A Painting A Day

2011-03-15T19:05:00.001-04:00

"Ladies of Liberty" - the original is 30" x 30" and is available for $1000. Limited edition prints are also available - please get in touch for sizes and pricing. Thank you!

Slideshow and Song Recorded for Us!

2011-03-15T18:50:00.003-04:00

This picture slideshow generated with Smilebox

Here are all of the Haiti paintings in one spot (they are 6" x 6"). All originals except for "Ladies of Liberty" shown above are sold, but prints are always available. Thank you for checking it out!

The song in this slideshow is by Frederik Fossum - a singer, songwriter and guitarist in Oslo, Norway. He learned of our fundraising project and re-recorded his piece especially for us with modified lyrics. He has very generously donated any downloads of the song to Save the Children on our behalf. Please visit him at: www.frekk.net

One last note

2010-07-08T13:42:00.003-04:00

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...

2010-06-12T19:31:00.007-04:00

... 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!

2010-04-26T11:58:00.013-04:00

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

2010-04-25T10:49:00.001-04:00

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

2010-04-13T23:30:00.018-04:00

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

2010-04-01T08:16:00.016-04:00

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

2010-03-14T11:00:00.007-04:00

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

2010-03-11T13:23:00.008-05:00

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

2010-03-07T20:32:00.006-05:00

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!

2010-03-07T08:26:00.007-05:00

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!!

2010-03-05T08:23:00.011-05:00

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

2010-03-04T10:11:00.003-05:00

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

2010-03-03T19:46:00.012-05:00

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

2010-03-02T22:34:00.011-05:00

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...

2010-03-02T08:34:00.005-05:00

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

Just by asking...

2010-03-01T23:30:00.007-05:00

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

2010-02-27T16:32:00.005-05:00

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

2010-02-26T13:30:00.000-05:00

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

DAY 31

2010-02-25T22:41:00.000-05:00

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

2010-02-24T12:51:00.000-05:00

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

Paintings are for sale!

2010-02-23T16:50:00.008-05:00

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

2010-02-22T11:17:00.003-05:00

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

The poster

2010-02-21T23:05:00.003-05:00

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

2010-02-21T16:00:00.008-05:00

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

Day 27

2010-02-20T22:30:00.000-05:00

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

2010-02-19T00:15:00.000-05:00

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

2010-02-18T22:10:00.004-05:00

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

2010-02-16T23:37:00.007-05:00

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

Day 23

2010-02-16T17:04:00.009-05:00

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

Day 22

2010-02-15T22:36:00.007-05:00

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

The artists

2010-02-15T22:35:00.004-05:00

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

Day 21

2010-02-14T13:10:00.003-05:00

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

2010-02-13T14:37:00.007-05:00

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

2010-02-12T19:27:00.002-05:00

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

2010-02-12T11:19:00.005-05:00

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

Day 18

2010-02-11T11:37:00.003-05:00

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

Day 17

2010-02-10T08:17:00.004-05:00

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

eBay auctions are UP!!

2010-02-09T17:42:00.008-05:00

I will put as many auctions as I can post today and tomorrow... will post the links here as they're available. (Sorry, but the blogger link function isn't working... will have to cut an paste the urls below until I am able to fix it.)

DAY 1 - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150412894947#ht_775wt_1088

DAY 2 - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150412975132&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_775wt_1071

DAY 3 - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150412977471&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_775wt_1071

DAY 4 - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150412979145&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_775wt_1071

eBay - I retract my rant

2010-02-09T14:46:00.006-05:00

This statement from eBay made me feel all is right with the world for a few more days. I will be listing all the auctions I can by their Feb 12th deadline, starting today!!!

"We are happy to announce that, thanks to eBay, 100% of your Haiti donations made on eBay will reach the relief nonprofits you support.

eBay has agreed to cover all MissionFish processing costs on donations to Haiti relief. Their support will apply to Give At Checkout and Donate Now gifts made from January 13th to February 12th, to the organizations listed in our Haiti relief campaign. It will also apply to donations that result from Community Seller listings created for those nonprofits in the same period.

In addition, the eBay Giving Works fee credit policy still applies, giving Community Sellers a credit on insertion and final value fees proportional to the amount you donate from your listing. Plus, PayPal is waiving their processing fees for donations to a number of Haiti nonprofits. More from eBay about Haiti.

Finally, you should know that the eBay Community has donated more than $600,000 in immediate Give At Checkout and Donate Now donations since last Wednesday. And there are currently 30,000+ listings live to benefit Haiti relief nonprofits, which will also turn into donations once they sell.

We continue to be encouraged by your generosity, and are happy to play a small part in helping you support the relief effort. Keep it up eBay Community!"

Day 16

2010-02-09T10:38:00.004-05:00

Today's painting is another of children in Haiti, called "Hope" with help from Joey in Mrs. Foster's afternoon kindergarten class.

They are not faceless

2010-02-08T13:21:00.009-05:00

An estimated 46% of Haiti's nearly 10 million inhabitants are under age 18, and more than 78% of the population lives on less than US $2.00 a day. The poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere....

Day 15

2010-02-08T11:10:00.004-05:00

Timothy G. (left) and Michael B. (right) as they paint. Today's painting is called "Balancing Act", background by Michael B. (16)

Day 14

2010-02-07T14:23:00.002-05:00

Today's piece is called "The Fountain" with help from Timothy G. (7).

The Boston Globe!!

2010-02-07T09:16:00.004-05:00

It's allll good!

Day 13

2010-02-06T15:30:00.003-05:00

I've been told this project will be in tomorrow's Sunday Boston Globe print version... can't wait!

Charlie T.'s (9) piece begged for something energetic... one of the coolest dudes around. It's called "Skater".

Day 12

2010-02-05T17:32:00.004-05:00

A hectic week of putting this project out there. It's not something I'm used to doing, but it's somehow much easier to push and talk for a cause like this. Yesterday I went to IKEA with a friend to pick up 45 square black frames, a few extra for good measure. Looking at them neatly stacked in my living room waiting for art really hit me... in just a few weeks they will be full of new work and hanging on walls! Seeing the series start to take shape is motivating. So many voices are here already, from the kids that have painted with me to the kids they portray to voices of the children we will help. I run around town with a crazy mop of hair half the time and we're going to know several take out menus by heart at the end of this, but it's good. I'm just thankful it's hat season.

Today's painting is one of a few that will feature Haitian children... it's called "Treasures" with help from Bella (25) in Mrs. Foster's kindergarten class.

Day 11

2010-02-03T22:37:00.004-05:00

Yes, this one's a few hours early and came together more easily than the last one did for some reason. It's called "Let's Fly" with help from Jake L. (3)

Day 10

2010-02-03T09:45:00.007-05:00

I don't know if the scream of laughter that went with this little girl conveys in silhouette, but I've been there and it's a big moment no matter what... floaties, waiting hands and all. "A Leap of Faith", with help from Isabelle (on the left) in Mrs. Foster's afternoon kindergarten class (29).

Day 9

2010-02-02T10:26:00.005-05:00

Today's painting makes me laugh... and cringe. No actual worms were harmed in the making of this one but plenty of the gummy variety are in our stomachs. It's called "I Dare Ya" with help from Bailey F. (13)

The Artists

2010-02-01T21:04:00.004-05:00

At left Samantha L. and at right Eloise G. as they paint

Day 8

2010-02-01T20:45:00.002-05:00

Today's piece is "Chasing the Surf" with help from Samantha L. (21)

Day 7

2010-01-31T15:00:00.006-05:00

There are a few interesting side effects to committing to painting daily, whether it fits or not.
1. That I can, even if it's not convenient or I'm not feeling particularly inspired.
2. I enjoy it. I'm finding a groove.
3. My family can indeed match their own socks. Or in the case of my youngest, search for a certain length, making color and pattern a secondary consideration.

Today's piece is "Sprinkler Fun", with help from Eloise G (10)

Day 6

2010-01-30T12:02:00.006-05:00

Today's piece is called "Dancers Stretching" with help from Calvin (28) in Mrs. Foster's kindergarten class.

Day 5

2010-01-29T17:43:00.005-05:00

Today's painting is called "Kissing Kitty" and the background help is by Toby (26) in Mrs. Foster's afternoon kindergarten class!

We're in the paper... and on CNN iReport!

2010-01-29T17:08:00.010-05:00

What an amazing day. I picked up the The Newburyport Current and wow! Barbara Taormina did a fantastic article about what we're doing. What a boost. And the print version has a full page of color! They ran great photos of kids in Mrs. Whitney's class.

Might have to cut and paste the url here to see the article. For some reason the link isn't working (which means I can't figure it out)...
http://www.wickedlocal.com/newburyport/fun/entertainment/arts/x402459083/Newburyport-artist-works-with-children-to-raise-money-for-Haiti

The CNN iReport was posted by a great friend. It links back here to the blog for full details.
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-400841#

pictured above, Mrs Foster's afternoon kindergarten class from back left: Logan, Sadie, Toby; Middle row from left: Joey, Isabelle, Calvin; Foreground from left: Bella and Colin. (Grant was absent but will show up soon I hope!)

Day 4

2010-01-28T23:12:00.005-05:00

I went into Mrs. Foster's afternoon kindergarten class to paint with these budding Picassos... so much fun to see them deciding what to do and what colors to use. The Daily News came by to take photos. We'll see what comes from it.

The piece today is called "Oops" with help from Emily K. (2)

Day 3

2010-01-27T14:43:00.004-05:00

Day 3 - "Swinging High" with background by Christopher B. (1)

2010-01-26T15:59:00.003-05:00

Ella R. and Patrick L. work on their pieces. Christopher B. is pictured above.

Day 2

2010-01-26T10:45:00.006-05:00

This was fun... the second time I've painted kids playing chess. This one is called "Two Queens" and the background help is by Patrick L. (4)

Day 1

2010-01-25T17:04:00.005-05:00

Today was the first day of painting for me. This one worked well with Ella R's (7) background, and is called "Star Gazing".

Art in Class

2010-01-24T13:49:00.006-05:00

Yep, we got messy! My girls tell me my wardrobe needs more color. Jane did an excellent job of adding green to my otherwise black pants and shoes... splatter = fun in my book!

I just want to say thank you to Mrs. Whitney's class for having me come in. It was a blast! We talked for a few minutes about abstract art and what we're going to be doing with these boards later. Then working in pairs we got down to business. The timing was close... Emma and I were skating across the ice with the trays of wet boards just as the buses arrived. But now I have twenty beautiful, creative abstract masterpieces dry and ready to work with.

Save the Children

2010-01-22T08:22:00.004-05:00

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI (Jan. 21, 2010) — Another large aftershock, measuring 6.1 in magnitude, struck Haiti in the early hours today. Save the Children staff in country in Port-au-Prince heard already weakened structures collapsing. The threats to and fears of children in the disaster zone remain undiminished.

"Children and families are still sleeping in the open, among the rubble. They are very vulnerable — this aftershock would have terrified them," said Annie Foster, Save the Children's emergency team leader in Port-au-Prince.

She added, "We are working flat out to assist them, bringing in supplies and rolling them out to the people who need them as fast as we can."

Save the Children also continues to work on accounting for its own staff in the capital. Those in Jacmel and Leogane have reported in and are safe.

New Child Friendly Spaces Established

This week, Save the Children started setting up the first of many Child Friendly Spaces planned for shelters and camps housing earthquake survivors. Forty children have already been registered and we are expecting another 250 children to start activities today.

These safe spaces protect children and give them a place to play and recover from the suffering they have endured and witnessed. The agency plans to set up an additional three Child Friendly Spaces this Friday.

Said Foster, "We know that children are very resilient. Given the right care and support they can recover from what was a terrifying ordeal. Our Child Friendly Spaces will help children regain a little normalcy in these highly abnormal times and have a chance to come together and play with other children. This is the first step in their long road to recovery."

Save the Children will be receiving six plane loads of supplies with urgently need relief items in the coming week.

Track Star in Training

2010-01-21T17:01:00.008-05:00

Without exception, everyone I talk to about this project is not just excited, but is climbing on the bus! It's fantastic and exactly what we need. Reaching out to the right people to help gather attention and support is on my mind today (actually, every day). The painting supplies we need are in Ben's car, on the way here. And the painting will begin tomorrow... wahoo!

Soon though, I will have to jump a few key hurdles...

First, how to cover the 2.9% Paypal transaction fees when auction winners pay for their pieces. It's very important that the auctions remain 100% donations to Save the Children. (Looking at eBay's fine print on their Giving Works program... Paypal does not seem to be part of this.)

Second, how to frame the work for the gallery showing at the end of the month. The kids will be excited to see their efforts framed and hung in one spot and they deserve the proper presentation.

Third, I need to plan a reception/art opening to celebrate what we're doing!

Fourth, I need a calendar... I'm in denial that it's actually 2010.

Game On!

2010-01-20T19:57:00.003-05:00

I've been in touch with Kimm at the Firehouse Center in Newburyport to host our little show at the end of the 30+ days. http://www.firehouse.org/ The upstairs space is available to us when we need it... amazing! We'll work out details on how to display the work later, but I'm grateful to have the visibility this venue will provide to the cause.

Mrs. Whitney's 3rd grade class at Bresnahan Elem. will be slinging paint (most carefully I'm sure) on Friday. Everyone is pumped, including me. I'll have ketchup bottles full of acrylics just to be sure we give everyone a chance to throw their colors with flair.

Mrs. Foster's afternoon Kindergarten class at the Brown school is going to follow suit next week, probably Thursday. I can't wait to see the paint slinging a bunch of 6 year olds can bring! I might regret saying that.

2010-01-19T12:30:00.001-05:00

Last Friday night I watched Julie and Julia and went to bed with visions of blogs and 365 days of cooking... mashed up with the haunting images of pain coming from Haiti. The next morning as I lay there in a quasi dream state I hatched a plan to help in my own tiny way by painting one new piece of art a day, posting them on eBay and sending what comes of it to a Haitian relief effort.

Because of the movie I thought, I can do that for a whole year, right? But this was before my shower... and before wiser, more sane voices weighed in. My family already does the daily hunt for matching socks and thinks all cheese is orange. So okay, not a year... 30 or so days of painting will be perfect.

My art is of children playing, in silhouette... and kids (usually mine) help me create it by painting the backgrounds, or what becomes the figures in my work. So the idea evolved to work with a larger group of children from our community in support of a cause they can relate to. A few clicks to search the eBay auctions supporting non-profit organizations and I landed on the Save the Children website.

So here we go, the Painting a Day project...

Roughly 34 children ages 5-10 in Newburyport will be involved, a kindergarten and a 3rd grade classroom. Each child will do an abstract 6" x 6" painting in the next week. The kids can then come here to track their special piece from the classroom to the final painting and on to auction. I'll paint daily and maintain this blog with photos to share the process.

The eBay auctions will be put up in batches, all ending at the same time... one week after the last day's painting. 100% of proceeds will go to the Save the Children organization. Once the last piece is done, a gallery has generously donated space to display the work for a week leading up to the end of all auctions. More details will come as they become firm.

Thank you for your interest and support as we begin this journey!

For more information: http://www.savethechildren.org/