michelle ward:

I'm excited to finally announce this!

Together with my treasured friends, we cordially invite you to join our fundraiser to benefit artists who need help getting back on their feet after so many natural disasters.

We are selling a product package that includes eight (8) super cool Art Print cards and a stencil/mask set so you can keep the momentum of positivity moving forward with your own creations. ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT ARTISTS IN NEED.

EDIT: SOLD OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!! To purchase, visit my Etsy shop HERE: GRNPEP/Etsy.com

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The idea began following the heartbreak and destruction we witnessed in Houston and surrounding areas because of Hurricane Harvey, but then came Irma, Maria, and earthquakes, and fires. Making donations for recovery is necessary and essential to get people and families back in their homes, and there is an enormous amount of clean up and rebuilding to be done so we applaud the generous contributions this nation has made to the cause. But in addition to giving, it feels good to actually DO something. Since I'm not in a position to drop everything to drive south to help clear debris, I thought I could still offer time and talent, so I created a fundraiser, using art for good.

As I was researching places to give, I came across Craft Emergency Relief Fund, also known as CerfPlus.org, which is a national non-profit foundation that provides assistance, specifically for artists. For artists! The path of destruction not only ruined neighborhoods, schools, churches, and businesses, it crushed spirits. We want to lift up artists who have been affected, and Cerf+ will do that. Then I learned that Etsy is matching donations to Cerf+, dollar for dollar. (It was a sign that I made the right choice!) So if you join in our efforts, they will be doubled when we make the donation! You can imagine that resources like Cerf+ are greatly appreciated by fellow artists who benefit from the assistance, and that additional donations are even more necessary today.

Please spread the word and share the link and let's get this fundraiser sold out! GRNPEP/Etsy.com

Come on! Groovy art plus a chance to make a difference. It's win-win!

#artists4artists2017

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In addition to the ArtistsForArtists Art Print cards + Stencil/Mask package, Sam and I have been working on cards for the shop that will be included in the total donation. Usually for sale in his Etsy shop (ForYourSpecialNeeds), we've moved these special edition cards to my shop for the fundraiser. Cards are sold in sets of four (4) warm OR four (4) cool colors with lots of positivity included.

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Why Art Print cards? Over the years I've been involved in a number of artist-based fundraisers that were auctions of original art. While these were worthy endeavors and raised respectable sums, the platform catered to bidders with big wallets. I recall thinking that in addition to the original art, it was too bad that time didn't allow for the production of affordable prints of the same art, making it an available option for everyone, therefore casting a wider net of potential donors. With that in mind I determined that affordable packages of really wonderful art could be just the thing to collectively contribute to the cause. My friends rose to the occasion, contributing their art under a short deadline, and we are on our way!

Thanks to these artists for donating their work for this project:

Julie Prichard, JuliePrichard.com

Michelle Ward, MichelleWard.typepad.com

Lynne Perrella, LKPerrella.com

Judi Riesch

Laurie Mika, MikaArts.com

Lisa Hoffman, LisaHoffman.typepad.com

Mary Beth Shaw, MBShaw.com

Andrew Borloz, AndrewBorloz.blogspot.com

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Visit CerfPlus.org for more information on their program assisting artists. They are also a terrific resource for preparation and recovery.

If you want to make an additional donation to be matched by Etsy, go HERE.

In the September/October issue of Somerset Studio, I've presented recent work on an unfinished wood castle. You'll see I have a guest in my column - my friend Andrew Borloz shares his design treatment on the same item. It's really terrific example of how there is always a means to "make it your own", the name of my column ;) Be sure to click through to Andrew's blog post that further illustrates his colorful process and inspiration: HERE.

This was such a fun project - working on the surfaces, then creating chess characters to inhabit the fortress. My first impression, upon opening the structure on the store shelf: Escher. Scroll down for samples of his black and white work, with dizzying staircases. You can see why he inspired my design direction. Lots of stenciling on the outside, and collage on the inside - not as easy to paint in there so I relied on some favorite old engravings and copies of my own previous work. Had to add in a few dollhouse ladders too - definitely a fun-house for adults. This castle is still available at Michael's in the event you want to give a try. (Don't forget to use your coupon).

Magazine is available now, thru Stampington.com or at your favorite bookstore.