We love to hear how artists are engaging their artwork to meet needs in the world. We believe their stories are worth telling and hope you enjoy hearing about them as well.
Artist: Jon Baker
NonProfit: Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation
Funds Raised: $3,000
AidCurrent Artist Jon Baker was recently chosen to chair the inaugural Art for a Cause supporting the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation, held on August 11, 2016 in Margate, New Jersey.
Six artists were invited to participate in this event showcasing and selling their art with proceeds benefiting the DRCF. a charity that offers financial assistance to those who are battling cancer.
Title: One Last Dance
Size: 20″ x 16″
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Artist: Matt Beard
Funds Raised: $350
Benefiting: Save the Waves
AidCurrent artist Matt Beard recently completed this piece on location somewhere on the California Coast. Painting outdoors, in “plein air”, has been Beard’s preferred way of working these days. “Why be in the studio, when I could be here” he says, pointing to the scene around him as he quickly sketches out some foliage. Birds are chirping, the breeze is blowing, and we have to agree. In fact, the more we think of it we just may move our AidCurrent office out in “plein air” as well.
This particular painting of his was done after a 3 week road trip all over San Diego, where he painted nearly every day, with every single painting being a commissioned request from area collectors. But this one was different, instead of going straight to a collector he left it with his friends at Save the Waves Coalition for them to auction at their annual fundraiser in San Francisco, where it was nabbed for a deal, but still raised $350 for the group’s ongoing conservation efforts.
There is something fitting in working out in this pristine environment and using that work to help preserve pristine places like this all over the world. Full circle.
Artist: Erik Abel
Funds Raised: $655.75
Nonprofit: Save the Waves
AidCurrent artist Erik Abel recently designed a series of posters commemorating the five most recent World Surf Reserves that Save the Waves has protected through their programs. The regions they have worked to preserve are some of the most beautiful in the world. Add to their beauty a few quality waves and you have an recipe to inspire any artist worth their surf wax.
Erik Abel answered the call of inspiration and went above and beyond with this series of posters designed to bring attention to the work that Save the Waves is doing around the globe. The fact that these posters are raising critical funds for Save the Waves to continue their work only makes the symbiosis that much more meaningful.
Each poster features an iconic symbol of the location, honoring both the break and the local culture. The posters are being sold here through Save the Waves to raise funds for their ongoing conservation work. Abel has generously agreed to donate 75% of sales of these incredibly epic posters to Save the Waves. Get one while you can!
Artist: Jon Baker
Funds Raised: $9,150
Nonprofit: Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation
As he has done for the last few years, AidCurrent artist Jon Baker participated in this year’s Paddle For A Cause, a 22.5 mile course around Absecon Island, New Jersey to benefit the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation.
You know the drill, everyone paddling is encouraged to get sponsors to donate to the cause and a friendly competition is born around who can raise the most at the event. Being an artist, Jon Baker doesn’t think inside the lines and instead of just soliciting donations, he offered raffle tickets to win one of his original paintings. Art as a secret weapon. Sneaky bugger. WE LOVE THIS!!
When the dust settled and it was time to paddle, it’s no surprise that Jon was the top fundraiser at this years event. Due to extremely difficult wind conditions he (like many others) was unable to complete the paddle this year, but his stoke was nonetheless undeterred, “the real race was won by being able to raise money for those who needed it most!”
We love Jon’s art, and we proudly salute his creative and generous spirit on behalf of those facing cancer today.
Stoked to have this fellow on board. You’ll dig what he’s up to with his art these days… stay posted for more soon!
