reinhardt, and I am happy to make this presentation.”
Fay reacted, “It’s hard to put into words how meaningful this tribute is for us especially in such a tender and difficult season. To have Floyd honored with a painting – by an artist he loved – feels incredibly special and deeply touching. He was such a remarkable man, and he is missed in ways that still feel overwhelming at times.”
Known worldwide for her watercolor paintings of landscapes, animals, and Santa, Tustian started creating Christmas-themed paintings in 1992 for her first grandchild. Her work has won numerous awards, and hangs in the Falany’s home, the White House, the Pentagon, and the Georgia State Capitol. Most recently, she presented one of her creations to Dolly Parton. Many corporate and private collections also include paintings by Tustian, and they are recognizable on tapestries, porcelain, puzzles, and Christmas cards.
The painting will hang in the Reinhardt President’s lobby so visitors, staff, faculty, and students may all enjoy this work.
-By Suzy Alstrin
