In the Beginning

One decision can change your direction.

Last December, I was asked to hang my artwork at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC. I had turned the offer down twice before, but felt that I should take some of my abstracts and display them during the holidays. My heart was so impressed with the fact that many would be facing fear and loss during Christmas and perhaps my paintings in the hall by X-ray and Procedure would bring some comfort and color.

I was not prepared for the phone calls that I received from patients and staff over the next 6 weeks. Those phone calls brought me to the realization that I did not want to just be a good artist, but I wanted to be an artist with purpose that could benefit my community and the people around me.

So how do I do that with art?

The church I attend has been teaching about giving honor to those around you and I felt that I wanted to honor the community, especially those that are facing difficult situations where words seem to not be enough. Since I had received so many calls from people at the hospital, I felt this would be the place to start. After talking with a gallery owner, I knew that what I wanted to do was this:

Invite a group of artists into this question: If someone were to stand in front of your artwork...someone needing courage, hope and peace.....what would you create that would inspire them and encourage them?

The response has been amazing and at this point I have 16 artists that are participating in this challenge.

The pieces will be ready by the end of August and the exhibit will open in September. The exhibit will then travel to inspire many people in hospitals, art centers, and more.
This will be the first year to encourage many and my goal is to continue to build and serve our community through Art With Purpose.

I am looking for venues to host this exhibit in 2012. If you are interested please post a comment here. Works will be for sale, and each artist will have the opportunity to choose a percentage to give back to a healing charity of their choice. All works must stay with the exhibit until it closes in month/year at which time artists will deliver any sold works to their owners.

I hope you will consider being a host venue for this meaningful exhibit. I look forward to hearing from you!

Blessings,

Kathy Brusnighan

Founder, Art With Purpose