The Artist In You Blog! is a global community of creative authors who share a common goal - to give back and create change in those places where change is really needed. We believe that, through creativity, we can make a difference in this amazing world and that the ripples of change will eventually be felt all around the globe.
Why subject yourself to the rush and crowds of big box stores, when you can SAVE up to 75% on the most unique and thoughtful gifts that give back to your favorite charities too?!!
ART4GOOD FOUNDATION, Incis ramping up with an unprecedented number and variety of awesome gifts that are guaranteed to delight and surprise!
Art 4 Good always gives back, and this season we will be donating our support to the following charities:
Yes, we do have oooooodles of works of ART including Uber Collectible works by Renowned Artists from all over the world! We also offer a growing inventory of Master Artists' works and the ever popular collection of Vintage and Nostalgic works!
We will be offering the most substantial collection of Unique Jewelry offerings ever: approximately 750 NEW items that will warm your heart this holiday season!
Last, but not least, we are also creating and offering NEW ...AWESOME GIFT ideas!
In summary? Why bother with the rush of the crowds, when you can sit back, click here, and discover items that are simply not found elsewhere, and you will save $$ and FEEL GOOD about GIVING BACK?
Who among us has not faced Cancer? So many parents, friends, colleagues and even famous people that have inspired us with so much joy and laughter, have suffered; many have died.
In recent years, although the battle is no easier, the health community has been more successful in saving lives!
The "gang" of volunteers here at ART4GOOD Foundation, wants to help. ART4GOOD Foundation always gives back!
ABOUT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY:
A nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization.
The goal of the American Cancer Society (ACS) is to prevent cancer, save lives, and diminish suffering from cancer.
Its areas of activity include research, information services, advocacy, and community services and programs.
Among its programs is Hope Lodge, which provides free housing for adults with cancer. As of early 2007, 22 lodges have been set up.
ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED NINETY TWO CELEBRITES SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER, according to LookToTheStars.org
Many of our most beloved Philanthropic Celebrities have been lost to this dreadful disease
We are featuring many Collectibles by many more,
to FIGHT CANCER
including:
Rihanna!Stevie Wonder!Steve Tyler!Brad Whitford!Mick Jagger! Steve Vai!The Rolling Stones! Phish Trey! Justin Bieber! Paul McCartney! Celine Dion! Ozzy Ozbourne! Axl Rose! Dave Matthews! Alice Cooper! Aerosmith! Blues Traveler Popper! Matchbox 20/Rob Thomas! AC/DC! Keith Richards! Neil Young! ZZ Top! Joe Satriani! Faith Hill! Tim McGraw! Audio Slave/Tom Morello! The Beatles! Goo Goo Dolls! Bruce Springsteen! Steve Winwood! Steven Tyler! Sir Elton John! Metallica! Madonna! Prince! Lady GaGa! Meatloaf! Keith Urban! BB King! Brooks & Dunn! Jonas Brothers! CHER! Green Day/Billie Joe Armstrong! KISS/Ace Frehley! President George Bush SENIOR! Johnny Depp! Al Pacino! Channing Tatum! Oprah Winfrey! Stephen King!Angelina Jolie! Sylvester Stallone! Brad Pitt! Clint Eastwood! Arnold Schwarzenegger! Kristin Stewart! Denzel Washington! Jack Nicholson! Peter Max! Vince Lombardi! Joe Montanna! Mickey Mantle! Dwight Clark! Jerome Bettis! Tom Seaver! Nolan Ryan! Carlton Fisk! Jack Nicklaus! Ichiro Suzuki! Led Zeppelin! Frank Sinatra! Dean Martin! Sammy Davis Jr.! Michael Jordan! David Ortiz! Derek Jeter! Arnold Palmer! Ben Hogan! Marilyn Monroe! Steve McQueen! Troy Aikman! Michael Irvin! Emmitt Smith! and Sean Connery!
When the Founder of ART4GOOD Foundation, Inc. began her mission to "inspire change with every brush stroke", by creating and hosting on-line charity auctions, she never thought she would become the top selling artist! In fact, she never perceived herself as an artist!
In 2011, she suffered a mild stroke, leaving her left side totally paralysed. Depression set in, as she "felt useless". Normally, she volunteered at least 100 hours each week, to this mission.
Determined to inspire her to try something new, I went shopping for a wide variety of art supplies. It did not matter how, it only mattered that she would simply play with colors and maybe even forget about the pain for a while.
Three years later, she became the best selling artist on ART4GOOD Auctions! "My early works were really horrible", she recalls. "But, I did discover that when I immersed myself into creativity, I forgot about the pain. I learned that by shifting into more right brain activity while painting, I found a sanctuary, a retreat from pain!", said Wendie. She became an advocate for the "art of healing".
Soon thereafter, her works were also published in a series of books; eight in total, also an effort to raise awareness and contribute to various causes. Her poetry was also featured in five of those books too!
In 2014, she began to design for "OFF THE WALLS" Wearable Art and more! Her design collection, now planned for its 2015 debut, now includes: Art Tees, Shift Dresses, Handbags, Watches, Rockin' Shirts, Scarves, Skirts, Kimonos, Home Decor Items, and Beach/Yacht wear too!
SHOW! SHOW! SHOW?
Well, miracles do happen, but Wendie Busig-kohn still suffers from Systemic Lupus and Fibromyalgia. "The ole gal just doesn't go out anymore", she will tell you. "My focus is to do what I can, whenever I can, via social media".
Can you blame me for insisting that we, finally, do a "ONE WOMAN AUCTION"?
We're on! From September 1st through September 7th, everyone is invited to a very special auction event! 777, Seven hundred, seventy seven offerings of Wendie's creativity in a multitude of forms will be available!
Are YOU in? We hope everyone who reads this blog post will be there to support "the best selling artist to date" on ART4GOOD Auctions, who has given back so much! It's her time to shine!
Thank You!
PHP
Which charities have benefited from sales of
ARTbyWBK?
Shakira’s Barefoot Foundation
Thorn/*formerly DNA Foundation
DreamCatchers Wild Horse and Burro Sanctuary Habitat for Humanity Feeding America Doctors without Borders Oxfam Stand up 2 Cancer Animal Humane Society Amnesty International Autism Speaks St Judes Hospital Nothing but Nets United Nations Foundation International Rescue Committee Make a Wish Foundation Elton John AIDS Foundation ONE Campaign Native American Heritage Association The Prince's Trust Clinton Foundation UNICEF UNHCR MusiCares Andre Agassi Foundation M J Fox Parkinson's Foundation Lupus LA Give Back Hollywood Barbra Streisand CrowdRise Team for Women's Heart Center The Trevor Project American Red Cross Project Arrowhead Feed A Child 2012 Enough Project Team Tre: Sickle Cell Disease Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, Wounded Warriors, Reader to Reader, Native American Heritage Association, American Cancer Society, Cure Epilepsy Campaign, Operation Respect, BDPA NY Scholarship, Imagine Scholar Inc, Will Ferrell's Cancer For College Campaign, Edward Norton's Maasai Wilderness Campaign Jason Bateman's City Year Campaign The Daniel Pearl Foundation Christopher's Clubhouse Foundation Angel View Crippled Children's Foundation Conservation Lands Foundation Cri-Help
He says he's feeling all alone in a threatening world"...
"Doctor says: Treatment is simple....The great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight...Go and see him...That should pick you up!"
The man bursts into tears............................and says:
"But, Doctor...I AM PAGLICACCI!!
For so many people around the world, it seems like only yesterday that we lost a man who was like a best friend. He could make us laugh, even when we were down. He could inspire us in countless ways as he fascinated us with his chameleon like capability to "become" any role he portrayed.
We were stunned. We were heartbroken. We were confused.
In the days that followed, although we learned that Robin had been suffering from Depression and was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, it all still seemed unbelievable.
As I always try to do, I looked for a photo to inspire a tribute portrait. What I discovered was shocking. Why did I not see it before?
Rifling through, viewing countless photos on a google search, I noticed that most of the photos of Robin had one common denominator: There was PAIN IN HIS EYES in almost every photo!
Why had I not noticed this before?
How often had I watched this man perform, bringing the joy of laughter to my heart, not realizing how much he was truly struggling?
Robin's moves were as awesome as his voices. His manic-like performances, seemless, unexpected, impromtu, original and will always be unforgettable.
Friends seemed to abound in stepping up to share their fondest memories of Robin, on every media source available. I'm sure I was not the only one wondering "where were they?". How did they NOT KNOW that he was suffering so much?
Depression is a very serious illness; one that all of us should aspire to learn more about; to understand more about the symtoms and treatments available.
Moreover? Every single person reading this post must admit it....social media and a quick howdy do tweet are not acceptable substitutes for real communication with our friends. It is far to easy to mask depression and suicidal tendencies by simply sharing something quirkly on a feed.
I have only one personal recommendation: Let us each take time today to create a "buddy system". Pick up that phone and call someone that you trust implicitly.
Create a mutual pledge, promise to each other that if either ever feels so down that he or she is considering suicide, the other will be available day or night to be there for them.
Bi-Polar Disorder, Depression, Manic Depression need not be a mystery.
Resources abound to learn more about this disease. Make time to learn, to understand, and certainly...ASK FOR HELP.
Robin left us one precious gift. He inspired us to learn more and to reach out and touch others who may be suffering right this very moment.
But, it feels even more special when you win something awesome that can help others too!
Are YOU ready for this?
For all of our treasured regular Bidders...... A fond Farewell....for now!
ALL ART IS PRECIOUS; a gift from soul to soul!
We are truly excited to offer some of the most awesome works of Art from collectible artists throughout the world.
We are also very excited about our new partnership with OFF THE WALLS WEARABLE ART!!
Scheduled for an international debut, in 2015, YOU are invited to purchase at below wholesale prices, hundreds of items that will set YOU apart as you stand out in your neighborhood, place of business, and social events wearing something that no one else can acquire!
Each item is ONE ONLY...that means...first one to claim their wearable art will be the ONLY one!
MORE!! We have added some bonus incentives! Don't hesitate, or add an item to your watch list!
BUY NOW prices save $$$s for YOU!
BUY NOW BONUS OPTION FOR:
OFF THE WALLS WEARABLE ART ITEMS INCLUDING: ART SCARVES! ROCK THE ART SHIRTS! SHIFT DRESSES! ART TEES! HAND BAGS AND TOTES!, WATCHES!:
BUY COORDINATED OR RANDOM SELECTIONS OF 3 ITEMS:
SAVE 10% ON TOTAL ORDER!
BUY COORDINATED OR RANDOM SELECTIONS OF 6 ITEMS:
SAVE 15% ON TOTAL ORDER!
BUY COORDINATED OR RANDOM SELECTIONS OF 10 ITEMS:
SAVE 20% ON TOTAL ORDER!
BUY COORDINATED OR RANDOM SELECTIONS OF 12 ITEMS:
SAVE 25% ON TOTAL ORDER
Matching up items is easy too!
Simply type in the TITLE of your favorite and you will see ALL of the possibilities!
YOU HAVE BEEN THE WIND BENEATH OUR WINGS, enabling us to GIVE BACK!
A few years ago, when ART4GOOD Foundation, Inc. was created, I had a mission that was two-fold: Realizing that the ART MARKET and ARTISTS suffered the harshest impact in a violatile economy, I spent several years acquiring the VERY FINEST ART from hundreds of artists from all over the world.
We believe that ALL ART is PRICELESS; a gift from soul to soul!
Our mission from the onset was to "Inspire Change With Every Brush Stroke!"
We wanted to SHARE this HUGE collection of truly awesome art to help raise funds for charitable organizations.
Our first call was to Bidding For Good, with the hope that we could offer our vast, multi-million dollar plus, diverse, inventory to their MARKETPLACE; to SHARE and SUPPORT their charitable organization clients.
To date, we have raised tens of thousands of dollars donated to charities that we chose to be beneficiaries, primarily from SALES OF FINE ART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We really want to do more!
BUT..."to no avail"......
We've been told, again and again, by the "powers that be at BFG" that "art doesn't sell", even though YOU, the BIDDERS have proven that to be untrue.
You have been bidding and winning truly collectible art, in tandem with wonderful art by burgeoning artists for over two and a half years now!
On the "flip side", despite our devotion and investment of time to support numerous charitble organizations (as listed below), to date we have not been able to inspire THEM to INVITE their current supporters to participate! Moreover, only 5 have ever even taken a moment to say THANK YOU for our ongoing donations!
A recent survey and focus group of constant donors and pledge partners from these charities provided some stunning insight to the recent behavior or lack of graciousness from many of our favorite charities on the planet!
Instead of responding "Thank you for your donation; here is how YOU helped", far too many people are bombarded with mail, telemarketers who simply demand MORE!
I am not one to give up easily, but I have known for a while now that a change was eminent and necessary!
We do, of course, intend to recommence auctions including here on Bidding For Good in the Fall, and we will continue to endorse and recommend this site for charitible organizations to host their fundraising events!
WE ARE WORKING ON A NEW SOLUTION!
WE WANT EVERYONE TO WIN, everyone to benefit !
So, this summer, I will be devoting ALL OF MY TIME to achieving that goal!!
As we look forward to our role in the new "OFF THE WALLS Wearable Art" line, and partnering with marketers throughout the world, these items can also be made available!
In summary, we are a very small determined group of devotedvolunteerswho believe in giving back and supporting the world of the arts. We will enable charity auction clients to EXPAND their offerings, and because our inventory is so extensive, they won't need to "compete" with other auctions on the same site offering the same items!!
(Wouldn't that be awesome?)
We look forward to a new horizon ahead that will benefit all, including a continual support for increased success for all of our loyal bidders and our friends at Bidding For Good!
HUGE HUGS GOING OUT TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE HELPED US TO SUPPORT SO MANY OF THE MOST WONDERFUL CHARITIES ON THE PLANET OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS INCLUDING:
Conservation Lands Foundation, Cri-Help, Shakira’s Barefoot Foundation, THORN/ formerly DNA Foundation, DreamCatchers Wild Horse and Burro Sanctuary, Habitat for Humanity,Feeding America, Doctors without Borders, Oxfam, Stand up 2 Cancer, Animal Humane Society, Amnesty International, Autism Speaks, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Nothing but Nets, United Nations Foundation, International Rescue Committee, Make a Wish Foundation, Elton John AIDS Foundation, ONE Campaign, Native American Heritage Association, The Prince's Trust, Clinton Foundation, The International Wolf Center, UNICEF, UNHCR, MusiCares, Andre Agassi Foundation, M J Fox Parkinson's Foundation, The Lupus Foundation, Give Back Hollywood , Barbra Streisand CrowdRise Team for Women's Heart Center, The Trevor Project, American Red Cross, Project Arrowhead, Feed A Child 2012, Enough Project, Team Tre: Sickle Cell Disease, Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, Wounded Warriors,Reader to Reader, American Cancer Society, Cure Epilepsy Campaign, Operation Respect, BDPA NY Scholarship, Imagine Scholar Inc, Will Ferrell's Cancer For College Campaign, Edward Norton's Maasai Wilderness Campaign, Jason Bateman's City Year Campaign, Desert Aids Project, Angel View Crippled Children's Foundation, Christopher's Clubhouse, The Daniel Pearl Foundation and Save The Children.
ADDITIONAL DONATIONS IN KIND: Approximate Value $150,000.00+ have been donated to charitable organizations hosting auctions HERE on Bidding For Good!
Thank YOU!
Thank you for your participation! Thank YOU for caring!
