Art for Food: What is this?

Hello, and Welcome to the Art For Food blog. What is this about? Well, let me tell you.

I have been thinking lately that there are many things happening in the world right now that I wish I could change but have no control over. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that maybe, just maybe, there were SOME areas in which I really COULD affect change.It seemed like I was seeing the Gandhi quote "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." everywhere and it was speaking to me. Real life-altering change. Maybe I could. I couldn't do it all by myself...... but what if I could enroll others in my community, or even BUILD a community that could do this with me. The more I thought, the more ideas I had. This blog will address two areas; people's relationship to art, and fighting hunger; and bringing them together to make a difference in the world.

Let's look at the hunger issue first. It is getting harder and harder for most folks to make a good wage in our current economy. The fact is, more and more families in the United States are really struggling financially, and are having to use their local food bank. Over the last 5 years, my children and I have volunteered at our local food bank, The Food Bank at St. Mary's. This amazingly well-run food bank which has been serving the community for over fifty years, is operated by staff and volunteers that really love what they do, who are committed to easing hunger, and who always have a ready smile. I have recently found out that the use of the food bank this year is up by 50% from last year. The funding however, isn't. Over 8, 000 people in the greater Seattle area are using the food bank, and it is getting harder for the food bank to provide the nutritious foods that it is so well-known for.

The second issue is more subtle. I have been focusing on my journey as an artist for the last three years, but in reality, I have wanted to be an artist my entire life. When I was as young as four years old, I knew that I wanted to create art that would speak to others. But as I grew up, I developed many a story about why I couldn't be an artist. These reasons and stories (I can't, I am not good enough, it doesn't pay well, insert your personal reason here) stopped me from making art for a very long time. I finally realized that when I am creating, I am a healthier, more well-adjusted human being. Art makes me happy, and is a wonderful stress-release. I am a better wife, mother, and human being when I have a creative outlet.

As I have been creating art and showing it to others, I have been receiving disturbing feedback from people. The most common response I get from folks is, "Oh- that is beautiful! But *I* could never do that! I am just not creative like you are.". Or how about my next favorite, "Wow, that is amazing, but *I* am not an artist.". The fact that many folks I meet think it takes special talent to create is frustrating to me. I want all people to experience creativity, in whatever they do. This got me to thinking...... could I somehow show people that art, and creativity itself, is a possibility for everyone? Could we use this to fight hunger somehow?

Thus the idea of Art For Food was born. The idea is quite simple. Hold workshops, wherein we show "regular folks" from all ages and walks of life how to do some simple collage and painting techniques, using artist-quality materials, and resulting in a 5"X 7" "art card". This beautiful piece of art can then be donated in an online auction to fight hunger by supporting the food bank. In addition to this, let's see how many creative folks with an online presence we can involve, by putting out a call to artists all over the internet world to join us by donating works of art for the auction.

So, you might be thinking, "Well that sounds cool, but why should I donate my time, money and art work to a food bank in another state?" The answer to that is simple. Hunger is everywhere. No effort to fight hunger is too small, or too far away from you. Just Google "hunger facts" and you can see for yourself. Those of you who think of yourselves as creative souls, or artists can surely see the benefit of gifting someone with the possibility of creativity.

If I have enrolled you in the idea of making art to fight hunger, there are several ways to get involved in this community project. These are general ideas- specific details will be included in an upcoming blog post.

1. If you are in the Seattle area, you can attend the workshops. The details will be posted in the next blog post, and dates will be available in the calendar in the sidebar.

2. If you are in the Seattle area, you can volunteer to support the workshop. I will be needing several folks to help in setting up, supporting the workshop itself, and cleanup.

3. Wherever you live, you can participate in this community project by making a 5 X 7 art card (similar to an art postcard but a tad bigger) using any media of your choice (paint, fabric, etc.), sticking it in an envelope, and mailing it to us to be included in the auction.

4. You can also send us another piece of art if you'd like, and we will include it in the auction. In this area, you are only limited by your imagination, and postal costs. Details to follow.

5. We are also looking for someone to host the online auction. This would involve having pieces of art mailed to you, taking photos of them and posting on the blog, and then hosting the auction.

6. I am sure there are other ways to help out if you are interested.

You can leave us a comment or email at us at artforfood@gmail.com for more information.

Now you know what we are up to. I really hope this sounds like an easy, yet creative way to change the world- one piece of art at a time.

Yours in art,
LB