Buffalo Rising Online

Aug 11th 2008, 10:28am By BRO Reader Submission

Submission by Lukia Costello - Mixed Media Fine Artist/Photographer and Artspace Buffalo Resident / Member Buffalo Society of Artists

Artspace has teamed up with the Family Justice Center to organize a 50/50 split charitable auction as well as volunteers and performers for their annual fundraising event taking place on October 28th. It's more than just an auction. 26 juried pieces will continue to hang at the FJC for a year as an inspiration to its clients and volunteers.

This is the fist time either of our organizations are attempting this angle and it all started by chance. A friend of mine put me in touch because they were looking for artwork for their bare walls. The FJC seeks to create a caring and comfortable environment for its clients (victims of domestic violence and abuse) and bare walls just aren't cutting it. In the course of our meeting Linda Ray (Director) and I realized that we had an excellent opportunity before us that could both benefit the FJC, it's clients, as well as the WNY arts community. We talked about an auction and both agreed that some kind of split was in order (a trend that I am encouraging across the board).

"We are thrilled to be in this collaboration with Artspace because it is a perfect fit," said Linda Ray, Family Justice Center executive director. "Art is a beautiful way to depict the hope and healing that all our clients find at the Family Justice Center. We are honored that Artspace is helping us raise awareness about domestic violence in our community through A New stART.

"The title of the event honors the courage and resilience of survivors of domestic violence. Artists' submissions will focus on uplifting and hopeful imagery, the possibility of change, inner strength and courage and the way forward. The show is open to artists working on canvas and paper in any medium, including photography. The full call for work and entry form can be found at www.anewstartbuffalo.com."

It has been an interesting work in progress form the ground up. We have worked together to develop a plan, prospectus, call for work and all the logistics. The auction is being rolled into a larger, yearly event, formerly know as 'Unmasquerade'. Here are the details:

“A New stART,” at Asbury Hall at the Church (photo), 341 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. The auction is for the benefit of the Family Justice Center and proceeds from the sale of the artwork will be split 50-50 between the artist and the Center.