The Artist In You Blog

THE ART OF GIVING BACK! Save The Dates! September 1-7th!!

by PHP

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!

After the death of her mother, she had this idea; determined to market Fine Art and continue in her mom's footsteps of supporting as many viable charities as possible.  For several years, she collected works from all over the world, works that have been showcased and applauded in the most famous museums and galleries.

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

 and, more recently, in memory of Robin Williams:

Aid Still Required

American Foundation for AIDS Research

Augie's Quest

Bob Woodruff Foundation

Celebrity Fight Night Foundation

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

Comic Relief

David Foster Foundation

Dogs Deserve Better

Dream Foundation

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Heifer International

International Medical Corps

Keep Memory Alive

LIVESTRONG

Love Our Children USA

Luke Neuhedel Foundation

Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center

Prince's Rainforests Project

Prince's Trust

Robert F Kennedy Memorial

Smile Train

 

 

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Honoring the Memory of Daniel Pearl this Thanksgiving and Hanukkah Season

Remembering Daniel Pearl by honoring his legacy and vision begins today!

 

Daniel Pearl was kidnapped  while working as the South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal. He had gone to Pakistan as part of an investigation into the alleged links between Richard Reid (the "shoe bomber") and Al-Qaeda.

He was subsequently beheaded by his captors. Daniel Pearl (October 10, 1963 – February 1, 2002) was a journalist with American and Israeli citizenship. He was kidnapped by Pakistani militants and later murdered by Al-Qaeda in Pakistan.

This week, we hope you will come together with us to honor him:

The Daniel Pearl Foundation was formed in memory of journalist Daniel Pearl to further the ideals that inspired Daniel's life and work.

The foundation's mission is to promote tolerance and understanding internationally through journalism, music and dialogue.

 

His courage and his legacy live on.

No matter WHERE YOU ARE in the world right now,

You can participate in our online event!

COME TOGETHER! 

Let the bidding begin!

The online portion of ART4GOOD for Daniel Pearl Foundation is now open. 

The auction will run from November 25, 2013 to December 1, 2013, with the live event taking place on November 30, 2013.

Proceeds go to The Daniel Pearl Foundation.

ART4GOOD

Charity 

AUCTION

Art! Jewelry! Collectibles!

Travel and Unique Experiences!

(and much more)

benefits The Daniel Pearl Foundation

 

LIVE AUCTION DETAILS:

Saturday, November 30th, early bidders and buyers are welcomed to "get a head start" on a beautiful collection of items including Fine Art, Jewelry, Handbags and Accessories and collectibles at the ART4GOOD Foundation: 591 N. Belardo Road. Doors open at 11 a.m./Closed at 3 p.m.

Sunday, December 1st, our silent and on-line auctions continue and early arrivals will be served light refreshments: Champagne Cocktails and Hors D'oevres beginning at 3 p.m. LIVE BIDDING commences at 4 p.m.

Event Attire

Casual

Before the Event

Use your smartphone to view the mobile-optimized version of this auction at: https://m.bforg.com/auctions/203414132

When & Where

ART4GOOD FOUNDATION, Inc.
591 N. Belardo Road Palm Springs, California 92262

Sat Nov 30, 2013 11AM - Sun Dec 1, 2013 1PM ESTAdd to My Calendar

Get Directions

THE ART OF GIVING BACK!

It doesn't take a genius to realize that in today's world, marketing art is, indeed, a challenge!

When I began to create art works, it was an experiment in healing; one that worked!  I discovered that when I would immerse myself in creativity, my right brain would cease to realize the excruciating pain in my body for a while.

I began to create after suffering a mild stroke, back in 2011.  My "other half" decided to go shopping for art supplies and insisted that I try my hand, the one that was still "working", and experiment!

To date, I am delighted to report that through my creative endeavors, I have been able to donate to many wonderful charitable organizations, on a weekly basis, resulting from sales on ART4GOOD Auctions!

I'd like to take a moment to THANK YOU for supporting both my visual art works on auction and the ART2Wear Collectible Jewelry!

Because of YOU
Because YOU love what I do
I have been able to donate proceeds to the following list of charities these past two years:

Conservation Lands Foundation
Cri-Help
Shakira’s Barefoot Foundation
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 
Poject 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

So, where did it all begin?  Who is "THE ARTIST"...in me?

You are never too old to learn something new! Although my background and successes throughout my career are primarily those that required the "Art of Visualization and Organization", I guess I am best quoted for saying two things relevant to the ARTS of all genres: "It is always the creative ones who truly change the world..Let's ROCK"...and "What you truly believe and perceive you can achieve; but it takes a lot of focus, due diligence and hard work!"

 Not unlike Michael Jackson, Lady Ga Ga, and millions of others, I suffer from SLE/LUPUS. A crippling disease, my spirit and determination has never ceased from giving back to charities that I care about. I am a dedicated "VOLUNTEER" with a mission  to "Inspire Change With Every Brush Stroke" via  all of the growing interactive programs likes The Artist In You TV channel, The Artist In You Blog, and acts as Founding Chairperson and CEO of ART4GOOD Foundation, Inc.,  !! See more here: http://www.art4goodfoundation.com/our-mission/ 

 Previously recognized in the Global Who's Who of World Business Leaders, Awarded Professional Person of the Year and now in the Hall of Fame in Cambridge Who's Who for leadership in philanthropic branding and marketing, last year I was also awarded  Woman Of the Year in the category of "Greatest Minds of the 21st Century".

I'm just getting started!

My  works are now featured in 7 collectible ART BOOKS that donate proceeds to support keeping ARTS in the Schools!  See an ENTIRE PREVIEW of her own book entitled “ART AND HEALING” by clicking here:  http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3543042

 

 

Recently, I also extended my creative mission to create an extensive line of ART FABRICS for the "DESIGNER...in..YOU", and many are now available in a variety of fabrics and also as WALLPAPER for your home/office and even some very colorful alternative wrapping papers for gifts.  View my entire collection  HERE!

What's NEXT?

As the ART4GOOD Foundation continues to expand with new partnerships that will underscore the fund raising capabilities of multitudes of awesome charities, my work has only just begun!

Soon, too, there will be a very upscale line of deluxe bedding featuring my art too!

"STAY TUNED!"

Do, please "SCORE BIG" and support great charities each week Right Here, Right Now!

One LOVE!

Pass it on.....

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How ART, MUSIC, and POETRY Come Full Circle With a Continuing Mission!

When Art, Music, and Poetry Come Full Circle with a Continuing Mission to Inspire Change!

Renowned Artist Neil Jones, now a featured artist on ART4GOOD, creates the visuals that gloriously define Native American History.  Now a featured artist on ART4GOOD Auctions, please enjoy and share this video of his works, underscored by the music composed by Jimmy Greenspoon of Three Dog Night; a gift, in tribute to Flying Eagle Woman.

 

About the Artist:  NEIL JONES

The inspiration for his paintings stems from his childhood years on a farm, which verged on the Qu'Appelle Valley near Edgeley, Saskatchewan. This rich habitat held many superb species of wildlife, which stimulated his love for conservation and his inherent artistic abilities. Since then he has travelled from the Yukon to Wyoming, exploring the wilds along the way and studying flora and fauna in its natural state.

A self-taught artist, Neil paints in oils, sometimes working in the open air to catch the essence of the world he loves. The splendour of his work portrays aspects of the natural world in a positive and effective way that reveals a deep understanding of the environment. He hopes his paintings will take viewers beyond the environmental issues and the saving of it, to a more conscious awareness of our ecosystems.

Among other prestigious awards, Neil has twice won Wildlife Artist of the Year in Saskatchewan. His work has also been indirectly involved in conservation work, being part of the Ramsar World Wildlife Fund Banquet and Show in Regina and the Canadian Nature Federation Saskatchewan Tour. His painting “Red Fox with Goose Wing” was selected by Ducks Unlimited as part of the Royal Dinner and Auction held in the presence of the Duke of Edinburgh, President of the World Wildlife Fund.

Galleries currently representing Neil include the "West Lives On Gallery" in Jackson, Wyoming and the Ripplinger Art Gallery," (Henry's Café) in Regina, Saskatchewan. Neil's paintings have also appeared in many solo and group shows and they are held in both public and private collections throughout North America. He also teaches, lectures, adjudicates and mentors aspiring artists.

THE POETRY:

"Sisterhood of The Four Winds: Flying Eagle Woman Remembered"

I.
The clink of champagne glasses
Paled only by importance of missions discussed
In this, a global reception of prominence 
This gathering room filled to the brim; aglow with brilliance. 

Only moments before
Cross legged on the floor 
in cocktail dresses
And tuxedos 
we took part
In a drum ceremony, 
authentic and fun
Our hearts were one. 

Now, dispersed into contingents
Of similar minds and interest
With purpose, readjust their focus
Set to mute
Those now on stage
Were only ghosts
And their message went unheard.
I wove through the crowd with talking papers
Fell into a trance like daze of flash back emotion
Of memories that had preceded this moment in time. 

II.
It is the “Dances With Wolves Syndrome”
I had said to her upon meeting for the first time
Just one year ago.
A trend embraced, without awareness
Beyond exploitation of "being coolness"
She smiled and embraced me.“Let’s go!”
We filed into a meeting room
Where I was expected to speak
To a global group of experts who awaited me
To illuminate
To illustrate a mission, you see…
I sat down, not at their head table
Choosing independence; au contraire
I remained silent, waiting and deciding what to do
Of tense anticipation by others, I was unaware
I deferred my time to the Four Winds
Ingrid smiled and took my cue. 

Expressing her dilemma in leadership 
Representing the “Native Ones” that day.
Vicente Fox was to my left.
Many others were confused.
We left the room and some approached me
Curious to hear “my view”. 

Piuma Tribe was dying!
SPAM
We were supplying, 
in place of drained riverbeds
We had taken from them
Without conscience or regret 
of impact on the lives
Of original Americans, of Tribes 
They deserved so much more respect!
I said.
Throughout our country, poverty exceeded
Third world countries and they needed
to command attention
From the World community
I felt a duty 
The Four Winds needed to be heard.
It was the right thing to do.

III.
Now, back in real time,
in this celebratory atmosphere
Recurring attitude
Recurring passion 
Recalling that day
I am committed in my stand
I want their voices to be heard again.
It is OUR Mother Earth dying
They have a message to impart to all.
My eyes met those of Jane Goodall
Instinctively she knew exactly what to do
On stage she began with a loud imitation 
Of a chimpanzee; then gorilla
Loud and proud, she played her part;
Let forth a rebel yell with all her heart!
The room was still and silent
Heads turned 
New focus found.
Native Americans led us to higher ground.
My brothers and Sisters of the Four Winds
Found their voices
Above the din of champagne glasses 
and Echoes well beyond less important missions that evening.

IV.
Forum 2000 came quickly
New York buzzed with electricity 
World leaders all were there, but for a few
Honored once again
Invited by my “friend”, Mikhail Gorbachev, 
We began our early evening with a heavenly Penthouse view.

This forum’s first challenge was left to me.
Those chosen to be here were stranded, you see.
The Opening ceremony was about to begin.
Our tiny private elevator had stalled and jammed. 
We were separated from thousands waiting below. 
In gala attire, High Fashion, High heels, on a whim, 
I assuaged their anxiety; 
Lead them all down the back stairs,
Someone actually shouted “Follow Palm Springs!”

We arrive very late and into darkness disperse 
A voice shouted my name, no longer 
“Palm Springs”
My comrade and mentor from U.N.E.S.C.O was there
He had saved a seat for me
I felt at home, and much better known at last. 

Never before 
Never since
Was an opening ceremony so grand!
Imagine for a moment
A huge ballroom dark; 
Eight thousand silhouettes 
anticipating what this first night will bring.

Drumbeat
Drumbeat
Indigenous Rhythms echo
Speak
Respond
To one another.
First here
Then there
We are surrounded from above and beyond
The most stunning presentation
My Heart thumping now remembering.
But, where was Ingrid, Flying Eagle Woman?
Where is my sister of the Four Winds, I pondered.

V.

This, such a wonderful night, drew to a close
Tom and I made time to bond again.
A familiar face entered the private lounge.
She gave us the news.
Ingrid 
Was
Gone.
In Bogota, Columbia
She was kidnapped 
Gunned down with friends
Bodies thrown across the border 
Into Venezuela.
This Native American 
My friend
Was there for Peace Day. 


VI.
I could not speak.
I could not perceive 
Or believe such a loss
Of beauty 
Of heart.
i was completely broken.
Reaching for the phone
I called home.
Hours later, in my room, 
a ringing tone, and
Sleepless still, I answered
To the beat 
A tribute song entitled TRIBE!
Had been composed
An honor had been orchestrated in her memory.
Perhaps, the most important gift ever given to me 
Greenspoon, with stellar talent and compassion, 
Bestowed to me, an inspired, authentic interpretation 
My spirit soared as I felt her presence there and then.
Her story, now, will never end. 

VII.
I once danced her story of the Four Winds
Channeling her presence without rehearsal
Trance dancing on stage at the Annenberg Theatre
Of this I have no real memory
Yet, with certainty, I knew
I would always be a part of the 
Sisterhood of the Four Winds. 

Written by Wendie Busig-kohn

ABOUT THE MUSIC:

As described in the poem, the original soundtrack score for the video was composed by Jimmy Greenspoon, keyboard player for Three Dog Night, as a gift to Wendie Busig-Kohn, the night that she learned of the death of her friend.  

Only days later, this score was produced at American Recording Studios in Calabasas, California.

Joining Jimmy on keyboards and Wendie on handheld native percussion instruments were the late, great Joe Schermie (R.I.P), original bass guitarist for Three Dog Night, Floyd Sneed, original drummer for Three Dog Night, and a dear friend from Palm Springs, Drummer, Producer, Musician EXTRAORDINAIRE: Andrew Fraga.

THE MISSION CONTINUES:

ART4GOOD FOUNDATION is honored to represent the beautiful and inspiring works of Artist Neil Jones!  As a FEATURED ARTIST, Neil's works will be available as Limited Edition 30x40" Canvas reproductions in many upcoming auctions benefiting the most awesome charities on the planet, including, THIS SUMMER: 

SHAKIRA'S BAREFOOT FOUNDATION

DEMI AND ASHTON DNA FOUNDATION

EDWARD NORTON NATIONAL LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION

M.J. FOX PARKINSON'S FOUNDATION

JON BON JOVI SOUL FOUNDATION

BARBRA STREISAND FOR WOMEN'S HEART CENTER

 

The mission continues!

ART....WORKS...FOR...CHARITY!

Charitable Organizations hosting on-line auction events will also be invited to consign and showcase the works of Neil Jones to raise monies for their causes too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"INSPIRING CHANGE WITH EVERY BRUSH STROKE!"

Neil's works are also FEATURED in ART4GOOD Book:  NATIVE!

 

PREVIEW BOOK BY CLICKING ON PHOTO 

 

 

 

A Father's Day Poem for "Oz" by Wendie Busig-kohn

In Memory of Oswald LeWinter

Rilke Prize Winning Poet

and

"Notorious" Whistleblower

Rest in Peace.

 

 

In heaven

You rest now

There was no rest on earth

You fought battles for justice

From the moment

Of your birth

Controversial

Brave, yet kind

Father and Leader

You were

You would spin out

Truth

Justice

Like no other peer

You stirred

The hearts,

Minds

Of many

You opened

Embraced

Stood up for truth

Expressed

With grace

Your feelings

Your experiences

Shared with us

Mere mortals here

On earth

In dying

You left us

To fight on

Without fear

No one

In my life

Taught me so well

As you, “Papa Bear”

I miss our conversations

I miss you, my friend so dear.

For Oswald LeWinter (R.I.P.)

By Wendie Busig-kohn 

Father’s Day 2013:  June 16^th

©All rights reserved.

 

Poetry of Renowned Prize Winning Poet Oswald LeWinter

can be found here

Oswald LeWinter died on February 13, 2013

His WORDS OF ART inspired many,

"FINDING A HOME"

was originally written by Oswald LeWinter, for Wendie Busig-Kohn, and it inspired the soundtrack by Jimmy Greenspoon that undercores this video for ART4GOOD. 

Read a sampling of Oswald LeWinter's poetry here:

Finding a Home

A Poem for Betty

Breakfast In Hell

A Tale of Our Time

A Tiny Miracle

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