ART FOR CANCER RELIEF

Inspired by Experience

Project calls for artists to help

Posted

Artists of New Mexico, Artists of the United States, I need your help.

I was 14 years old, sitting in my 8th-grade government class, believing Nixon was a great president when Watergate hit the mainstream media. I couldn’t believe the president of the USA would be so underhanded! My zealous civics instructor was exhilarated by the scandal, so we were forced to watch, listen and report on every detail on a daily basis. Net result, I totally lost faith in our system of government.

Fast forward 15 years, I am married and have two beautiful pre-school daughters. The presidential election was upon us and I did something I vowed I would never do. I registered to vote and voted for the first time. I did not choose the candidate I believed would be a good leader for our country. I voted for the man who didn’t make made me afraid for my children’s future. The other candidate won and after four years I could breathe again.

Fast forward 33 years. It’s been nearly two years since the pandemic was declared, wreaking havoc in the evidence-based, all-knowing medical community. The world of politics has been a three-ring nightmare. Race relations, police brutality, looting and needless deaths have been top news stories. Stress across our nation is at an all-time high.

My children, in their early 40s, have been terrified for their lives and livelihoods. Thankfully, they have landed on their feet for the moment. But I am worried about my grandchildren, age 16, 15, 14 and 12. For they are at that tender age where they still believe the grown-ups have all the answers. Like I once did in that 8th grade civics class. But the world situation now is 100 times worse.

The syndicated media of the state, the nation and the world have shown our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren way too much of the darkness the world has to offer. Those of us who feel this deeply have been praying for guidance. A few weeks ago I got mine.

The theme of the project is “It’s Time to Re-Unite US”.

I am asking the Artists of the United States to unite and create beautiful, transformational works of art to show our young people (and oldsters like me too) that although there are a lot of gray and even a few black clouds . . . there is still light!

   CAPPED, Inc., a 21-year old nonprofit founded in Alamogordo, has expanded our vision to include stress-reduction programs and services for everyone. To fund this initiative, we have been creating 2’ x 2-foot-by-3-foot hardwood canvases cut into the shape of the continental USA. So far, we have 40 --- but it could be 50 if enough artists volunteer to share their light!

The dual purpose of the project

 “Re-Unite US” artists will produce transformational artwork on USA-shaped canvases. These beautiful one-of-a-kind masterpieces will focus on “what is right with America.” Each piece will help remind us that although our worlds are turbulent, by remaining positive and searching for the bright spots in each day, we become resilient. By sharing our best moments, we will bless ourselves and others too!

 “CAPPED’s Angel Fund” will benefit from “Re-Unite US” clock sales. Dollars raised will help fund stress-reduction programs and services through CAPPED’s Center for Integrative Wellness (CCIW). Several of the comfort modalities offered through CAPPED have proven helpful to those experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD and grief.

The timeline

Artist recruitment is underway. Please complete the instructions on the registration to be part of this art project.

Canvas pickup began on Sept. 8 at the CAPPED Building, 907 New York Ave. in Alamogordo.

All canvasses are to be returned to the CAPPED Building by Oct. 20. All artist biographies and videos need to be completed for the online auction. Biographies need to include name, your masterpiece’s name and what you want the world to know about you or it. We plan to take short videos of each artist with their art is returned.

Bidding in the Artists Clock Silent Auction begins at noon on Nov. 5. A public exhibit opens at Flickinger Center’s Patron’s Hall, 1110 N. New York in Alamogordo, on Nov. 8. Bidding in the auction will close at 6 p.m. on Nov. 20.

Info: 575-434-4673 or email reuniteus@capped.org


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