As an RFC supporter, you probably are aware of the value the RFC places on the Arts. We believe that artistic expression can serve as a therapeutic outlet in our beneficiaries’ often-turbulent lives. We also recognize art’s powerful role in building community, especially within progressive movements. So it is with great pleasure that we share news about an exciting community partnership involving the Arts: the RFC has been selected to be the 2008 beneficiary of the Eastmont Art Fund (EAF). Click here to visit the EAF's website.
The EAF is a unique project that creates a mutually beneficial connection between community organizations and artists in Western Massachusetts, where the RFC’s office is located. The EAF produces an annual, juried exhibit open to visual artists in the local area. This year’s theme is “Art as Witness: Capturing Community Values.” Unlike traditional benefits in which the artists are expected to donate their creations with no return, proceeds from the sales of this show’s original work and of a limited edition print of the winning piece will be shared between the participating artists and the RFC.
The Art as Witness: Capturing Community Values exhibit opened on February 16th and will run through March 22nd at Elusie Fine Art Gallery, 43 Main St., Easthampton, MA. This eclectic and thought-provoking show is composed of 30 original works in styles including expressionism, realism, symbolism and even abstraction.
You may view all 26 entries on the EAF website. If you are within driving distance of Easthampton, we encourage you to visit the show in person. The winning artwork, “ Faces of Katrina” pictured here along with several other submissions, is for sale by auction. Bids will be taken by phone or email until March 22nd; contact the EAF at (413) 529-9265 or eastmontgallery@verizon.net.
All other original works are for sale until the show closes on March 22nd. Limited-edition prints of the winning piece will continue to be available after the exhibit ends. For questions about the art or to make a purchase, contact the EAF using the phone or email above.
The RFC will use all income it receives from exhibit sales to hire local artists to teach cultural workshops such as visual art, poetry, dance and theater at the Family Gathering this August. As has become our tradition, this year’s event will be held at a progressive summer camp in a rural setting near the RFC office. These four-day retreats have shown time and again the power of bringing together participants who have experienced similar situations as a result of the activist parents’ work for social justice. Gatherings exemplify the RFC’s commitment to building community and combating the isolation that makes activist families vulnerable. Gatherings also reflect the RFC’s belief that kids in difficult circumstances need opportunities to have fun, relax and participate in typical childhood activities. Click here to learn more about RFC Gathering Programs.
To reiterate, the RFC will receive a substantial portion of the proceeds from all sales of prints and originals. We hope our supporters from around the country will consider making a purchase as a novel way to support the 2008 Family Gathering (as well as the vibrant artists who contributed their work to this exhibit).
We are pleased to be involved in this innovative cultural partnership with the EAF and the local arts community and we are especially grateful to receive this support at a time when the continued increase in demand for RFC grants is putting a significant strain on our budget.