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Christina Hess Represents!

Last year, (no name) Art Group pulled together funds to financially assist a member in their creative dreams. The top prize was awarded to Christina Hess who requested funds for travel to Spectrum Live in Kansas City. Below is Christina’s blog about her experience, a huge thank you to everyone who gave her a hand!
2011 (no name) Art Group Grant Contest

Christina’s Blog

“On May 16 I left for Spectrum Live, an illustration convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy art.  It was a long 20 hour drive but Dominick Saponaro and I made it to Kansas City MO, ready for the show.  With the help of the (no name) Art Group grant I was able to travel and prepare accordingly.  It helped me create numerous items to showcase and sell. 

Some of these items were hand bound journals, hand made jewelry boxes, packaged prints of different sizes, necklace pendants and earrings.  I had framed prints to showcase my illustration, post cards, bookmarks, my hardback portfolio as well as small oil paintings for sale.  It was the first convention I took part in so it was a new experience.  

The preparation took much more time than I anticipated.  I predominately illustrate digitally so working with my hands was very satisfying.  My favorite project to work on was the jewelry boxes.  I featured my grant image on one of the boxes, which sold.  I bought unfinished jewelry boxes and adhered my images to them.  Staining, Polying, gluing organic paper and gold leaf was only the beginning.  

I took this collage technique into my final stage of the grant piece.  My “Protect” piece created for (no name) was printed and adhered to a 12″x12″ raised panel.  I then used metallic paint, oil paint, varnish and sheer ribbon for collage.  I then framed it in a floater and treated the edges of both the frame and the painting with a metallic modeling rub.  In low light the gold leaf shines beautifully!  It was so much fun to do and I got a lot of positive feedback on the technique.  My only regret is that I didn’t work bigger! Click here to read more about the technique.

Having funding from (no name) Art Group made it possible!  I could prepare and create many more items than I originally anticipated.  I also was able to receive funds from Moore College, where I teach part time, to support some additional expenses.  My goal was to experience the convention scene and connect with new faces as well as reconnect with others in the illustration industry.  I was so fortunate to be located near some fantastic artists who I had a chance to befriend.  Armand Baltazar and Iain McCaig were among some of the talent.  I was humbled and so fortunate to meet them.  It was well worth the time and I will be doing this again next year with some modifications.  My personal and professional goal was met and I came out happy and more experienced!

Some of these items are for sale on my etsy store!
Feel free to stop by and visit!  *****10% off for reading this!  Just enter the code noname*****

Now, what do I want to create for the wine label…”

Kickstarter
Christina Hess has been a valuable member of (no name) Art Group since 2007. We wish her luck in her future endeavors and ask that you please join us in supporting Christina in her latest KICKSTARTER PROJECT- Animals In History! Check out the FANTASTIC video made by Christina below reminding us how wonderful it feels when we embrace our imagination!

Support Christina’s Kickstarter Project Click Here

25% of the proceeds are donated to Big Cat Rescue.

About Christina Hess:

“I work as an illustrator and designer in the publishing industry. I like to draw ornate things. I like to paint stories with ornate things. I like the word “intricate” which I was chastised for liking many moons ago at yearbook camp. That’s right….yearbook camp.

In addition to my clientele I have been published in several annuals and competitions such as (no name) art group grant, Phillustration 4, Spectrum 18, Spectrum 19 and Exotique 7, Silver Award for Self Promo category in the Society of Illustrators 50 LA, Expose 10 and 3×3 Magazine.

In my free time I cook, eat and talk to animals including my muse, Roscoe the basset hound.”

Christina’s Website

Christina’s Blog

Christina’s Etsy Online Store

Christina’s previous (no name) Art Group Artwork includes 2007 Memory Portraits, 2010 and 2011 The Art Of Giving, 2011 Memory Portrait (not shown for child privacy reasons)

Christina Hess  "Joseph" by Christina Hess  Christina Hess

 

 

in Blog / Featured Artists

HeArt For Hope

We have recently been contacted by Mrs. Prateep Ungsongtham Hata, Secretary-general of the respected Duange Prateep Foundation and former Senator in Bangkok, Thailand (via Ben Schumaker/MemoryProject).

Thai Children

"Kids" - Ban Ban Muang - The Duang Prateep Foundation provides children with art supplies for activity, and sale 2005 Photo by Seiji Carpenter

We have been invited to participate in an art exhibition and auction to mark the first anniversary of the Japanese tsunami. It will be held on March 10-12, 2012 at the Central World Complex at Rajprasong, Bangkok. Artworks will be donated by Japanese and Thai children, art students and professional artists around the world, and auctioned off during an opening event on March 10 2012. The raised money will fund a nine-day-camp for Japanese and Thai victims of tsunamis and other severe hardships. They will learn they are not alone in their present suffering – that others have also shared their fate – and through activities of experience-sharing and mutual support they can emerge from their current darkness into a brighter future.

Artists interested in donating please contact me directly as soon as possible. Artwork requirements:

  1. Artwork must be no larger than 36 inches (horizontal or vertical)
  2. Artwork must be able to be ROLLED (no framed or matted work the artwork is being shipped in a tube)
  3. Artwork may be dropped off with me personally (Sherry) or at our dance studio in South Philadelphia (artists living outside the Philadelphia area please contact me directly and I can give you the foundation’s address for delivery)
  4. Artwork must be delivered by Monday, January 16, 2011 by 8pm

 

Original email letter from Mrs. Prateep:

Japan EarthquakeAs I’m sure you are deeply aware, a succession of natural disasters has cut a swath of destruction through several countries in the region in recent times. Tsunamis, earthquakes, typhoons and floods have wrought havoc, taken the lives of countless souls and left thousands of innocent children alone in the world. In the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, over 1,000 children in Thailand became orphans in mere minutes; and just this year, the same number of Japanese children were similarly impacted by the surging dark waters racing through towns and villages in their country. And now many more Thai children have lost loved ones from the floodwaters currently inundating their homes.

Although the waters have now receded for some of these children, the desperate plight of all of them remains.

It is not possible to bring back the parents and families of these children. But we can – indeed we must – work to help the surviving children come to terms with their situation so they don’t fall into despair, and they can have a chance to lead a more normal and useful life as they grow in the years ahead.

This is why the Duang Prateep Foundation (DPF) and a wide network of other concerned organizations have joined hands to initiate a unique and creative project called “HeArt for Hope” to help these children in two countries. To that end, we are respectfully calling on artists who have kind feelings towards society’s wellbeing to donate works of their art to be exhibited and sold to raise funds which, in turn, will be used to bring the tsunami and flood victims of Thailand and Japan together in a camp for a healing experience. They will learn they are not alone in their present suffering – that others have also shared their fate – and through activities of experience-sharing and mutual support they can emerge from their current darkness into a brighter future.

We are also inviting those who have shown themselves to be generous friends and supporters of the DPF,  to lend their weight in moving this worthwhile project forward. You can do this in two ways:

1. By introducing “HeArt for Hope” to artists in your community and encouraging them to join in with one or more works of their art.

2. By helping to purchase the works of art in our exhibition that appeal to you, and encouraging other art lovers in your circle of acquaintances to also consider purchasing some of the artworks.

Prateep Ungsongtham Hata

Prateep Ungsongtham Hata from Thailand was awarded World’s Children’s Prize in 2004 for her 35-year-long struggle for the rights of Thailand’s most vulnerable children

Your kind participation in this project has the potential to change many lives for the better. So, I am very pleased to invite you to help young lives in need of love and support.

Respectfully, Mrs. Prateep Ungsongtham Hata

DPF Founder & Secretary

General Duang Prateep Foundation

in Blog / Latest

Thank You Online Voters!

There are 6 artists competing for the $2,500 Grant, thank you to all supporters who cast their vote online. Below is the final count. Congratulations Christina Hess!

Total votes: 2154

1. Marie Gilligan votes: 132 (6%)

2. Christina Hess votes: 777 (36%)

3. Amy Lehr Miller votes: 72 (3%)

4. Karen Shelly-Genther votes: 256 (12%)

5. Corina St. Martin votes: 713 (33%)

6. Cathey White votes: 204 (9%)

NOTE: The grant recipient will be awarded based on:

25% of highest voted (online poll above)
75% of highest voted (selected panel of judges)

The winner will be announced Friday, December 30th.

 

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1. Marie L. Gilligan

(no name) Artist since 2002
Requested Amount: Full Amount

Marie Gilligan
Artist Statement: Please accept this letter in application for funds to be used to establish scholarships and to provide materials for on-going art classes for senior citizens provided at Friendship Circle Senior Center, Yeadon, Pa., and an economically depressed area of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Having taught watercolor classes at Friendship Circle Senior Center for the past four years, I recognize that many center members, who are on fixed income and would like to learn watercolor techniques, cannot afford the modest fee or basic materials needed for the class. Friendship Circle Senior Center, under the authority of Delaware County Services for the Aging, administered by Delaware County Council, supports and administers the program. With the current national economy crisis, funding is ever dwindling. The art program includes watercolor painting that I teach, Pencil Drawing, Calligraphy, Adventures of Color, Framing, Poetry Forms and Elements and jewelry making.  Thank you for your consideration of the application for resources that will enrich the lives of many senior citizens.

More info:
Friendship Circle Senior Center
Director Christine Helmandollar
1515 Lansdowne Ave, Darby, Pa 19023
610-237-6222 or chelmandollar@scs-delco.org.

[HR]

2. Christina Hess

(no name) Artist since 2007
Requested Amount: $1,200

Christina Hess
Artist Statement: I would like to use the funds to assist in my visit to “Spectrum Live”. “Spectrum Live” is a convention dedicated to the best in science fiction and fantasy illustration which is being held this spring in Kansas City, Missouri. My main goal is to obtain a booth in order to show my work to art directors and collectors in the publishing industry. The funds would be dispersed to travel expenses and painting materials. The majority of the grant would be invested into the materials and the creation of original artwork. I am estimating my materials to be around 800.00. Travel to and from Kansas City (by car) is estimated at 400.00. The process for my traditional originals would be comprised of printing a digital underpainting out onto archival paper, mounting the print onto masonite, glazing overtop of the paper with oils, adding collage elements such as gold leaf and paper and then finishing the piece by framing it. I would like to take my art to the next level by bringing it above and beyond digital prints. My prior illustrations were created in oils and collage and I would like to get back to my roots while using my current digital medium and execution as a solid base.

See more:
www.ChristinaHess.com
www.ChristinaHess.blogspot.com

[HR]

3. Amy Lehr Miller

(no name) Artist since 2007
Requested Amount: $2,500

Amy Lehr Miller
Artist Proposal: In my artistic career, I’ve sometimes balked at following my dreams. Working with the (no name) Art Group has changed my life. Not only have I been honored to help these wonderful causes, but being a part of this collective has given me the inspiration and courage to reach for my most pivotal artistic goals. Over the past year, I’ve been researching the costs of materials that would best help to launch my own business, and to be more efficient in that capacity. In my digital work, I’ve been making due with methods that are insufficient and time-consuming. Beyond my budget are Photoshop software ($600) & a Wacom tablet ($200). For my new online shop, I will purchase business cards and have some shipping costs ($200). For my acrylic paintings, the remainder of the funds would be broken down into paint ($700), canvases ($600) and paint brushes ($200). Once my profits defray the initial material costs incurred, including percentages charged by the website host, I intend to give a portion back to next year’s grant fund, at least $500. I am excited about this new venture, and already I’m devotedly working towards it. This grant money would help me in making this leap of faith.

See more:
Amy’s Portfolio

[HR]

4. Karen Shelly-Genther

(no name) Artist since 2010
Requested Amount: $2,500

Karen Shelly-Genther
Artist Proposal: I created my business, ‘Something for all Seasons’, twenty years ago. We physically housed a gallery of local artists in downtown West Chester for four years until the economic turn hit. Although I closed the gallery, I’ve continued helping artists with their businesses, both by teaching classes on marketing their art and consulting with them on how to improve what they are doing, and also by finding venues and galleries where my artists can showcase their work. SFAS remains about educating both artists and buyers alike on art. I would like to take my artist representation to another level by increasing my ability to represent my artists by hosting a website, whereby I can use the site as a vehicle to introduce their artwork to galleries and venues, and also where I can physically sell artwork to the general public. I’m currently in creation phase with a web designer, and would use the additional funds to make the business have a greater presence than what I can afford at this time. I believe in local art, and believe artists need to be supported for success to happen. Artwork needs to be available for impact to occur. Getting it seen is paramount.

More info:
Karen’s Resume
Karen’s Accomplishments

[HR]

5. Corina St. Martin

(no name) Artist since 2011
Requested Amount: $2,500

Corina St. Martin
Artist Proposal: There are so many things that the $2500 gift could go towards, so many wonderful causes and personal dreams could be helped by the generosity of others. In appreciation of this gift, one of the plans that I have is to paint a large wall mural at our local animal shelter. It would brighten up the visiting room where people meet their potential dog or cat.This is something that I’ve been wanting to do for a while and I have the go ahead to do so. The materials would be covered with part of the grant money. Plus I could get some local kids involved! They’ll have a blast! The personal thing that I hope to do is to take part in an art show in either Santa Fe, NM or Jackson Hole, WY. Doing this could give my wildlife art career the boost that it needs and put my work in front of the galleries that I hope to get into. Not to mention being in one of the most beautiful and inspiring parts of the country for a few days! Thank you for the opportunity.

More info:
www.corinastmartin.com
www.etsy.com/shop/CorinaStMartinArt

[HR]

6. Cathey White

(no name) Artist since 1999
Requested Amount: Full Amount

Cathey White
Artist Proposal: Giving back to individuals and communities is very important to me. Since 1999, I have been fortunate to play a small part in changing the lives of others through the creative process. When working within artistic communities, I tend to encounter a compassion and support not found in many places. There is so much sharing and trading as creative individuals tend to understand and embrace the need for these types of systems. One thing I have not been able to do thus far is have a website created to allow me to utilize technology to expand my artistic influence and reach a wider range of individuals and communities. The (no name) Art Group Member grant will provide the opportunity for me to appropriately compensate another artist to create this website. Additionally, any monies left will be used for materials that allow me to continue to grow as a professional artist (business cards, press kits, and supplies). I appreciate the chance to be considered for this grant and am excited about the opportunities it will open.

[HR]

The (no name) Art Group Grant was created to award a (no name) artist with funds to pursue or support a personal artistic endeavor. It’s our way of giving back to the artists who have put so much time and talent into our projects over the years.

We encourage all voters to support (no name) Art Group by making a donation. CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE. Contest ends Dec. 28th. Winner announced Dec. 30th

 

 

 

in Blog / Latest

The Art Of Giving 2011

The 2nd Annual Art Of Giving
Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011

Good Art. Good Wine. Good Will.

The (no name) Art Group 2nd annual wine exhibition featuring wine labels designed by over 50 local artists. The bottles were available for a donation to Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization.

Congratulations to all our artists!
FINAL TOTAL RAISED: $6,626

 

 

[HR]

Exhibition & Fundraiser

Saturday, October 29, 2011
12 – 9 pm
B Square Gallery
614 South 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Special thanks to Chaddsford Winery for providing our discounted wine and custom labels!

[HR]

Artwork Gallery

BELOW: Emilia Apostolova, Erin Berger, Michael Berger, Sherry Berger
Emilia Apostolova Erin Berger Michael Berger Sherry Berger
BELOW: Kevin Blanchard, e Bond, Courtney Bowman, Phillip Bowman
Kevin Blanchard e Bond Courtney Bowman Phillip Bowman
BELOW: Maureen Bradley, Heather Bryson, Romy Burkus, Krista Carpenter
Maureen Bradley Heather Bryson Romy Burkus Krista Carpenter
BELOW: Dee Collins, Lauren Conrad, Corinda Cook, Carol Coster
 Dee Collins Lauren Conrad Corinda Cook Carol Coster
BELOW: Daniella Deal, Denise Fike, Kate Garchinksy, Marie Gilligan
 Daniella Deal Denise Fike Kate Garchinksy Marie Gilligan
BELOW: Tessa Guze, Leslie Hanlon, Christina Hess, Deborah Larkin
 Tessa Guze Leslie Hanlon Christina Hess Deborah Larkin
BELOW: Lynn Latona, Amy Lehr Miller, Sara Lenton, Jennifer Martorello
Lynn Latona Amy Lehr Sara Lenton Jennifer Martorello
BELOW: Jeff McCloskey, Linda Mehnert, Bethann Mitchell, Ellen McGuire Morrison
Jeff McCloskey Linda Mehnert Bethann Mitchell Ellen McGuire Morrison
BELOW: Cvetan Nachev, Anastasia Nacheva, Bill Ng, Louise O’Rourke
Cvetan Nachev Anastasia Nachev Anastasia Nachev Louise O'Rourke
BELOW: Chhavy Pek, Dolores Poacelli, Timothy J. Prough, Nora Quinn
Chhavy Pek Dolores Poacelli Timothy J. Prough Nora Quinn
BELOW: Josh Sears, Karen Shelly-Genther, Antela Smith, Corina St. Martin
Josh Sears Karen Shelly-Genther Angela Smith Corina St. Martin
BELOW: Nancy Stock-Allen, Stoyan Stoyanov, Marka Suber, Stuart Wade
Nancy Stock-Allen Stoyan Stoyanov Marka Suber Start Wade
BELOW: Samantha Vuono, Erik Weber, Cathey White
Samantha VuonoErik Weber Cathey White

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Reception Photos

in Blog / Latest

(no name) Art Group 2011 Grant

Fundraising ThermometerStart Date: July 15, 2011
Last Updated: December 7, 2011

GOAL: $2,500

Amount Raised: $2,515

Thank you to all our supporters!

The (no name) Art Group Grant was created to award a (no name) artist with funds to pursue or support a creative artistic endeavor. Help us choose by casting your vote here.

Would you like to make a general contribution to the group? You can select from the following:

(CHECKS/CASH donations accepted, contact us for details)

Bronze Sponsor – $10

Silver Sponsor – $20

Gold Sponsor – $50

Angel Sponsor – $100

(Please note donations are not tax deductible)

READ MORE ABOUT THE GRANT & PARTICIPATING (NO NAME) ARTISTS

[HR] Thank You To Our Sponsors!

Angel Sponsors:

Sherry Berger
William Berger Jr
Heather Bryson
Evangeline & Chuck Bragitikos
Letitia Cheatham
Aurora Deshauteurs +
Jim Kane
Karen Leonard
Stoyan Stoyanov
Eng Wong

Gold Sponsors:

Michael Andino
Srijana Angdembey
William & Margaret Berger
Romy Burkus
Dee Collins
Lauren Conrad
Sarah Gibbs
Sean Gilligan
Janie Gross (in support of Cathey White)
Anne Hess
Debby Larkin
Linda Mehnert
Amber Muhammed
Corina St. Martin
Sandra Webberking

Silver Sponsors:

Emilia Apostolova
Rita Ball
e Bond
Shannon Boutilier
Crusoeden Body
Lysandra Cheatham
Doris Chorney
Corinda Cook
Marilynn Cook
Carol Coster
Kate Garchinsky
Marie Gilligan
Christina Hess ($30)
Kenneth Hess
Amy Lehr
Jessica Mendez
Ellen Morrison
Nikolay Panchev
Timothy Prough
Lisa Reynolds
Angela Smith
Matthew Stuart
Nora Quinn
Marianne Schilling (in support of Cathey White)
Lou Schonder
Cathey White

Bronze Sponsors:

Joseph Handlon
Leslie Hanlon
Jane Kim
Jacqueline Lefranc
Jeff McCloskey
Anastasia Nacheva/Cvetan Nachev
Bill Ng
Anne Seidman
Marianne Schilling
Kathleen Sheerer (In support of Amy Lehr Miller on behalf of her nephews: Isaac and Blaine Sheerer)
Corina St. Martin
Janet Valentine

 

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