GREAT ART, GREAT WINE, GREAT CAUSE!

The Art Of Giving 2012: Philadelphia

About the Project

Inspiration: The Love of Place. Regardless of culture we all draw inspiration from the places that surround us, and carry those places with us throughout our lives. We are seeking a group of artists from the Philadelphia area to create artwork centered on this theme. The artwork will be featured online followed by a Artist Reception in Old City Philadelphia. Wine labels will be created from each work of art. The bottles will be available online for a donation to Philabundance, the region’s largest food bank and hunger relief organization.

Dates:

Jul 15th – End call for entries (50 artists)

Sept 17th – Artwork due date (DIGITAL ONLY)

Oct 1st-Oct 7th- ONLINE EXHIBITION & FUNDRAISER
Pre-orders taken for wine for one week only. Note there is a limited amount of wine so first come, first serve!

Nov 11th – Artist Reception in Old City Philadelphia
NOTE!!! No original artwork will be displayed at the reception, only digital artwork slideshows, and lots of yummy drinks and food. All wine to be pre-ordered online and only pick-ups will be permitted at the reception.

Artwork Details:

SIZE: VERTICAL FORMATS ONLY!!! Your original artwork must be 8 inches wide x 14 inches high. Only artwork at these dimensions will be accepted. Delivery is a HIGH RES DIGITAL VERSION ONLY (300 dpi), to be sent via email (preferred). If you do not have a quality scanner then please have it scanned at a service center (kinkos, staples, etc). No “photographs” of the artwork unless they are professional photographs of a 3-dimensional piece.

NOTE: be sure to hold onto your original artwork, we’ll also offer the option for you to sell your original artwork online for interested buyers, you’ll keep the proceeds! We may also have an opportunity to display the original artwork in another gallery in the near future.

THEME: Inspiration: The Love Of Place

MEDIUM: You may work in any medium, however ARTWORK CAN NOT be created on anything thicker than 1/16″  (in the case there is a formal exhibition in the near future). If your original artwork is 3-dimensional, please submit a photograph (see above)

PHOTO/BIO: A photo and brief artist bio is requested for our brochure (online form to be provided)

ARTIST FEE: We request a donation of $20 per artist to help cover exhibition and promotional costs (payment details to be provided).

Artwork Due Date: September 17, 2012

ARTIST SIGN UP IS NOW CLOSED

Please be sure to come back and check out our artwork!

FAQs!

Who owns the rights?
You own the right to your artwork. However, by agreeing to participate in this project you agree to allow (no name) Art Group, the right to reproduce your artwork (whether via web or in print) in any (no name) Art Group  related promotions.

Can I sell my artwork?
Yes! Your artwork is yours, so you can sell it for whatever price you’d like. Keep in mind the (no name) Art Group keeps a 40% commission. You are also free to sell your work and donate the proceeds to our beneficiary, Philabundance. When donating your proceeds, (no name) Art Group will not take a commission. More details will be provided closer to the exhibition,

What kind of wine will my label be on?
Any kind! Note that there will be a variety of different wines, so it’s recommended you don’t tailor your artwork to a particular kind or type of grape.

Can I incorporate text?
Sure, if you like and if it’s part of the artwork. Note that the label template will already include your name at the bottom and the project date (see visual).

How will guests purchase the wine?
Pre-orders will be taken for wine one week only (Oct 1st-7th).  Note there is a limited amount of wine so first come, first serve! NOTE: All wine to be pre-ordered and only pick-ups will be permitted at the reception (Nov 6th)

How many artists are participating?
There is an estimated 50 artists participating for this project in Philadelphia, however we have branched out! Please see The Art Of Giving 2012: Kansas City

Where does the wine come from?
The wine will be provided by Chaddsford Winery. Chaddsford Winery, located in the beautiful Brandywine Valley to the southwest of Philadelphia, is Pennsylvania’s largest and best known winery. More: www.chaddsford.com

Total votes: 2154

1. Marie Gilligan votes: 132 (6%)

2. Christina Hess votes: 777 (36%)

3. Amy Lehr Miller votes: 72 (3%)

4. Karen Shelly-Genther votes: 256 (12%)

5. Corina St. Martin votes: 713 (33%)

6. Cathey White votes: 204 (9%)

NOTE: The grant recipient will be awarded based on:

25% of highest voted (online poll above)
75% of highest voted (selected panel of judges)

The winner will be announced Friday, December 30th.

1. Marie L. Gilligan

(no name) Artist since 2002
Requested Amount: Full Amount

Artist Statement: Please accept this letter in application for funds to be used to establish scholarships and to provide materials for on-going art classes for senior citizens provided at Friendship Circle Senior Center, Yeadon, Pa., and an economically depressed area of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Having taught watercolor classes at Friendship Circle Senior Center for the past four years, I recognize that many center members, who are on fixed income and would like to learn watercolor techniques, cannot afford the modest fee or basic materials needed for the class. Friendship Circle Senior Center, under the authority of Delaware County Services for the Aging, administered by Delaware County Council, supports and administers the program. With the current national economy crisis, funding is ever dwindling. The art program includes watercolor painting that I teach, Pencil Drawing, Calligraphy, Adventures of Color, Framing, Poetry Forms and Elements and jewelry making.  Thank you for your consideration of the application for resources that will enrich the lives of many senior citizens.

More info:
Friendship Circle Senior Center
Director Christine Helmandollar
1515 Lansdowne Ave, Darby, Pa 19023
610-237-6222 or chelmandollar@scs-delco.org.

2. Christina Hess

(no name) Artist since 2007
Requested Amount: $1,200

Artist Statement: I would like to use the funds to assist in my visit to “Spectrum Live”. “Spectrum Live” is a convention dedicated to the best in science fiction and fantasy illustration which is being held this spring in Kansas City, Missouri. My main goal is to obtain a booth in order to show my work to art directors and collectors in the publishing industry. The funds would be dispersed to travel expenses and painting materials. The majority of the grant would be invested into the materials and the creation of original artwork. I am estimating my materials to be around 800.00. Travel to and from Kansas City (by car) is estimated at 400.00. The process for my traditional originals would be comprised of printing a digital underpainting out onto archival paper, mounting the print onto masonite, glazing overtop of the paper with oils, adding collage elements such as gold leaf and paper and then finishing the piece by framing it. I would like to take my art to the next level by bringing it above and beyond digital prints. My prior illustrations were created in oils and collage and I would like to get back to my roots while using my current digital medium and execution as a solid base.

See more:
www.ChristinaHess.com
www.ChristinaHess.blogspot.com

3. Amy Lehr Miller

(no name) Artist since 2007
Requested Amount: $2,500

Artist Proposal: In my artistic career, I’ve sometimes balked at following my dreams. Working with the (no name) Art Group has changed my life. Not only have I been honored to help these wonderful causes, but being a part of this collective has given me the inspiration and courage to reach for my most pivotal artistic goals. Over the past year, I’ve been researching the costs of materials that would best help to launch my own business, and to be more efficient in that capacity. In my digital work, I’ve been making due with methods that are insufficient and time-consuming. Beyond my budget are Photoshop software ($600) & a Wacom tablet ($200). For my new online shop, I will purchase business cards and have some shipping costs ($200). For my acrylic paintings, the remainder of the funds would be broken down into paint ($700), canvases ($600) and paint brushes ($200). Once my profits defray the initial material costs incurred, including percentages charged by the website host, I intend to give a portion back to next year’s grant fund, at least $500. I am excited about this new venture, and already I’m devotedly working towards it. This grant money would help me in making this leap of faith.

See more:
Amy’s Portfolio

4. Karen Shelly-Genther

(no name) Artist since 2010
Requested Amount: $2,500

Artist Proposal: I created my business, ‘Something for all Seasons’, twenty years ago. We physically housed a gallery of local artists in downtown West Chester for four years until the economic turn hit. Although I closed the gallery, I’ve continued helping artists with their businesses, both by teaching classes on marketing their art and consulting with them on how to improve what they are doing, and also by finding venues and galleries where my artists can showcase their work. SFAS remains about educating both artists and buyers alike on art. I would like to take my artist representation to another level by increasing my ability to represent my artists by hosting a website, whereby I can use the site as a vehicle to introduce their artwork to galleries and venues, and also where I can physically sell artwork to the general public. I’m currently in creation phase with a web designer, and would use the additional funds to make the business have a greater presence than what I can afford at this time. I believe in local art, and believe artists need to be supported for success to happen. Artwork needs to be available for impact to occur. Getting it seen is paramount.

More info:
Karen’s Resume
Karen’s Accomplishments

5. Corina St. Martin

(no name) Artist since 2011
Requested Amount: $2,500

Artist Proposal: There are so many things that the $2500 gift could go towards, so many wonderful causes and personal dreams could be helped by the generosity of others. In appreciation of this gift, one of the plans that I have is to paint a large wall mural at our local animal shelter. It would brighten up the visiting room where people meet their potential dog or cat.This is something that I’ve been wanting to do for a while and I have the go ahead to do so. The materials would be covered with part of the grant money. Plus I could get some local kids involved! They’ll have a blast! The personal thing that I hope to do is to take part in an art show in either Santa Fe, NM or Jackson Hole, WY. Doing this could give my wildlife art career the boost that it needs and put my work in front of the galleries that I hope to get into. Not to mention being in one of the most beautiful and inspiring parts of the country for a few days! Thank you for the opportunity.

More info:
www.corinastmartin.com
www.etsy.com/shop/CorinaStMartinArt

6. Cathey White

(no name) Artist since 1999
Requested Amount: Full Amount

Artist Proposal: Giving back to individuals and communities is very important to me. Since 1999, I have been fortunate to play a small part in changing the lives of others through the creative process. When working within artistic communities, I tend to encounter a compassion and support not found in many places. There is so much sharing and trading as creative individuals tend to understand and embrace the need for these types of systems. One thing I have not been able to do thus far is have a website created to allow me to utilize technology to expand my artistic influence and reach a wider range of individuals and communities. The (no name) Art Group Member grant will provide the opportunity for me to appropriately compensate another artist to create this website. Additionally, any monies left will be used for materials that allow me to continue to grow as a professional artist (business cards, press kits, and supplies). I appreciate the chance to be considered for this grant and am excited about the opportunities it will open.

The (no name) Art Group Grant was created to award a (no name) artist with funds to pursue or support a personal artistic endeavor. It’s our way of giving back to the artists who have put so much time and talent into our projects over the years.

We encourage all voters to support (no name) Art Group by making a donation. CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE. Contest ends Dec. 28th. Winner announced Dec. 30th

The 2nd Annual Art Of Giving
Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011

Good Art. Good Wine. Good Will.

The (no name) Art Group 2nd annual wine exhibition featuring wine labels designed by over 50 local artists. The bottles were available for a donation to Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization.

Congratulations to all our artists!
FINAL TOTAL RAISED: $6,626

Exhibition & Fundraiser

Saturday, October 29, 2011
12 – 9 pm
B Square Gallery
614 South 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Special thanks to Chaddsford Winery for providing our discounted wine and custom labels!

Artwork Gallery

BELOW: Emilia Apostolova, Erin Berger, Michael Berger, Sherry Berger

BELOW: Kevin Blanchard, e Bond, Courtney Bowman, Phillip Bowman

BELOW: Maureen Bradley, Heather Bryson, Romy Burkus, Krista Carpenter

BELOW: Dee Collins, Lauren Conrad, Corinda Cook, Carol Coster

BELOW: Daniella Deal, Denise Fike, Kate Garchinksy, Marie Gilligan

BELOW: Tessa Guze, Leslie Hanlon, Christina Hess, Deborah Larkin

BELOW: Lynn Latona, Amy Lehr Miller, Sara Lenton, Jennifer Martorello

BELOW: Jeff McCloskey, Linda Mehnert, Bethann Mitchell, Ellen McGuire Morrison

BELOW: Cvetan Nachev, Anastasia Nacheva, Bill Ng, Louise O’Rourke

BELOW: Chhavy Pek, Dolores Poacelli, Timothy J. Prough, Nora Quinn

BELOW: Josh Sears, Karen Shelly-Genther, Antela Smith, Corina St. Martin

BELOW: Nancy Stock-Allen, Stoyan Stoyanov, Marka Suber, Stuart Wade

BELOW: Samantha Vuono, Erik Weber, Cathey White

Reception Photos

Start Date: July 15, 2011
Last Updated: December 7, 2011

GOAL: $2,500

Amount Raised: $2,515

Thank you to all our supporters!

The (no name) Art Group Grant was created to award a (no name) artist with funds to pursue or support a creative artistic endeavor. Help us choose by casting your vote here.

Would you like to make a general contribution to the group? You can select from the following:

(CHECKS/CASH donations accepted, contact us for details)

Bronze Sponsor – $10

Silver Sponsor – $20

Gold Sponsor – $50

Angel Sponsor – $100

(Please note donations are not tax deductible)

READ MORE ABOUT THE GRANT & PARTICIPATING (NO NAME) ARTISTS

[HR] Thank You To Our Sponsors!

Angel Sponsors:

Sherry Berger
William Berger Jr
Heather Bryson
Evangeline & Chuck Bragitikos
Letitia Cheatham
Aurora Deshauteurs +
Jim Kane
Karen Leonard
Stoyan Stoyanov
Eng Wong

Gold Sponsors:

Michael Andino
Srijana Angdembey
William & Margaret Berger
Romy Burkus
Dee Collins
Lauren Conrad
Sarah Gibbs
Sean Gilligan
Janie Gross (in support of Cathey White)
Anne Hess
Debby Larkin
Linda Mehnert
Amber Muhammed
Corina St. Martin
Sandra Webberking

Silver Sponsors:

Emilia Apostolova
Rita Ball
e Bond
Shannon Boutilier
Crusoeden Body
Lysandra Cheatham
Doris Chorney
Corinda Cook
Marilynn Cook
Carol Coster
Kate Garchinsky
Marie Gilligan
Christina Hess ($30)
Kenneth Hess
Amy Lehr
Jessica Mendez
Ellen Morrison
Nikolay Panchev
Timothy Prough
Lisa Reynolds
Angela Smith
Matthew Stuart
Nora Quinn
Marianne Schilling (in support of Cathey White)
Lou Schonder
Cathey White

Bronze Sponsors:

Joseph Handlon
Leslie Hanlon
Jane Kim
Jacqueline Lefranc
Jeff McCloskey
Anastasia Nacheva/Cvetan Nachev
Bill Ng
Anne Seidman
Marianne Schilling
Kathleen Sheerer (In support of Amy Lehr Miller on behalf of her nephews: Isaac and Blaine Sheerer)
Corina St. Martin
Janet Valentine

So here I am branding away our group’s mission statement throughout the virtual world, over and over again I’m reading– Using art to promote positive change in ourselves, in our local community and in our world. Yup, that sums it up, and I like it…but it had really got me thinkin’.

We’ve been spending lots of energy focusing on how we as artists could make a difference in the world, but this was not why I originally started the group. It was first initiated to encourage artists to  make art to be inspired, creative, expressive, to use their imagination and to HAVE FUN (as stated in the How’d This Happen). The group was not attached to any philanthropic cause, I just wanted the talented artists around me to not lose being artists, an easy thing to happen once you hit the “real world”, you know, like by first grade.  These past years our artists have created art, promoted and even paid for exhibition costs out of their own pocket, and never asked for anything in return. So how about now we do something just for them? What if someone gives them a hand?

Thus said, I’ve decided it’s time the group gives back to itself, I am initiating a (no name) Art Group Grant! Funded by us, for us. The purpose of this grant will be to award a (no name) artist with funds to pursue or support a creative artistic endeavor. This can include anything from advancing an art education to purchasing graphic design software. It doesn’t matter, as long as it helps to keep artists being creative, inspired and excited (whether for themselves or their career). That’s what we’re after. The artist will be chosen based on the results of both an online public contest and (no name) Art Group jurors.

“We are all born artists, the problem is to remain an artist as one grows up”
~ Pablo Picasso

Um, and so how exactly are we raising these funds?

Now, I think this idea of a grant is great. However the next step is to figure out how the funds could be provided. As you may or may not know, I’m far from rich (at least not in the cash terms!), so I can not personally fund this entire grant. The group has always had the most success not by requesting large corporations or sponsors for large amounts of money, but by requesting small amounts from a lot every day people. By getting many people to donate just a little…we can raise a lot. And this, as we all know, can make a difference.

Would you please consider joining me in making a donation to the (no name) Art Group Grant?

I know we are all busy, so I’ll keep it simple. I’m asking for just 5 minutes and $10 (or more if you’re inclined!) Each donor will be an official (no name) Art Group sponsor, and your name will be permanently and forever and ever featured on our website.

You can select from the following:

Bronze Sponsor – $10

Silver Sponsor – $20

Gold Sponsor – $50

Angel Sponsor – $100

Please note donations are not tax deductible*

I have over 250 contacts on our member/supporter email list, so if everyone on our list donates a minimum of $10, we will have a significant grant amount of $2,500. Please consider making a donation, and pass it along to anyone you know supporting our group. That’s all we’re asking, for 5 minutes and $10 bucks.

Can you help us out?

Participating Artists:

• e Bond
• Corinda Cook
• Kate Garchinsky
• Marie Gilligan
• Christina Hess
• Natalie Italiano
• Amy Lehr Miller
• Corina St. Martin
• Karen Shelly-Genter
• Cathey White

Current fundraising progress and sponsor list link

*Please note we are NOT a registered non-profit (because we donate our proceeds to registered non-profits), therefore donations directly to the (no name) Art Group are not tax-deductible.

WOW , What else can I do in 5 minutes!?

(Blog by e Bond)

When I was younger I always had these boxes full of inspiration, usually torn pages from magazines, catalogs, anything I could rip out, keep and store. It was the beginning of a lifetime of trying to find the best system to organize my “inspiration” because it wasn’t so much just storing it, but how would I best be able to retrieve it later when I needed to access it? This was a lot for a 12 year old to manage while simultaneously trying to find ways to get her grandmother to let her cut up her good magazines for the “greater good of artists everywhere.”

I am still and probably will always be a huge fan of magazines and print media so my boxes have turned into rows and rows of notebooks filled with plastic sleeves that hold things I find just too beautiful to let go of. Pages upon pages of beautifully rendered typography, photographs, color or just a good quote or idea.  But then things got complicated. Enter the wide world web. Now this magic also comes in the form of website urls not to forget, videos, megabytes and audio files just as much as they do in the pages of old National Geographic issues. Now I need two systems of storing and organizing: a physical system and a virtual one.

Thank goodness for smart people like the folks over at tumblr, pinterest or craftgawker (there is a whole family of these gawker sites by the way). These sites aim to allow you to control and bookmark inspiration all over the web and contain it in one place. These sites can become your go to folder when you need a jolt of beauty.

Some of the sites are specific in their interests meaning they only are cater to certain topics while others allow you to be the curator of your own ephemera.
Pinterest lets you catalog the things you love on your own terms. Just like your favorite bulletin board above your desk, you can “pin up” things online to your virtual boards, note their origins, even share them. Pinterest is also a community based site, like say Twitter, where you can start to follow other people who are saving beautiful things or people who have common interests.

If you are more the kind of person who just likes to window shop great ideas or beautifully designed pages, spend some time viewing tumblr sites (there are millions, here is my good friend jia’s) or make your own tumblr page to curate your own visual ideas into a blog.

Ffffound is also a place where people bookmark images. You need an invitation to save and share but anyone can look around and get inspired.

We Heart it is like fffound but you don’t need an invitation to join the party there. And if you are trying to store and share those videos that you make, well then Vimeo might be the place for you.

So check out these smart sites that are allowing visual hoarders like myself the place and the means to organize their virtual magic boxes. They are also great places to window-shop even if you don’t want to join the fun.

How do you organize your virtual and physical inspiration?
Share your madness, let us know!

e