World Square, a premier shopping center located in Sydney, Australia, recently partnered with creative hot shop VANDAL to commission a sustainable art sculpture. The sculpture was developed by artist Gabrielle Filtz and is titled “Weaving Thru The World”.

“The recycled materials used in the artwork consist of discarded fabrics, ribbons, and rope from old City of Sydney street banners, festivals, and flags – including Mardi Gras festivals. Collected from Reverse Garbage in Marrickville, I loved using discarded materials to create public art, rather than seeing it end up in a landfill.” Says artist Gabrielle Filtz from VANDAL.

World Square Marketing Manager, Marina Zarnitsyna says “Bold, bright, and unique artworks have overtaken the entrances and laneways at World Square, enticing passers-by into the precinct to explore the dynamic mix of over 100 food, fashion, lifestyle, entertainment, and essential service stores. The Spanish Stairs at George Street is one of the highlights of this bold and colorful project.”

Gabrielle Filtz wanted to not only create an oversized public art sculpture but also ensure the artwork could be created in a sustainable fashion. “I’m very proud of the sustainable use of recycled materials,” says Filtz. “I kept asking myself how the artwork can show Sydney, and the wider world, that we are creating a beautiful statement piece and also be mindful of the delicate ecosystem on this beautiful planet of ours.”

After multiple trips to Reverse Garbage in Marrickville, she was sure she had a colorful palette of recycled, reusable mediums to work with.

Filtz used Old City of Sydney street banners, ribbons, rope, and fabrics to create her masterpiece. By purchasing recycled materials from Reverse Garbage, she supported their recycling contributions and also gave life to Sydney’s cultural heritage for art lovers and city-goers to enjoy!

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The group of world-renowned artists includes Aliyah Sidge, Beau Stanton, Buff Monster, David Flores, Greg Mike, Hueman, Kayla Mahaffey, Kai, Mojo, Peter Tunney, Reggie “RAL86” Le Flore, Shepard Fairey, and Queen Andrea. These artists will create digital murals that will be showcased in locations across the US including, Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks United Center, Portland Trail Blazers Moda Center, Sacramento Kings Golden 1 Center, Los Angeles Football Club Band of California Stadium, Miami Heat American Airlines Arena, Milwaukee Bucks Fiserv Forum, Washington Wizards Capital One Arena, Washington Nationals Park, Cleveland Cavaliers Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, San Francisco Giants Oracle Park, Oakland A’s Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, and Times Square in New York City.

Founder of Goldman Global Arts, Jessica Goldman Srebnick, believes “art has the power to unite. It has the power to amplify messages of hope and encourage dialogue. Art has the power to create change. We are proud to work with When We All Vote to bring together 13 American Artists to amplify the importance of every vote and broadcast that message on billboards across the country while also sharing these original works in a vibrant social media campaign. It is a project I am exceedingly proud of. No matter your party, we must do our part to protect democracy, we must all VOTE.”

The murals launched on Monday, October 5th, 2020 featuring the city’s local artist and a rotating exhibit of each digital piece. The focus is to encourage civic engagement and voting among Americans. Each artist was selected for their talent and contribution to art around the world.

Shepard Fairey

“This vote ballot box is a visual call to action that your vote counts. It’s there at the ballot box so when we all vote, democracy really does work!”

Queen Andrea

“The style of my art piece harkens back to retro American 1970’s sassy script lettering that has character and flare. I combined this classic and bold script with colorful 3D block letters to complete the phrase “Vote Loud Vote Proud!”, which is further amplified by bands of gradation color that outline the words. The bold color palette is exciting, fun, and engaging. Voting is so important during any and every election, so I chose a classic retro style to honor the longevity of sustained democracy through voting.”

David Flores

“This piece serves as a reminder of the many individuals that are impacted by our right to vote and how it should not be taken lightly. For me, I often think about my ancestors and the various Black Americans that fought for our own justice and equality, and how this same energy can be utilized for the rights of others—in my current and surrounding communities and for those that will come after.”

Greg Mike

“My WWAV piece is a representation of a vast community of characters all coming together collectively to VOTE. The artwork was inspired by a piece I created in 2014 titled “PEACE OF MIND”, which featured a group of characters coming together to form a Peace Symbol in a similar fashion. I hope it’ll catch some eyes and tell a story of how it’s our duty to hit the polls and VOTE LOUD!”

Mojo

“‘Up 2 Us’ is an exhibition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I’ve Been to the Mountain Top” speech. As we stand on the shoulders of our American ancestors who declared their humanity with the right to vote, it’s our duty to use our voices and ballots to unite and walk side by side into our Peace Filled Promise Land.”

Buff Monster

“Every election year, the stakes seem to get higher and higher. This election comes at such a stressful and trying time for so many, and will dramatically affect how we recover, collectively. Earlier this year, I donated art for some PSA posters that went up around NYC; this project allows me to continue to use my work to inspire and motivate.”

Kai

“I thought using the iconic Statue of Liberty was important because for immigrants it has always been such a powerful symbol of the American Dream and the chance to have a fair and fresh new start. Many immigrants came from poverty and unfair circumstances and the statue symbolize freedom and hope. Go vote and don’t stop pursuing your American Dream.”

Reggie “RAL86” LeFlore

“I see this project as an opportunity to remind everyone on how the incredibly simple act of voting can impact so much more than who we elect for the Oval Office – especially with regards to the many marginalized communities in America that are affected by it.”

Peter Tunney

“Words do matter! Language remains our most powerful tool and form of communication. I like to sit and with each one of these 4 words. Each word is densely packed with meaning—so I like to use words—it’s what I do!”

Beau Stanton

“If we can make some art to encourage a more representative outcome in this election, I am 100% into that. By voting, we are keeping the torch lit and illuminating our ability to imagine progress. Let’s make it happen.”

Heuman

“My design is of many hands holding ballots, their arms draped in green robes that allude to the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of our free country. Textiles play a big part in my work, and this image illustrates that voting is the fabric of our democracy.”

Aliyah Sidge

“So many people have fought for our right to vote. My artwork represents past and present. I hope that it gives people a sense of pride and honor when they view it.”

Kayla Mahaffey

“While making this piece, I wanted to highlight the importance of the youth growing up and eventually being able to vote. They will grow up and be the voices of the next generation and we should all make sure they see this opportunity in a positive light of bettering their future.”

The post Encouraging Voter Awareness Through Digital Art appeared first on Art Business News.

By Nicki Porter

It’s one thing to create art with good intentions: to raise awareness for a cause, grant a voice to the oppressed, or just bring a little light into the world. But acting on those good intentions is another thing entirely.

For Kansas City natives Christina Eldridge and Dawn Taylor, it wasn’t enough to merely talk about bringing change to the world. Both women had journeyed to Africa and seen firsthand a basic human need that wasn’t being met: access to clean, safe drinking water.

So they co-founded Red Dirt Shop, an online marketplace that offers “goods for good.” All products for sale on the site—cellphone cases, water bottles, T-shirts—feature designs by working artists, and every sale provides an entire year of access to safe water for an individual in need, thanks to the store’s partnership with the nonprofit Water.org.

Red Dirt Shop built its business model on trust in a growing group of consumers who appreciate quality products and want to make a difference in the world. Eldridge and Taylor bet that these consumers would be willing to pay a higher price for premium products that support a worthy cause.

It was a smart bet. Red Dirt Shop has been a remarkable—and profitable—success. In 2014, the shop began selling products made by artisans in Guatemala and Kenya, offering job creation and fair wages in addition to clean-water access.

Eldridge recently discussed how the two entrepreneurs successfully combined art and social change.

Art Business News: How did you come up with the idea for Red Dirt Shop?

Christina Eldridge: While working as a fundraiser for a major hospital system, I started volunteering as a director for medical mission trips to Mali, West Africa. While I’ve been lucky to travel internationally quite a bit, this was my first time to go into a country with a purpose, work alongside the local people, and step into their shoes. What I saw were people who were impoverished, uneducated, and unhealthy. I also saw [that] they were joyous, ingenious, clever, and resourceful, and had an enviable sense of family and community.

While poverty is incredibly complex and the reasons for it vary from region to region and person to person, I saw problems I felt I could partner with local people on and make a difference. And it wasn’t about handouts or giving things away; it was [about] finding ways to help these people raise themselves out of poverty. The two areas I thought I could make a difference in were water access and job creation. Water is a basic human right, but nearly 750 million people don’t have access [to it]. If people aren’t healthy, they can’t take care of themselves. Second, it was made crystal clear to me that people want jobs and the dignity of taking care of their families themselves. No one wants to live off of handouts.

I wanted to start something that could scale and grow quickly, and that wasn’t charity; it’s commerce. So Red Dirt Shop is a lifestyle fashion-and-accessories company that donates a year of clean-water access for someone in need with each product sold. Additionally, half our products are now made by artisans in developing communities that are paid a fair wage and are working in safe, healthy conditions.

ABN: Why did you choose providing access to clean drinking water as your cause?

CE: On my first trip to Mali, we traveled to a very small, remote village to have a day clinic. The first person brave enough to step outside the village wall was a little boy around [age] 5 or 6. We walked slowly toward each other, and I could see he was just wearing a ratty T-shirt. As I got closer, I saw [that] his face was drawn, his eyes were lifeless, and he had diarrhea running down his legs. It didn’t take us long to figure out he had a water-borne illness. The village was using an open-top well, in which … the water was a milky brown. Their hand-pump well had broken some time ago.

Can you imagine being this boy’s mother, and your options are to give him water that will almost surely make him ill or let him thirst? As a mother myself, it broke my heart. We found out it would take about $800 to fix their pump, and I was able to raise the money within a day back home. The next year, I went back to the same village, and the boy, Famoussa, ran out to hug me. He was healthy, with full cheeks and bright eyes. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life.

When I knew I wanted to support water access with Red Dirt Shop, I decided to support Water.org. It’s one of the most forward-thinking and respected nonprofits focused on water and sanitation in the world. And amazingly, it is located right here in Kansas City, and I knew a number of people working there. I love their solutions to the water crisis and am happy to financially support them.

ABN: What made you decide to sell custom, artist-created designs? Why was artist involvement important to you?

CE: Well, it’s one thing to create a business idea, and it’s another to make one that is different

and attractive to people. We decided on cellphone covers as our first product: something that almost everyone buys for their smartphone, has a low price point, and is very visible to others. To make it distinctive, we decided to involve artists. Kansas City has an incredibly fertile arts community, and the artists are extremely collaborative with one another. When we started approaching artists—some we knew, some we didn’t—almost all of them said yes; they loved the idea of using their talents in a commercial product that could also help others. Additionally, we didn’t ask them to do it for free. We licensed their artwork for a period of time. Our artist partners have been incredible. They help share the product with their fan base, which is marketing for us, and vice versa. Some have just been fun to work with; others have become good friends.

ABN: How do you balance making a profit with philanthropy? Can you have both?

CE: You have to have profit, or you can’t survive. We are an investor-backed business, so we had to sell the idea that doing good also does good for a business. Nielsen has released three reports in the last five years surveying tens of thousands of people around the world. They show increasing demand for “do-good” companies and show that people are willing to pay more for such products.

With our products, we had to build the cost of doing good into the retail price. That [goal] may take some consumer education because most of the supply chains in the fashion industry are “dirty,” with people along the way being paid too little or the environment taking the cost. Consumers need to know the true cost of their fashion.

ABN: Talk about your decision to sell artisan-created products.

CE: It was always a goal to eventually add artisan-made products once the company got on its feet. It was adding another genre of art to our goods. I sought groups that had the skills and resources that I could work with on designs. That took a lot of time and [led us down] a lot of dead-end trails. But the artisans I’ve found thus far have been incredible to work with. It’s incredibly gratifying to know who is making your products, see what having a job does for them and their families, and then be able to share that story with your customer.

ABN: How do these products get selected for inclusion in the shop?

CE: The artisan products have the same standards as [goods from] any other supplier: quality products, timely delivery, good communication. Right now, we’re carrying beautiful leather bags and other accessories from Kenya. The quality is above reproach. We also just started working with a small village there that makes gorgeous blankets from organic cotton they grow, spin, and weave. And there’s a women’s co-op in Guatemala that uses their skills in backstrap weaving and fabric sewing.

I work with the groups on creating contemporary designs with the skills and resources they have. I don’t want to be like Ten Thousand Villages, which sells the indigenous products you might find in a local market. The products we have are loved for their beauty and design, and the fact that they are made by artisans in developing communities is a delightful surprise.

ABN: What has reception been like for the shop, in terms of both artists and consumers?

CE: Incredible! The visual artists [enjoy it for] different reasons: they like the interesting vehicles their art is placed on, such as phone cases, water bottles, and apparel; what their art is supporting; and that they are fairly paid for the licensing. I think the artisan groups like seeing what they make sold in America and [having it] be so well-received.

Consumers are ready to spend their money on quality products that aren’t harming people or the planet and support companies that use their power for good. They also love the story they can tell when someone compliments them.

ABN: Have you found marrying social impact and art to be a good match?

CE: I think that people who like our products love art, and when they choose artful products, they’re choosing to represent who they are. That [idea] ties in with the social impact as well; they buy products they can stand behind. Our customers buy our products—and share them passionately—because they love the individual statements and the good they represent.

ABN: How do you market to the art-appreciative philanthropist community?

CE: This has been a great partnership with our artists. It is part of our contract that we will market each other—cross-pollinate, if you will—to our respective fan bases via social media and email. They share the project they’ve worked on and what it means to them. We share their art and artist statements both through marketing and our website. It’s been an effective way to grow.

ABN: How do you work with artists to incorporate their designs into your products?

CE: For our visual artists who will have their work placed on products like phone cases, water bottles, and apparel, we have a pretty specific set of guidelines set up. We have learned many of the guidelines through trial and error. Our main goal is to make sure the art is represented as closely to the original work as possible. Mockups are made and shown to the artists before full production.

ABN: How can artists become involved with Red Dirt Shop?

CE: Right now, we find most of our artists through recommendations from other artists. We’re lucky to have such a great list of alumni. We also reach out to people we come across on the web. However, anyone can email us at info@reddirtshop.com.

ABN: Any advice for other social-minded art entrepreneurs out there?

CE: To be successful and accomplish your goals, remember to keep the discipline of your business first. When you do this, the intentions of your heart will come to fruition and grow.

Nicki Porter is a Boston-based writer, editor, and former preschool teacher. She believes in good art and good biscuits. 

The post Goods for Good appeared first on Art Business News.

By Linnea Jessup

A creative spirit drives artists to make unique statements with their work. But artists also express their individuality through their efforts to help others. Whether locally or across the globe, artists use their resources and energy to support humankind in myriad ways. Through hard, hands-on work and monetary contributions, members of the art community not only improve the lives of recipients but also inspire legions of others to join in the campaign.

RENAISSANCE GALLERIES

renaissanceartgalleries.com

In the 20 years since Mike and Linda Koligman have operated Renaissance Galleries in Southern California and Las Vegas, they have planned many special events and artist receptions with charity components.

“We have auctioned off original sketches and contributed proceeds to Ronald McDonald House; Operation Homefront; Susan G. Komen Foundation; Habitat for Humanity and, nearest and dearest to our hearts, the Helen Woodward Animal Center,” says Mike Koligman. At one such event, the couple auctioned off a Thomas Kinkade sketch for $13,000.

The center rescues animals and has a dog-therapy program. The Koligmans’ adopted dog is a therapy dog, and they join him to visit nursing homes, children’s facilities and hospitals. “We have raised more than $25,000 for this charity through our artist events,” says Koligman. “We know that millions of animals are euthanized each year because they cannot get a ‘forever’ home. We volunteer here because we are passionate about doing what we can to help this facility. Charities matter!”

MARTA WILEY

martawiley.com

Under her grandmother’s guidance, Marta Wiley began painting at age 2. Today, she is both a  philanthropist and a prolific painter, and she credits her grandmother for helping her develop her  art skills and foster an affinity for helping others. Wiley strongly believes in the connection between  art and giving.

“I think that the arts reflect the higher values of life,” she says. She feels particularly compelled to  share her talents and energy with children and animals.

“I have always believed in the spirit of giving,” Wiley says. “I am a better person for it. When you  give, something happens in your being, … and kindness begins to permeate your life. The more I  give, the more I get back. It’s a universal law of nature: Giving of ourselves is the right course of  action.”

Wiley has supported 30 charities with art and paintings. She has donated 100 paintings to Banner Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix for distribution to young patients and also recently created 1,000 watercolors in 30 days, which she donated at Art San Diego in November.

DAVID FENTON

davidfenton.net

 The recent death of Robin Williams spurred David Fenton, who creates large-scale etched-metal photography, to create a tribute piece to the beloved comedian. He donated the art to a local National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) fundraising event in Northern California, where he resides.

“Robin’s death awakened something in me and made me want to give more,” he says, acknowledging that he has faced personal challenges with depression.

Fenton has supported many causes throughout his career. He previously donated artwork to the East Bay Agency for Children, which connects families in San Francisco with local resources for help with basic living needs, mental-health counseling, child-abuse prevention and treatment for children with severe behavioral and emotional disturbances. He also donated art pieces to Healing Horses Kauai, in Kapaa, Hawaii, which provides therapeutic horseback-riding sessions to children and adults.

“The power of art to move and inspire people can be tremendous. Art gives them a “feeling of being more connected to humanity,” he says. “Art on a wall, a film, music—all of these arts can motivate and inspire action.”

Fenton is currently exploring new ways of working with entrepreneurs to help world causes through grassroots efforts that allow small donations from many people. He hopes to build game-changing funding for causes that strive to end child slavery and hunger.

“I’m trying to be more positive and thoughtful and helpful to others. My goal is to be constantly thinking about others,” he says.

JULIA CARTER

juliacarterartist.com

Julia Carter, of Queensland, Australia, has donated a large painting to Wesley Hospital in Brisbane along with  other works that now hang in a hospice in England.  She donates her time and talent to many organizations,  including Ronald McDonald House, Beyond Blue for Depression and a foundation for child-safety awareness.  She also supports Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) with monthly monetary donations.

“I prefer to donate my paintings where they give the greatest benefit,” she says. “I am constantly mindful of wanting to help others, and I keep an open mind and look for the next opportunity. I would love to continue donating and make bigger contributions all around the world.”

Her inspiration for charity comes from her gratefulness at overcoming serious injuries she incurred more than 10 years ago in a workplace accident. “Painting was an important part of my recovery and took me on a wonderful path,” she says.

Her large-scale, vibrant nature scenes reflect her positive attitude. “Artwork lifts up the spirit and can take others into another world, where they can be free from pain and suffering,” she says. “I think artists are in tune with their souls and have an innate desire to help others.”

IRINA GRETCHANAIA

irinagretchanaia.com

After creating watercolors and pencil drawings as a student, Irina Gretchanaia settled on oil as her favorite medium, often focusing on trees or other plant forms. She now teaches private art classes for adults and youth and is currently working with an autistic child.

“He can communicate through art,” she observes. “I am overwhelmed by the amazing people I meet that inspire me every day, who challenge me to be a better artist.”

Based in Ontario, Canada, she donates both her time and her artwork to local fundraising events, including the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie, Ontario.

“The center is our outlet for fine art,” she says. “It survives solely on sponsors and volunteers. It’s important for me to be part of this cause because it gives our community and the next generation a chance to become connected to the art world.”

ARTBLEND GALLERY

artblend.com

An award-winning photographer and gallery owner of Artblend in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Michael Joseph attributes his desire to support charities to both his parents and his wife.

“Charity comes from the heart and from your upbringing. My parents were very generous, kind and loving individuals. However, the person who has had the biggest effect on me and motivates me to do good deeds every day is my wife, Elaine Joseph. She has the largest heart and capacity I have ever seen to do good deeds for others.”

The pair has focused on Toys for Tots, Sunshine Kids and the Muscular Dystrophy Association as their main charities.

“Any time you have the opportunity to teach, donate to a cause or help someone in need, I see that as an opportunity for growth and character building. In business, it seems it is all a give-and-take situation, or ‘You scratch my back; I’ll scratch yours.’ But with charity, it is different. It is really fun to do something generous … no strings attached.”

Joseph notes that art tells a story. With charity, the message is hope and faith. Whether artists are creating or giving, he says, “There is a spiritual connection—peace, love and understanding.”

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