One last note

I feel like saying a final thank you to everyone that has been involved in this experience. Just over $7000 was raised! So many people offered their time and talent to make the art and gallery show a success - I hope I've properly thanked each individual. I'd especially like to thank the thirty six young Newburyport artists who played such a key role. They prove that no matter what our age, we can use our creativity to make a powerful difference.

I also just want to recognize that there are many causes that demand and deserve our attention. One could put a finger on any local street map and find dozens of worthy issues. Or back up and run our hands over a spinning globe and we'd find millions, actually billions, of voices that call out for change, for restitution, for peace, for our care. Pretty soon it can become downright noisy as our wallets feel noticeably thinner. I'm as guilty as anyone of narrowing my focus to what's achievable now and right in front of me. So I'm honored this project, for far away Haiti, struck a chord with so many. We took one small challenge and ran fast and strong to help. My hope is that someday soon, we'll be inspired to do it again... and again.

As I type...

... the last of the small paintings from the Painting A Day project are being sold at the Newburyport Art Association's annual fundraising event, called the Artful Feast. Winning bids will be split with Save the Children and I'll be curious to see what we can add to our fundraising total when the evening's done. Art, cocktails and friends... I can't think of a finer end to this incredible project.

Going once, twice... SOLD to the highest bidder!

UPDATE: These three paintings sold for $450 at auction!!

On Saturday (5/1) the Firehouse Center for the Arts will be auctioning three paintings during their annual Derby Day fundraising event. Kimm Willkenson and the entire staff were truly key for us. She jumped in with both feet by offering their entire upstairs (waterfront) gallery space to host the exhibit for two months. Tell me where else we could have found this kind of exposure in a community of vibrant (and totally booked) downtown galleries and prime retail space. Simply nowhere but here. So I'm thrilled to say the winning bids for this trio will be split between the Firehouse and Save the Children. http://www.firehouse.org/L3-shows-other-DerbyParty.html

On the block are: I Dare Ya!, Make Believe, and Oops!





Then on June 12th the Newburyport Art Association's Annual Art Auction will auction the last three. http://www.newburyportart.org/index.html

Whew. It's done! Both auctions will help support programs in Haiti as well as the arts in our community. Score for everyone!

EMT going to Haiti

I recently met an EMT in New York City who has volunteered her skills to Project Medishare in Haiti. (She is there as I write this actually.) Since 1994, Project Medishare is an organization that has been "dedicated to improving the health and overall well being of the Haitian people by re-establishing the health infrastucture and providing access to agriculture, education, clean water & sanitation, micro-credit in several communities in the Central Department in Haiti." The expense of bringing supplies and travel to and from the base in Miami is covered by the individual volunteers and their supporters. So I just want to give them a little plug here, and say I applaud (and support) the enormous effort made by her and hundreds of others who can offer their help in such an extraordinary way.

Six Left

A great friend on the west coast bought a painting (Light Sabers), bringing it to 32 paintings sold. The remaining pieces will stay at the Firehouse Center until the end of next week (4/24). After that just contact me if interested in viewing what's left. The initial push for A Painting A Day is winding down so the challenge now is to find a way to sell out. Three will be auctioned together for Save the Children at the Newburyport Art Association annual June cocktail party fundraiser. (The winning bid will be divided equally between the causes.) We're getting there!

A Few Things

PBS is airing a fantastic program called Frontline Haiti (you can also watch it online anytime at the link enclosed). It's an honest overview - where the country stands since the earthquake and what comes next. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/haiti/

Today I will be visiting Kathleen Klose, a teacher at the Immigrant Learning Center in Malden, MA. Most of her students are from Haiti and she has been very kind to invite me to their International Day celebration. Lots of food, music and dancing... I was told to come HUNGRY! I'm bringing my daughter Emma (9) and we both can't wait. Maybe there's a future collaboration on the horizon! http://ilctr.org/

Lastly, we continue to sell prints of all the paintings. Over 40 prints and 31 paintings have sold so far! Seven originals are also still available and will be displayed at The Firehouse Center in Newburyport through 4/25.

Update

I've talked with and met some terrific people since the reception. Calls and emails continue to come in from people that have seen the show or read about what we're doing. Please get in touch if the project has moved you in some way. It's invaluable to hear feedback and make connections that will help me decide what's next.

All 40 paintings are available as prints, anytime.

A note on prints

Many people have asked about specific prints. I can offer any of the 40 paintings, so if you are interested please shoot me an email. They're all signed limited edition gicleé prints (using archival inks on heavy acid-free paper) at their original size. All come with foam core backing and a clear envelope for protection. This is a great way to continue to support our project and Save the Children.

Hope for Haiti... 9"x9" on 11"x14" paper - $35

Day 1 - 38... 6"x6" on 8.5"x11" paper - $30

Liberty's Torch... two sizes offered
12" x 12" on 13" x 19" paper - $65
30" x 30" (original size) on 36" sq. paper - $300

Post Reception Wrap Up

I just want to thank everyone that was able to come out today. It was absolutely incredible and I am so humbled by the support and good will our community has given to this project and to me personally. I hope I had a chance to thank you in person if you came to see us, but if in the craziness I missed you, please know that your presence meant the world to me, my family and all the artists that participated. More than 200 people attended today's show. In fact, so many pieces sold before we had a chance to start an auction we decided there weren't enough left to do it properly.

I'd like to give out some totals because I am simply blown away....

11 prints sold at the Firehouse... $385
7 prints sold on LocalGinger.com... $245
cash donations/print raffle... $314
27 paintings have sold (16 today alone!!)... $3,900

As of today... $4,844

That number is just extraordinary. There are 11 paintings left and I'm hopeful that they'll go quickly. I'll list them here for anyone that missed the reception and would like to help me sell all the originals and reach our goal of $6000.

Reception Today!

Day 37 - "The Aquarium" with help from Emma R., 3rd grade
Day 38 - "Make Believe" with help from Sadie R., kindergarten


It's finally here!! I hope to see many people there today. Forty pieces are done... these two from just last night.

Hot off the press!!

I ran to pick up copies of The Daily News this morning... and WOW! There is almost a full page of color dedicated to displaying the work and a great article to go with them. Emma took the copy to show her classmates, saying "SO cool!" on the way out of the car. I completely agree. The print version showcased eleven paintings plus a few of kids doing their thing. What a great send up for Sunday. My thanks to everyone at the paper for getting this done so fast... Ian Berry, Sonya Vartabedian, Will Courtney and Jim Vaiknoras. http://www.newburyportnews.com/pulife/local_story_063235050.html

We're also on the website http://www.newburyport-today.com/. Kim Gobbi has been great to work with and posted a write up for us on Newburyport-Today!

Just a side note in case you thought I had it all put together... I was rushing to get ready yesterday for The Daily News photoshoot and in my haste chose to douse my head with an oily coating of SPF 70 sunblock instead of hairspray. It was way too late to do anything about it, so the GIANT photo of me on the front page of today's paper sports the wet look! Ugh. Is it Sunday yet?

Day 36

Today's post is the last day of painting for Haiti!! Il est fini.

This final piece is called "Tea Party" with help from Gabrielle Sergi, a high school senior who has been a student aid in Mrs. Whitney's 3rd grade classroom this semester.

There were thirty six students that participated in this work over the last seven weeks. Two additional pieces were painted during the Haiti project, for a total of 38. (The painting called "Hope for Haiti" which is the print for sale and a 30"x30" piece called "Lady Liberty's Torch").

In addition, I'm happy to announce that two additional kindergarteners are helping me with pieces we'll auction on Sunday for the PTO. Our schools in Newburyport have been huge supporters of this Haiti project and we'll recognize their effort Sunday!

So grand total... forty.

Day 35

This morning I picked up 26 beautiful prints from Paul McDonough with Child at Heart Gallery in Amesbury. They look fantastic. He sat with me and my six year old Sadie in Greta's and I signed and packaged them

to have on hand Sunday. Sadie's hit the chocolate jackpot recently for being such a trooper. No wonder she keeps suggesting I make pastry shops my new permanent office. I then met with Kimm Wilkinson of the Firehouse and Jen Hansen, my volunteer event coordinator, to walk through logistics for Sunday. These ladies sure make this look easy! I can say for sure the reception is going to be a fun, relaxed two hours for all. Okay, maybe not exactly 'relaxed' for me, but I will fake it well. The children are truly the stars of the show.

Today's painting is "Push Me" with help from Miles O'Malley, third grader Bresnahan.

Day 34

Today's piece is called "Karate Kid" with background painting by Jeremy Laliberty.

I have a few more incredible people to thank.... Jen Hansen with Gracious Events stepped into my world today and offered to help me whip it all together for Sunday. She's saving my sanity - no joke. Laura Elias, another great mom and business owner of Oregano's in town, has generously offered food to the reception. Chris Miller from Port Media and Tom Goodwin have helped me get a video clip together and up on our local access channel with VERY short notice. (Look for a 1 minute clip on local TV kids!) And lastly, I needed background music for this video and the longer segment I'll bring on Sunday. After a quick call to a friend in NY, I was put in touch with a talented singer/songwriter in Olso, Norway, Frederik Fossum (www.frekk.net). He and my friend, Rene A Sosa, wrote a song called "Shelter" together. It was perfect as is, but they are now changing the lyrics for us, re-recording it by the weekend, and offering all proceeds from downloads of this new song to Save the Children on our behalf. Simply incredible. I'm going to feature Frederik's music in the longer video at the reception but in the meantime please check out his work on youtube under the name WaxMud. My deepest thanks go to these great people.

You are invited...

Further details: http://event.pingg.com/ArtForHaiti

Just by asking...

I walked into The Daily News today, showed the managing editor (Will Courtney) the poster and explained what we're doing. He was great and within a few hours reporter Ian Berry was calling me to flesh out a story for this coming Thursday's Arts Section. Great publicity makes a huge difference!

Then I walked around town to post a few flyers and ask if some of our local businesses would help us at the reception with food. Starbucks, Not Your Average Joe's, Alden Merrell, Shaw's... everyone I've spoken to so far has agreed to help in some way. There's more running around to do but I'm truly humbled by the generosity of our community.

One other note I think bears repeating... Checks for paintings should be made directly to Save the Children (but handed to me). This means the donation you make is fully tax deductible. Prints have to be handled differently than paintings however - please inquire.

Save the Children works in many countries where children are at risk. For instance they've mobilized an emergency response to the Chilean earthquake, where almost 300,000 children could be affected in the most severely damaged areas. From their website: "You can help Save the Children respond to emergencies around the world that put at risk the survival, protection, and well-being of significant numbers of children. By contributing to our Children's Emergency Fund, you enable us to prepare and respond immediately to children and families who urgently need our help when disasters strike."

Day 33

Today's piece is called "Bunny Exam" with help from Lexi Simmons, a 3rd grader from the River Valley Charter School. I thank all the parents from the RVCS that answered the call for student painters on very short notice - we got it done!

Day 32

Today's piece is fun - called "Sack Race" with help from Zachary Britz, from River Valley Charter School.

DAY 31

Today's piece is called "Ride 'Em" with help from Jillian Gray, 3rd grade. I'm riding out to the end myself... paintings are almost done. I must admit I'll be ready to stop. So much is yet to do in order to pull this off. Preparing for the reception and benefit is next. Great people and amazing kids are helping along the way. We can use more if someone's out there itching to lend a hand - it will be welcomed. It's all worth it when you hear our young painters say they want to reach out and help Haiti.

Day 30

Today's painting is the 2nd from the River Valley Charter School - called "Splash!" with background styling by Caroline Pasti.

Paintings are for sale!

I just want to clear up some confusion about how you can support us by buying artwork! Three ways... buy a painting for $150 now by getting in touch with me... buy a painting the night of the reception and live auction on March 7th... or buy a limited edition print of the painting pictured at right.

Here's a slideshow of Day 1 - 25 to see in one place:

Make a Smilebox free slideshow

1. All unsold 6" x 6" paintings are for sale for $150, framed. You can contact me at any time to purchase your favorite(s). As pieces sell, they will continue to hang in the Firehouse gallery space until the end of the exhibition, which is March 21. Checks for these paintings can be handed to me, but made out to "Save the Children - Haiti Relief". This means the paintings are fully tax deductible and 100% of the purchase goes to the intended nonprofit.

2. In addition to the 25 pieces that are hanging at the Firehouse for sale right now, I continue to paint daily. Those additional paintings (Day 26 - Day 36) will be available to purchase the night of the reception on March 7th in a live auction format.

3. Limited edition prints... signed gicleé prints of the painting seen here will also be available on LocalGinger.com. The prints are 9" x 9" on 11" x 14" heavy watercolor paper and will be available through LocalGinger.com for $45 (includes shipping).

Please contact me for more details if you are interested in paintings or prints.

Day 29

Today's piece is called "Light Sabers" with help from the first of our River Valley Charter School elementary students, Turner Britz.

The poster

I painted an additional piece last week of three children linking arms as they walk through their tent village in Port-au-Prince. The image will be available as a limited edition print. Please save the date, March 7th at 2:00 to celebrate and support our effort at the Firehouse Center in Newburyport!

Day 28

Today's painting is called "Hula Girl" with background by Jane Hillhouse.

Day 27

Twenty five days of art are hung and I must say, it looks great! Between the framed pieces I've mounted photos of our kids painting for this project as well as children in Haiti... in makeshift school settings, playing and receiving medical care. Save the Children has set up large child-safe zones (day camps) intended to feed and nourish the minds and spirits of thousands of children safely each day. The photos are powerful and hopeful and the similarities between all these children cannot be missed.

I continue to paint, and will add the final pieces to the show before the reception and benefit on March 7th.

Today's painting is called "Pasta Fun" with help from Allison B. (22)

Day 26

Hanging the show beginning today! Will continue tomorrow to capitalize on the audience at the Firehouse Center all weekend. Today's piece is called "Blow!" with help from Landis T. (1)

Day 25

Today's piece is "Mother and Child" with help from Kasey (15).

It's been a holiday week here and I've continued to paint daily but the details in posts have been sparse. I'll go back shortly to add the faces of my lovely collaborators from the last few days.

Two new things... in the last week I've spoken to several families from the River Valley Charter School here in Newburyport. On Monday they will paint a handful of new boards. I'm excited to add children from another of our schools in this effort. Also tomorrow I will begin hanging the work done so far at the Firehouse Center... 25 pieces plus two larger paintings I've done during this painting a day effort. It's finally coming together!

Day 24

Today's piece is "Firefighter in Training" with help from Conner (9).

Day 23

Today's piece is called "Darn Zippers" with help from Ahmed (11).

Day 22

Today's piece is called "The Recital" with help from Emma R. and Day 23 artist Ahmed E. is on the left.

The artists

Day 20's Sarah C. painting on the left and Day 21's Logan is on the right.

Day 21

Today's painting is the 3rd I've done of children from Haiti, with help from Logan (31) called "Let's Play". The boy's smile was priceless but obviously the tone changed after making it a silhouette. Don't let this tiny lion's small body fool you.

Day 20

All the paintings I've done so far are lined up across my dining room wall behind me as I paint. It's hard to believe I'm 3 weeks into it. This project really is a journey, and as much for me as anyone else.

A few days ago a friend shared some photos he'd taken at the base of the Statue of Liberty. Several are on his website dedicated to a grass roots effort to keep Lady Liberty's torch lit eternally as a symbolic beacon of hope. I decided to paint two of these photos for this fundraising series one small, and one on a grand scale (30"x30"). Please contact me if you are interested in a print of this painting, "Liberty's Torch". To find out more about the proposal to keep the Torch lit 24/7, please visit: http://libertytorch.org

Today's piece is called "Quiet Moment" with help from Sarah C. (12).

Bidding

There's been some bidding on the 4 pieces listed with eBay. Woohoo!! And I've had questions asking when the rest will be coming up....

For the moment these 4 are all that I'll post. It's sad, but eBay's fees for charity auctions are typically 25% and I just find that unacceptable. (They did waive transaction fees on Haiti relief auctions listed by today however. But new listings after today will see the regular fees apply.) Regardless, 100% of the 4 auctions up right now will indeed be going to Save the Children. That's what's important.

I'm negotiating a few ways to sell/auction the remaining pieces so please bear with me... they will be available soon!

Day 19

Today's painting is "Chef in Training" with Colin from Mrs. Foster's afternoon kindergarten class.

Day 18

Today's painting is "Super Girl" with background by Alexandra T.

Day 17

Today's piece is called "Lady Liberty" with help from Sadie.