This past spring, a unique community partnership generated a substantial donation earmarked for the RFC’s 2008 Family Gathering (click here to learn more about RFC Gatherings). Art as Witness: Capturing Community Values, was a benefit art exhibit organized by the Eastmont Art Fund (EAF), a partnership between a frame shop/art gallery business, and local visual artists, in the region near the RFC’s office in Western Massachusetts.
The juried show attracted entries from 26 diverse and gifted artists. The winning piece was the linoleum block print pictured here, entitled, “The Faces of Katrina” by artist Leni Fried. In a statement about the work Leni wrote, “When I first saw the photographs from Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, I could hardly believe my eyes. All the people who were left behind were people of color. They were the ones who didn’t have the cars or the bank accounts to evacuate…For a short while, Americans were forced to see the have-nots in this country and our government’s inadequate response to them. My intent with this piece is to keep these faces visible.”
Buyers purchased both originals and limited-edition prints of “The Faces of Katrina.” The artists received commission on the sales, and the EAF donated the remaining proceeds, totaling $3606, to the RFC. This gift was used to hire talented local artists to lead cultural workshops at the Family Gathering in August. See the RFC’s Spring 2009 newsletter for a full report on the event. (Click here to see the RFC newsletters.)
Prints of “The Faces of Katrina” remain available for sale at a cost of $100, with a portion of the proceeds going to the RFC. In addition, a $25 calendar featuring the winner plus 11 of the jury’s other favorites will be available for sale shortly. Calendar sales also will benefit the RFC.
To view the show online, visit the EAF website (scroll down the page and click on the Art as Witness image.) The calendar selections are designated. To purchase a print or order a calendar, please contact the EAF at (413) 529-9265 or artfund@eastmontgallery.net.