Doing our share...

What a week.. It seems that the stars are in major need of realignment, between Lucian Freud's passing(which, after consideration, seems the least disturbing of all events considering his age), Amy Winehouse's death,

the state of famine finally declared/recognized in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, the shooting in Norway, all that while here we can't seem to be able to reach any consensus on the debt crisis...

It seems like we all need to put something good out there to counterbalance the mess and make next week a better one.. So let's do our share:  make art, give something, do something nice for someone, and be thankful..

Stitch + Connect.. (oh oh, look what I got..)

I had a little weakness today.. I can't remember how I landed on Zakka Nouveau blog but it didn't take me long to buy this cute tote:

Now I could spend time justifying why I needed another bag or tote, but most of you wouldn't believe me. However, what I'm sure you will approve of is that

1) it's all handmade by Satsuki in L.A.
2) it's part of her inspiring "stitch + connect" project, where, until the end of the month, she makes one item a day which sales proceeds will go to an Aid organization in Japan (you chose which one);
3) there's no better way to spend money...

Oh, and last but not least, it looks faabulous...

So there.. And watch out, if you want one, we're less than 2 weeks til the end of April so don't wait!  Visit her blog here everyday for her latest project.

Thanks Satsuki!

Art For Japan Fundraiser - Boston

I am organizing this art fundraiser and it's gradually picking up speed... I am totally amazed by all the artists who are contributing some artwork, the quality of their work, and their generosity.  We're over 40 artists so far, and I expect we'll reach 50 in no time.. Proceeds of the sales will go to various relief organizations who do work in Japan.

Please join us on Facebook here and feel free to pass the word. I'm trying to post images of the artwork as they become available, so check back often. If I knew how to put the Facebook "Like" button here, I would...but somehow my brain is not getting it... So will you please go there and "like" us?

And of course, if you are around, please come to the event on

Friday May 6, 2011

6-9 pm

Gallery 535

535 Albany Street

Boston, South End

I'm in the process of researching the best aid organizations to contribute to and welcome any input. I know a lot of you out there are involved one way or another. 

Stay tuned for more info as we get closer to the event and please support aid to Japan in any way you can.

I'll also do another post very shortly about some fun ways to help that I found here and there.

Have a great week.

Japan

My heart goes out to the people in Japan right now, and I hope that the next few days unveil better news.
Another devastating reminder not to sweat the small stuff,  but appreciate & respect what we have, really..

Please consider a donation to one of these organizations if you haven't donated already.

Glimpses of Spring: Jennifer Judd-McGee

It looks like we're getting another foot of snow here in Boston but I could not care less.. I discovered the newest works of Maine artist Jennifer Judd-McGee (to whom I was first introduced to by Lari Washburn) and they make me feel happy and hopeful... Spring is coming!

 

If you are in the Northeast, you can see Jennifer's work in the Enormous Tiny Art Show at the Nahcotta Gallery in Porstmouth, NH, from February 3rd through February 28, 2011.  Or you can visit her most inspiring blog Swallowfield, or her Etsy shop here.

Oh, and through her blog, I discovered this amazing organization called Craft Hope . Check them out and maybe you'll want to get involved.. they are another example of people who make huge differences a step at a time. They are currently gathering birthing kits for Haiti (Project 11). 

 I like the quote on their website too: 

"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself."
— Andy Warhol

So there - to Spring, Hope and Giving..