Reprising the SMALL GEMS SALE

A patient supported by Arts for Life

Good News: I'm bringing back the Small Gems Benefit Sale! I have not held the sale for a few years, so it's fun to start afresh. This year, the Gems will take you on a journey of the places I've been and the things I've seen over the past year. And I am donating ALL--yes ALL, 100%--of the proceeds to Arts for Life. Nothing makes a house a home like original art--and the Gems benefit a special cause, so it's a win-win.

My personal experience working on art projects with a young cancer patient has left a lasting mark on me, so I am especially thrilled to serve on the Board of Arts for Life. Our mission is to bring the arts to kids in the hospital. We let young patients forget their fears for a few moments. Instead

This Magic Moment

Detail from a recent painting
(c) Lesley Powell 2016

"Living in the Moment"--we have all heard that expression. We have heard it so often, in fact, that it sounds trite. But the underlying message retains its power. 

Julia Cameron has written about this concept in her seminal book The Artist's Way. She refers to it simply as paying attention.  Cameron writes:

The quality of life is in proportion,

always,

to the capacity for delight.

The capacity for delight is the gift of

paying attention.

Moreover, Cameron writes that "The reward for paying attention is always healing." I was reminded of these truths recently, when I attended a community art show sponsored by Arts for Life. Arts for Life brings the arts to children in the hospital, tapping into their creativity to

Preview the "Small Gems"!

A patient supported by Arts for Life

Thursday's the big day: the official start of my Sixth Annual SMALL GEMS benefit sale. I am very excited about this year's collection, and wanted to offer my blog readers a sneak preview. The Gems are my favorite small paintings, specially selected and priced for holiday gift-giving. You can see all of the Gems on my website here. To purchase, just click the "Contact the Artist" link at the bottom of the artwork page, and I will respond. Prices start at $150. Nothing makes a house a home like original art--and the Gems benefit a special cause. See details in italics at end of post.

This year's beneficiary will once again be Arts for Life. I have considered many options, but honestly none touch my heart the way that Arts for Life does. My personal experience working on art projects with a young cancer patient has left a lasting mark on me, and I am thrilled to have found an organization whose mission is to bring the arts to kids in the hospital. I could not say it better than their logo does: "Inspiring Courage through Creativity"!

Half the price of every Gem sold before December 25 will go to Arts for Life. We know that arts projects help make long days in the hospital seem shorter, and give young patients something to look forward to. In addition, evidence suggests that art actually exerts a healing power, Arts for Life is positioned to bring that power to thousands of young patients. Please join me by participating in the Small Gems sale and bringing a bright spot into the lives of these kids and their families.

If you have friends who may be interested in supporting the cause, please forward this post to them--thanks for sharing!

Design by Barbara Heath

Should you need inspiration for using Small Gems in your home, check out the photos  in this post (one of these is from my own house!). I love the small paintings grouped on the left in the photo above--they play so well with the large abstract piece. It doesn't matter whether your style is traditional or contemporary, elegant or rustic--a Small Gem is a way to make your space sing, and to help bring joy to kids facing serious illness!

Photo from Vogue

This one in my own house!

Decor by Phoebe Howard

Photo from New York Social Diary

Decor by Phoebe Howard

DETAILS: Each sale is "Satisfaction Guaranteed"--if the painting doesn't work in your home, you can return it within 10 days, no problem. Purchasers outside NC--no sales tax, but you pay UPS shipping. Check preferred, but credit card possible. Sizes and prices are on my website, in the description of each painting. Gems are priced with and without frames. I will gift wrap too! Click the "Contact the Artist" link on the artwork page to make a purchase. Thanks!

Arts for Life

Today I have the honor of announcing the beneficiary of my "Small Gems" sale for this year: Arts for Life. Arts for Life is a wonderful North Carolina non-profit organization that brings the arts to seriously ill children and young adults while they are in the hospital. I could not sum it up better than they say above: Inspiring courage through creativity.

A day in the hospital can seem to last a year. Arts for Life is right there where the rubber meets the road: in the clinic and at the bedside. It helps young patients discover the power of their own creativity and imagination, as they confront the toughest battles of their lives. The art gives these young patients something to smile about (see above!). Besides bringing a bright spot to the hospital days, there is even evidence that painting and drawing can help relieve pain in pediatric patients!

This year, Arts for Life will serve almost 7,000 people in four North Carolina communities (Winston-Salem, Durham, Asheville and Charlotte). That's 15,428 hours of direct contact with patients and families. No small impact.

With your help, I hope to make a contribution to the wonderful mission of Arts for Life. I will donate half of the purchase price for each painting sold in my Small Gems Benefit Sale to Arts for Life. Stay tuned for details on the benefit sale--it will run from November 5 through December 4---details in an upcoming post!

Art means WORK

"The Lacemaker"
Johannes Vermeer, 1675

Two years ago, I discovered the quotation you will find below. I saw it posted on the wall of a local pediatric cancer clinic, in the arts area operated by volunteers from Arts for Life. 

The quote really resonated with me. I was raised in a family where one of my father's favorite sayings was