Open Hearts, Helping Hands

Dear Everyone,

not quite a year ago an idea hit this list and quickly took on its own life. What began as a suggestion to make work in response to our reactions to Hurricane Katrina became a much larger project. Phase 1 was an online fund raiser, Phase 2 was real time//real space fundraiser and Phase 3 was a pair of Special Exhibits.

Phase 1 was made possible by the hard work and amazing organizational skills of Mary Beth Frezon, Cathy Arnett and June Underwood with help from Carol Myers.

The generous contributions of many artists and purchasers of art (not all on this list) resulted in initial funds raised of close to $25,000 in about 5 weeks.

In Phase 2, the work was displayed in Michigan, at IQA Festival in Houston at Quilting Arts Shop in Stow MA and in Indiana. Thanks to all who made those exhibits possible.

Phase 3 was a pair of Special Exhibits in Lowell, MA during Quilt Festival. Here the intention was to raise awareness of the ongoing impact of the storms and to raise additional funds. The juried component was on view at Images - thanks to Nancy Blake for suggesting this! 13 works by 11 artists were on view. The exhibit got a lot of attention from the viewers and comments were very positive. One work sold, another was awarded two Judges Ribbons!

Downtown, the Friends Fabric Art Artwalk hosted the non-juried small works component. Several pieces were sold. Many thanks to Ann and Sonja Lee.

The rough total of funds raised to benefit Gulf Coast Relief stands at about $27,000.

The immeasurable effects of the project are as important as the dollars raised. Thanks to all of you for participating, for supporting the project in so many ways, and mostly for doing the work you do.

laura

http://www.cater-woods.com