The Arts Matter

United Arts of Central Florida is running a campaign I love. It's called "The Arts Matter."

HERE are hundreds of quotes collected by United Arts. I felt pride and hope when I read these.

I created Charity Paintings because art inspires me. I hope my art and charitable mission inspire others to create and take action.

Speaking of inspiration, I had a blast on Saturday night at the 7th Annual Red Chair Affair. Local arts organizations like The Orlando Ballet and Orlando Shakespeare Festival offered short previews of their shows to come this fall. I feel inspired to attend more live performances this year. I had a great time and believe live performing arts will inspire my visual arts.

Who wants to go to a show?

Getting Muddy

My wheel was getting dusty, so I decided to spend a few days covered in spattered clay. I'm making cups, bowls, and perhaps a few vases. I love the slimy feel of the clay as it whirls.

Last week I had a glaze making party with friends. We measured powders, and tried not to inhale too much cancer.

Working with clay is fun. I highly recommend pottery. I learned how to throw at the Orlando Pottery Studio, which is subsidized by the city of Orlando. This is exactly the kind of program I want to support. The studio is open to the public. Anyone can become a potter in a matter of weeks, with very little financial investment.

Is there a public studio in your city? What other arts programs exist in your neighborhood?

Get involved. Learn something new. Challenge yourself.

Support Radiolab

I sold my portrait of Neil deGrasse Tyson this weekend. I'm always surprised and excited when I sell portraits to complete strangers. I felt the same way about selling my ceramic robots at farmers markets. Don't get me wrong, I love selling art to people I know. However there is a whole other level of pride I get when a complete stranger finds my work and likes it enough to purchase.

The buyer selected Radiolab to receive my donation. That rocks! I love Radiolab. I've heard every full episode and I'm almost certain I've heard every podcast. Jad and Robert love science and wonder. They promote thinking and they entertain in the process. If you don't listen already, please go download free episodes HERE.

These programs instill pride in humanity while promoting love, rational thought, innovation, music, art, and empathy. I cannot recommend something more highly than I recommend Radiolab.

This week look for new paintings of more comedians. I'm thinking Tina Fey and Tim Meadows. Any other suggestions?

Ryan

Back to Work

I'm back at my easel today. I decided to rework my portrait of Stephan Colbert and have been working on my portrait Ricky Gervais.

What do you think of the yellow background? I'm 50/50 on it right now.

It's been a great week in terms of donations. I have pledged to match every sale between 8/1 and 8/15 and give my half to Hope for Shade. So far I've sent them $130. I received payment for my portrait of Dorothy Day and sold my first Charity Painting: Frederick Douglass. Did you know that this project has raised over $1100 since April 28th? It gives me chills. I'm so excited about the response I'm getting.

This week Charity Paintings was featured on The Greater Goods Blog. I love this blog and feel honored to be included. If you haven't already, check it out.

I'm thinking about approaching a gallery to see if I could setup a show. The big question is, would they be willing to participate considering the nature of my project. There aren't any profits to share when you donate all the money to charity. Is there a place you frequent that you think would be a suitable host for a Charity Paintings show? Let me know.

Thanks for following my project and for your support.

Ryan