One of the most rewarding aspects of what I do is the opportunity to support the arts. Sometimes this involves donating money to worthwhile organizations, and sometimes it consists of donating my time or one of my paintings. I was recently invited to create and submit one of my paintings to be included in an auction to raise money for the Artists Changing Tomorrow (ACT) International Invitational 2014 exhibit. It is an international project of the nonprofit Arts for Rural Texas based in Fayetteville, Texas. Over 100 pieces of artwork will be auctioned on Saturday, March 8, 2014.
Artists from across the country and Canada have sent in original works for the auction. American artists from 15 states have also contributed. Works include traditional media such as oils, pastels, acrylic and watercolor paintings and photography. ACT is the inspiration of internationally known Texas artist, Karen Vernon. She contributes much of her success in life to her early childhood experiences in art education. “In the face of ever-shrinking funds allotted to the arts in schools and communities, I decided artists of today must act to support programs which nurture the environment needed for future generations. If we do not give, who will?”
Ms. Vernon is ecstatic about the artists’ responses to her request for original art for the auction. “In 2013, I invited Pamela Mangelsdorf and over 100 other known professional artists from around the country and abroad to create and donate an 11” x 14” original art piece. These are well established, highly recognized, professional artists who exhibit and sell their work in galleries to collectors and the public. The response and support from artists has been incredible. We are thrilled that Pamela’s beautiful watercolor ‘Burrowing Owl’ will be included in the exhibition.”
ACT, founded in 2010, has raised over $100,000 in its previous exhibits. All of these funds have been used directly for furthering educational and cultural experiences in communities that would not have these opportunities. Art develops creative thinking, improves communication skills, improves learning skills, creates leadership traits, and, in general, elevates the human experience.
The exhibition preview, information on the artists and their artwork and bidding information are available at: www.act4art.com.
Related Local Note:
For those of you in the greater Phoenix, AZ area, I’ll be participating in the local Whole Food Market’s “5% Community Support Day” as described below. This is a very generous benefit for the Sonoran Arts League and well worth your time to drop by. I’ll be there from Noon – 3 p.m., but other artists from the Sonoran Arts League will be there from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
What: Shoppers can take advantage of Whole Food Market’s “5% Community Support Day” to benefit the Sonoran Arts League. Shop for wholesome foods on that day, and 5% of the store’s sales will be contributed to the League. Shoppers can also enter a drawing to win original works of art or may purchase “mini masterpieces” created by local talented artists. Each one-of-a-kind “mini masterpiece” is a 2” x 2” signed original; it could be in oil, acrylic, glass, metal, or other medium of the artist’s choice and comes with its own mini easel for display. Artists will also be on-site to offer demonstrations of their special talents, and to answer questions.
When: Tuesday, March 4, 2014 from 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Where: Whole Foods Market located at 7111 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, 85054 (from the 101, take exit 34 Scottsdale Road; turn right onto N. Scottsdale Road; turn right at the first light onto Mayo Blvd.)
Why: Whole Foods Market holds community giving days (otherwise known as “5% Days”) where five percent of that day’s net sales are donated to a local nonprofit or educational organization. The Sonoran Arts League was selected to benefit from the 5% Days which will give a boost in furthering its mission to give to the community by promoting art, artists, and art education through leadership and service in the belief that an artistic awareness is essential to the well-being of life.