What I Gained Contributing my Work to Charity

As I dropped off my work for the Florida Boxer Rescue fundraiser, I stopped to think just how much I've gained by donating my work to charity this year. It has been a wonderful experience on many levels, but the things I have learned and the connections I've made will be invaluable to me in the years to come.

My first donation this year was to the 140hours Haitian Relief Auction. My painting "Quick Point Illusions," sold and I felt good that I could help, just a small drop in the ocean of contributions others made. I also assisted two local artists Jean Blackburn and Cheryl Moody so they could donate their work as well. I created a Twitter account for both and gave them a quick crash course in Twitter "language." I'm happy to say their pieces sold as well!

Quick Point Reflections, Oil on Canvas, ©2009 & Quick Point Illussions, Oil on Canvas, ©2009

Through this event I sold another piece in the following Valentine auction with 140hours! This has created a new client for me!

My next contribution was to a very exciting group show. The top artists in the area were asked to donate their art for an event to benefit the Myakka State Park. To even be asked to participate in this event was an amazing compliment. I was also asked to assist in organizing and promoting the fundraiser.

By serving on the committee I learned how to create a poscard to promote the event.                         
                                                                                                            

I also learned how to use Constant Contact and will be sending out my own newsletter next month! This experience helped me to organize and update my contact list, an invaluable tool for any artist. For more on the process of designing the postcard visit, Wild: Animals and Artists of Myakka.

My confidence appearing at this event was a little deflated. I felt I was way over my head. But when I placed my work along with everyone else's I actually thought I belonged! And the best part...both pieces sold, and I recieved 50%!

One of the most wonderful results of this event is that I was asked to serve on the board for the Friends of Myakka! During my first meeting I was selected to be the chairman of next year's art event! Another great opportunity to build my skills and contacts while helping a cause dear to my heart...I'm at the park almost every day!

Snapping Turtle, Oil on Canvas ©2010 & Manatee Dance, Oil on Canvas ©2010

My next event was at Mote Aquarium in Sarasota. Here part of the proceeds would be donated to funding research and rescue efforts of marine animals. Two of my pieces were accepted into the juried show and the piece I donated for the silent auction sold, and at the highest price of any piece available!

I received 70% of these proceeds!

My final contribution was to the Florida Boxer Rescue fundraiser Art of Rescue. For all the details you can read the post about this wonderful organization here Art of Rescue ~ "A New Leash on Life." I created the theme for the event, "A New Leash on Life," and created the image for the advertising. This piece was also posted to the wonderful blog Art for Animals! I am always happy to help the boxer rescue, they have given me two wonderful dogs, Tilly and Abby. 

I also offered to contribute 20% of proceeds for anyone mentioning the rescue when commissioning a dog portrait. This is one of the commissions I received. 

The Rescue also asked if I would be interested in providing giclee prints and also prints on paper of the image I created. I replied that I would be interested, but at this point I would like a portion of the sales. I asked for a very small amount, 20%, I really do want to give the funds to the rescue! We printed one giclee so far in a series of fifty, but have orders for two more and the event has even happened yet.

I learned the process of having a giclee printed, the inks, the printer, where I should sign it, edition size, and how to complete a Certificate of Authenticity. It was a terrific learning experience!

So when looking back on my season of charity I realize that not only have I raised much need funds for organizations I believe in, my giving has given back to me, now and in the future! I would honestly encourage emerging artists to contribute to a cause that is important to them. It can lead to amazing results!

Thanks so much for stopping by, any and all comments are welcome! Have you donated your work to charity? How do you feel about doing so?