Uplifting

Announcing A ThinOPTICS Line Designed by ArtLifting Artists in Partnership with Quincy Jones April 25, 2017 15:38

ThinOPTICS, the pioneering eyewear company that revolutionized reading glasses with its stemless lenses, is launching its second Curated Collection with ArtLifting, this time selected by Quincy Jones. The new line of six ThinOPTICS cases are all designed by artists living with homelessness or disabilities. Funds raised from the net sales of Quincy Jones’ exclusive collection benefit three organizations: ArtLifting, the Quincy Jones Foundation and Keep Memory Alive. You can shop the collection here.

 

 

Shop The Collection 

 

The Quincy Jones Curated Collection will launch on April 27th, 2017 at the star-studded Power of Love® Gala in Las Vegas, benefiting Keep Memory Alive, featuring performances by Gwen Stefani and Jon Bon Jovi. Every guest attending the gala will be gifted one of the six ThinOPTICS selections in this exclusive line, which in turn will drive awareness to ArtLifting, the Quincy Jones Foundation and Keep Memory Alive, with the potential of increasing funds from additional purchases.

“We’re so pleased to be sharing our artists’ beautiful artwork that will adorn these sleek and innovative glasses and cases. The fact that they are primarily placed on mobile phones means our artists’ works will be shared with thousands of people,” said Liz Powers, Co-founder of ArtLifting. “We are excited to collaborate in sharing their stories and the wonderful work that we’re all doing together.”

The three artists bring a different and inspirational background story, expression and aesthetic to each of the cases on which their designs are now showcased. The Quincy Jones ThinOPTICS Curated Collection features two pieces of artwork from three ArtLifting artists Charles Blackwell, Douglas Pendleton, and Billy Megargel. “Quincy Jones is the quintessential icon of what is possible. So when we heard that he had chosen two of Billy's paintings to be part of the exclusive collection eyewear for ThinOPTICS, we were deeply honored and thrilled,” says Billy’s mother, Eve Megargel.

"Partnering with ThinOPTICS to make The Quincy Jones Curated Collection has absolutely made my soul smile!” says Quincy Jones. The collection features six beautiful designs created by 3 talented ArtLifting artists, and a portion of the sales will benefit not only my own personal foundation, but two other amazing causes: Keep Memory Alive and ArtLifting."

Each ThinOPTICS case can be proudly displayed on the back of mobile phones and tablets or tucked conveniently inside wallets, purses and pockets because of its ingenious glasses design that makes them as thin as two credit cards and lighter than a nickel.

“Beyond designing eyewear that enhances the lives of our customers, ThinOPTICS is a brand that is committed to making a difference. We are so glad to be able to benefit these three impactful philanthropic institutions that fully align with ThinOPTICS’ mission to serve the greater good,” says Darren Lancaster, ThinOPTICS Co-founder and VP of Marketing.

 

Shop The Collection

 

About ThinOPTICS

ThinOPTICS entered the market in 2014 and was launched by a passionate team who believes that reading glasses users should be able to access their glasses at any given time. After 200 prototypes and countless trials, the ThinOPTICS team created the “stick anywhere, go everywhere” reading glasses that are as thin as two credit cards, weigh less than a nickel and easily attach to phones or can be slipped into a wallet, purse or pockets. The reading glasses can be purchased in three strengths: Low Range (+1.50D), Mid Range (+2.00D) and High Range (+2.50D). ThinOPTICS has shipped over 1.5 million glasses to over 170 countries to date and currently offers cases for Apple and Samsung phones, as well as in a Universal Pod and Keychain case. They can be purchased on the company’s website and Amazon, but are also available in Walmart Optical, Target and Safeway stores, as well as over 1,000 Independent Specialty Retailers across the U.S. ThinOPTICS was named “Best in Class – Iconic Design” by Inc., “Best of CES 2015” by PCWorld and has been featured on CBS News Sunday Morning, Yahoo! Tech, FOX News, Real Simple, Refinery29 and more. Learn more:  thinoptics.com.  

About Quincy Jones

Named by Time Magazine as one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century, Quincy Jones is an impresario in the broadest and most creative sense of the word. His career has encompassed the roles of composer, record producer, artist, film producer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, TV producer, record company executive, television station owner, magazine founder, multimedia entrepreneur, and humanitarian. Among the multitude of awards that he has received for his contributions are an Emmy Award, seven Academy Award nominations, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, 27 Grammy Awards, and is the all-time most nominated Grammy artist with a total of 79 nominations. A recipient of the Republic of France’s Commandeur de Legion d’Honneur, in 2001, Jones was named a Kennedy Center Honoree, for his contributions to the cultural fabric of the United States of America. He was recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts as a Jazz Master - the nation’s highest jazz honor, and in 2010 was bestowed the National Medal of Arts, our nation’s highest artistic honor. In 2016, Jones received a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical for the Broadway production of The Color Purple. The award completed the rare EGOT set for Jones, an exclusive club of artists who have received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award.

About The Quincy Jones Foundation

The Quincy Jones Foundation provides restoration support in the Gulf Coast (post-Katrina) and raises awareness and financial resources for initiatives that work to eradicate global children’s issues in areas of conflict, malaria, and clean water shortages. Learn more: qjfoundation.com

About Keep Memory Alive

Keep Memory Alive, whose mission is to provide enhanced treatment and ultimately cures for patients and their families suffering from neurocognitive disorders, raises awareness and funds in support of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. By supporting Keep Memory Alive and its fight against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, frontotemporal dementia, multiple sclerosis and multiple system atrophy, we can ensure progress towards better treatments and ultimately cures will occur in Las Vegas. For additional information call (702) 263-9797 or visit keepmemoryalive.org.

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The Reason Behind ArtLifting's Investment in Corporate Partnerships March 17, 2017 15:47

 

2016 was a year of tremendous growth for ArtLifting. After securing $1.3 million in seed funding in July of 2015 from investors like Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Shoes, and Eric Ries, author of Lean Startup, our team has worked tirelessly to reach several milestones.

 

 This past year alone, we onboarded more than 60 artists nationwide and now proudly represent 112 artists impacted by homelessness or disability in 19 states. We’re thrilled to support individuals whose perseverance and creativity inspire us every day. From Los Angeles-based artist Eric Santamaria who paints with the wheels of his wheelchair to war veterans who use art to heal, we’re excited to share their stories and life’s work with you.

Thanks to our rapidly growing customer base, we paid out a total commission in the six figures to artists. We’ve come a long way since our co-founders, Liz and Spencer Powers, bootstrapped $4,000 of their savings three years ago.

 

Deval Patrick, Managing Director at Bain Capital and former governor of Massachusetts, met with Boston-based artists Allen Chamberland and Scott Benner after purchasing their artworks for his office.

 

The key to our growth has been a resonance of our mission and business model in the corporate art market. More and more companies realize the importance of making socially conscious decisions and how these decisions affect company culture, including the art they put on their walls. It shows employees and clients that they are committed to giving back to their communities and fostering productive and positive work environments. What used to be a logistical process of decorating an office has become an opportunity to visibly showcase a company’s social values.

Today, with five licensing deals and over 70 corporate clients later, we feel confident that we can continue to grow our impact by connecting talented artists with companies that want to make a difference. We’re proud to count companies like Starbucks, Google, Microsoft, and Staples as partners in driving our mission forward.

 

In October 2016, we partnered with Google to open the first Art@Google exhibition featuring works by artist Scott Benner.

Our website now has a fresh new look to encourage businesses and individual customers  to join our mission. Our curation and customer service teams are committed to bringing you the highest quality art and merchandise from some of the most talented artists in the country.

Thank you for being a part of this movement. We can’t wait to continue growing our impact in 2017!

 

 

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ThinOPTICS x ArtLifting December 16, 2016 16:12

ArtLifting is thrilled to announce a partnership with ThinOPTICS, the pioneering eyewear company that revolutionized reading glasses with its stemless lenses, to launch a Curated Collection of ten new cases designed by artists living with homelessness or disabilities. The partnership launched December 12th, 2016, and ArtLifting will receive 20% of the net profit from each case sold to benefit the artists directly.

“We’re thrilled to work with ThinOPTICS to expand our impact. Our artists’ beautiful artwork that will adorn ThinOPTICS’ innovative glass cases. The fact that these artsy cases are primarily placed on mobile phones means our artists’ work will be shared with thousands of people,” said Liz Powers, co-founder of ArtLifting. “We are excited to collaborate in sharing their stories and the wonderful work that we’re all doing together. The purchase of the curated ThinOPTICS cases and glasses directly benefits our artists by providing them with income, empowerment and hope.”

Each artist brings a different and inspirational background story, expression and aesthetic to the cases on which their designs are now showcased. Tim Strouss was left partially paralyzed on his left side after surgery complications and took up painting as a cathartic way to challenge himself; Alicia Sterling Beach aims to spread joy and keep herself active by creating art despite degenerative chronic osteoporosis and PTSD she developed in early childhood, which led to stints of homelessness throughout her life. In the face of adversity, each artist found solace and a form of sustainable income in showcasing their works via ArtLifting, and their designs now appear on ThinOPTICS  sleek glasses cases – with Strouss’ also appearing on a matching pair of ThinOPTICS readers. In addition to Strouss and Beach, Randy NicholsonAneliya KostovaDavid McCauleyJeff RoysdonAndrew WeatherlyKrishaun Williams and Mia Brown round out the list of artists whose designs are featured on ThinOPTICS Universal Pods, and each of their incredible stories can be found at www.thinoptics.com/artlifting.

“A Balanced Patriotism” by Tim Strouss

ThinOPTICS cases can be proudly displayed on the back of mobile phones and tablets or tucked conveniently inside wallets, purses and pockets because of their ingenious glasses design that makes them as thin as two credit cards and lighter than a nickel. The result of two years of innovation and over 200 prototypes, ThinOPTICS glasses have no stems, yet they rest securely and comfortably on the bridge of the nose using flex-grip technology. The lineup of classic colors that ThinOPTICS users have loved since the brand hit the market in 2014 are now further enhanced by the artwork of each incredible artist.

“When we set out to make ThinOPTICS, we only had a slight idea of the impact our product would have on its day-to-day users,” said Darren Lancaster, VP of Marketing and Co-Founder of ThinOPTICS. “And now, this incredible new partnership with ArtLifting allows our customers to have a profound effect on the lives of these artists who are facing struggles that most cannot imagine. That’s a great feeling – to be a part of something that truly incorporates the big picture, especially around the holidays when providing extra support to those who may not be as fortunate can make all the difference.”

The ultra-thin Universal Pod cases and matching glasses featuring “A Balanced Patriotism” by Tim Strouss and “Bipolar Inspiration” by Randy Nicholson retail for $29.95, and the subsequent eight designed cases that come with classic color ThinOPTICS lenses retail for $24.95. These designs and all ThinOPTICS glasses can be purchased at www.thinoptics.com/artlifting with the exclusive and limited collection launching just in time for the Holidays.

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ArtLifting in the UBS Planet Art Lounge at Art Basel in Miami Beach December 12, 2016 16:07

 

Nearly 70,000 tourists flocked to The Miami Convention Center last week for Art Basel--an international art fair with annual shows in Basel, Switzerland; Miami Beach, Florida; and Hong Kong, China. Art Basel showcases contemporary artworks by established and newly emerging artists from across the globe. UBS, the title sponsor of Art Basel in Miami Beach, has a long history of supporting the communities in which it works. To honor the Miami community and its unique art culture, this year's UBS Planet Art Lounge featured ArtLifting's own David McCauley.

 

 

David is a mixed media artist. His work blends design, sculpture, typography, and repurposed materials. His urban contemporary artwork is held in prestigious private collections worldwide and has been featured internationally in solo and group exhibitions with such institutions as SCOPE Art Show, Galerie Lano (Paris), Cheryl Hazan Gallery (NYC), Projective Space (NYC), and The Richmond Art Museum. In 2008, David sustained a spinal cord injury at the C6 vertebrae that impaired his hand usage and paralyzed him from the chest down. To cope with the challenges that came with such paralysis, David turned to creating art.

 

 

David is also the founder of The Rise Up Gallery and The Little Haiti Laundromat Art Space. Both 501c3 non profit organizations have been awarded numerous accolades for their programs which provide art therapy workshops to the community and studio/exhibition space for artists.

 

 

As part of its sponsorship this year, UBS hosted the UBS Planet Art Lounge in the public-access area of the fair. ArtLifting artist David McCauley’s work was showcased through a wall vinyl and take-away coffee cups.

 

 

David’s reaction: “I've been fortunate enough to show work in other art fairs, but we all know that Art Basel draws the most prestigious artists, collectors, and gallerists through its doors. It’s humbling to have so many powerful players in the art world exposed to my work.”

 

 

ArtLifting is helping artists gain exposure, yes, but beyond that we are trying to show that art can be a driver of social change, that talented artists deserve a chance to have a career making art, and that everyone can contribute to society. We were thrilled to have a presence at Art Basel Miami, not as a traditional booth, but as a point of conversation in the Planet Art Lounge. We hoped this presence would open up a dialogue on the potential that art has to transform lives and communities.

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Artists Give Thanks November 24, 2016 15:52

 

This Thanksgiving, we asked ArtLifting artists what they were thankful for. Here’s what they had to say:

 

“For each day. For farmers who bring fruits and flowers to my urban life. For water. For forgiveness. For lovers of art. For you.” Jo Jackson

“I’m soooo thankful after a long day having a home to go to. I see so many homeless people; it hits me hard.”Judi (JMW)

“I am grateful that my art allows me to express my physical condition lovingly and with compassion. It helps me be compassionate towards others. I am grateful that my art touched others with beauty. I am grateful that I can be a part of Artlifting and illustrate that those with disabilities make up a community that is spreading perseverance through creativity. I am grateful that my art is a reflection of living as my true self.”Cynthia Perdigao

“The ability through Art, to control the chaos that is my mind. The magic of focus on a single point.”E. Lewis Basher

“I'm thankful for family and friends during this thanksgiving. I'm also thankful for god blessing me with the artistic talents to create my artwork. I'm also very thankful to be a Artlifting artist as well. I'm also thankful for connecting with a great friend this year. Everyday is a blessing. Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving.”Kevin Munster

“I'm thankful for another year of companionship from my senior dog, Murray.” — Jeff Roysdon

 

Murray by Jeff Roysdon

 

“I'm thankful for having found housing I can afford. I'm setting up my studio in the bedroom and soon will have new artwork to share. Thanks to everyone at ArtLifting for running an enterprise that gives me the confidence to keep creating!”Laura Kupac

“I am thankful for sharing my passion for creating art and for the chance to share my passion with others. I am thankful for the support and encouragement that I receive from some very caring people.”Andrew Weatherly

“I am thankful for the higher power, who stepped into my life and made it possible for me to earn more. As an artist, I am constantly compromising my worth for the buyer who is always lacking in finances. I would like to thank those who help me to stand my ground and defend my worth.”Jeff Powers

“I am thankful for every breath I still take. For fresh air and water, friends, my sobriety, and trying to remain open-minded and teachable every day.”Katie Hickey

“It's been an interesting year, while I've enjoyed continuing success with Artlifting, I have seen the passing of some dear friends and family. So I guess when it comes to being grateful I'd have to say I'm thankful for the gift of life and the blessing of having friends and family in it.”Scott Benner

“My Grandma! She is 108 years old and I love her everyday. I love my family and my staff. I'm thankful that I can make art.”Mia Brown

"I'm thankful for my health, both physical and mental, to all those who support and love me.”Susan Spangenberg

“I am thankful in 2016 that I have found an art organization that is allowing me to showcase my art again. ArtLifting has given me the courage to open myself up again on a creative level where I am expressing wonderful and soulful art.”Christine Nelson

 

What are you thankful for?

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Art@Google: Scott Benner Exhibits Artwork at Google November 13, 2016 08:00

 

 

On October 13th, ArtLifting and Google came together to celebrate the launch of a new art exhibition on Google’s Cambridge campus. Titled Lines In Motion, the exhibition features a curated selection of nine artworks created by Boston-based artist Scott Benner. 

 

On stage with Brian Cusack, Industry Director at Google, ArtLifting Artist Scott Benner answers questions about his creations.

 

Google Real Estate Project Executive John Moran, who worked with ArtLifting to develop this partnership, explains that Google took an interest in featuring ArtLifting artists as part of a larger goal to “create spaces that inspire and help cultivate innovation.” He continues, “Our mission with Google is to create amazing work environments and experiences…We hope this artwork will positively influence the daily work of our Cambridge Googlers.” Equally important to Moran is the impact the Google Real Estate Project is making on artists in the local community. He declares, “the best part” of the partnership is “the social mission driving this work.”

 

The exhibition guide encouraged visitors to view the works "up close in order to fully appreciate their labyrinth-like design."

 

Benner began his relationship with art at a young age, doodling on graph paper left around the house by his father, an electrical engineer. After a series of events left him homeless and without a job, Benner found solace in art creation and saw that others were also touched by his work. Since joining ArtLifting, Benner has massed an ever-growing portfolio and has found housing. Benner does not, however, plan on stopping anytime soon: “My focus right now is really working on my art as a full-time thing. This is the first time in my whole life that I can focus this way.”

 

Benner proudly presents his work.

 

“We saw in this an opportunity to use art as a way of engaging the community, to get them exposed to an organization that we thought was doing something interesting in this particular community,” Moran said to Artsy's Abigail Cain in an editorial on ArtLifting's corporate partnerships. “It’s about highlighting something that was started here in the Boston area, bringing it into the campus to expand that exposure to our Google community and to see what comes of that.”

Google plans to feature two other local ArtLifting artists on its Cambridge campus in the upcoming year as part of a new partnership between ArtLifting and Google called “art@Google” and hopes to create similar exhibitions on its campuses across the country.

   

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How I Used Photography to Cope with PTSD After War November 11, 2016 11:27

Every year on November 11th, America honors the nation’s veterans on Veterans Day. There are 21.8 million veterans in the US, roughly 7% of the population, according to the 2014 Census Bureau. Sadly, often times the horrors of war follow the veterans home. More than 20% of troops who served in Iraq or Afghanistan have come home with PTSD, and 12% of America’s homeless are veterans. Art, for these veterans, is a place of refuge.

By Clyde R. Horn, PhD.

I'm proud that I answered the call to my country. Sacrifice and honor is a big deal to veterans. I'm proud to wear my veteran hat, Purple Heart insignia, and stand tall. Freedom is the backbone of America, and I'm part of the proud tradition of helping America stay free. I was in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade. We flew in helicopters all over Vietnam, and we were dropped off for several weeks at a time into the jungles. Then, we returned to the Saigon area for several days for showers, hot food, and entertainment. Then it was back to the jungles fighting the enemy.

When I returned from Vietnam in 1968, it was hard times. Being in war changed my life, having come close to death many times, being wounded, and seeing death all around me. I was traumatized. I wasn't able to reveal I was a veteran for fear of being attacked. Thankfully, today that fear is no longer present. It makes me proud, and I often have tears leaking out of my eyes when people approach me with kindness and respect. Veterans Day honors the sacrifice of those who lived and died throughout the generations for this country.

When I came back from war, I had problems attaching along with relational issues. I became a loner, isolated, and struggled with a sleep disorder and high levels of anxiety. I was a functional mess. Art helped me channel those struggles into something productive.  Art, for me, helps me go to safe places. Anxiety and trauma take away safety. It's disruptive and chaotic. Art is soothing, quiet, and relaxing. My photography is mostly nature based, so I feel grounded and in tune with the hum of the earth. Being calm to the forces of trauma helps me heal. Art literally helped me survive PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) by helping me refocus. I used my art to express emotions without words and utilized my creativity to find healing.

I am new to ArtLifting, but am honored to be part of an organization that elevates the homeless and disabled as productive human beings. To me, it exemplifies the oneness of humanity revealing we all have gifts that need to be seen and shared.

Learn more about Clyde here

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ArtLifting thanks Museum of Fine Arts, Boston | Memorial Day Weekend June 6, 2016 19:44

Elizabeth Belstraz, Allen Chamberland, Lori-Anne Fay, and Kitty Zen showed their original artwork in response to the Megacities: Asia exhibit during the Memorial Day Open House, which was the most highly attended day for the museum thus far in 2016.

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15 Gifts For Dad That Are Totally Better Than A Mug June 3, 2016 12:54

Don’t settle for a mug this year—surprise dad with a gift he’ll be proud to show off.

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The Road to the MFA: Elizabeth Belstraz Mixes Media & Experience for Memorial Day Event May 24, 2016 15:52

Elizabeth Belstraz is a lifelong artist and a graduate of The School of The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She explains her process for creating artwork in response to the Megacities: Asia exhibit.

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Artists Make Global Statement at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston May 16, 2016 19:26

For ArtLifting’s artists, the opportunity to present commissioned artwork at the MFA is nothing short of a dream come true and an astounding opportunity.

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From Coping To Commission: Randy Nicholson Uses Self-Expression(ism) to Change His Life May 6, 2016 20:09

Randy Nicholson has only been painting for six years, and yet his evolution as an artist is astounding. First approaching art as therapy for his bipolar diagnosis, Randy’s expressions of color and form now hang in institutions such as Harvard University and the currently-open Leesa Dream Gallery in New York City. As part of National Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re presenting a visual retrospective of Randy’s work, featuring 12 of the artist’s expressionistic masterpieces.

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Artists Attend Star-Studded Opening at One-of-a-Kind Soho Gallery in NYC April 30, 2016 12:51

When two like minded companies come together, dreams come true, and that's just what happened on Wednesday, April 26 in Soho, NYC.

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Grace Goad's Art Finds Joy in the Abstract April 28, 2016 18:33

You learned about Grace Goad, an artist living with autism, and her mother, Leisa Hammett, in the first part of our artist spotlight. Now, learn more about Grace's art and what it brings to her life.

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Why ArtLifting? A Platform For Social Good Through Art & Opportunity April 26, 2016 12:40

Art serves as an invitation for interaction, communication, and understanding—as a way to combat stigmas and share talent with the world. Your purchase supports a platform for artists who are homeless or disabled to secure income and garner positivity from the celebration of their artwork. Join the movement. Buy art that counts.

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Abstract Art, Autism, and Beauty: An April Spotlight on Grace Goad and Leisa Hammett April 22, 2016 21:52

Grace Goad began experimenting with color and composition when she was four years old. By age six, she was exhibiting her art and sold her first piece just two years later. Her stunning artwork—a plethora of tints, tones, and hues that display a natural affinity for color combination and arrangement—is promoted by her staunchest advocate: Leisa Hammett, Grace’s mother.

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ArtLifting: A Vehicle for Empowerment, Positivity, and Change April 15, 2016 20:56

Join the movement.

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Fine Lines and Fine Art in Black & White: A Journey Through Scott Benner's Iterative Creative Process April 13, 2016 15:17

Scott Benner began his relationship with art at a young age, doodling on graph paper left around the house by his father. After four decades of practice, patience, and perseverance, Scott decided to share his portfolio with ArtLifting. Now, he's providing insight into his creative process for all to see.

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ArtLifting Artist Inspires Harvard Undergrads to Create Art March 10, 2016 14:46

Leading an art class at a world-renowned university would have been the last thing Kitty Zen, an artist who has struggled with homelessness for most of her life, could have imagined. Last Friday, she guided 25 Harvard undergraduates through an oil painting class

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The Boston Celtics Join the #MakeYourWallsCount Movement and Lift Art in support of ArtLifting Artists Nationwide March 4, 2016 10:49

First the New England Patriots LIFTED ART and now our favorite guys in green, The Boston Celtics, joined the #MakeYourWallsCount movement!

This week, the players, coaches, and announcers of Boston’s beloved basketball team literally LIFTED ART to raise awareness of ArtLifting’s mission. Thru the sale of their artwork, ArtLifting empowers local artists struggling with homelessness or living with disabilities, helping them find housing and jobs.

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New Year, New Artist New Hope January 8, 2016 15:06

One of the new artists we have welcomed into the family is Terri Renner of Oceanside CA. I was personally drawn to Terri’s work due to the dynamic nature of her paintings as well as my own personal connection to her artist story. Terri lives with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and since losing the mobility of her right hand  has begun painting with her non-dominant hand.

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12 Days of Giving: Day 12 Eric Lewis Basher December 12, 2015 11:07

Lewis has a special relationship with art. He shares, “Art is the first thing I’ve felt comfortable with for years. It allows me to express my thoughts in a much better way than standing on the corner turning in circles and screaming.

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12 Days of Giving: Day 11 Kimberly Williams December 11, 2015 11:09

Kimberly Williams discovered her lifelong passion for creating art when she was three years old. A native of Ft. Washington, Maryland, Kim started battling mental health concerns and addiction early in her life, causing her to be in and out of homelessness. Kim paints to harness focus and maintain a positive outlook on life. 

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Day 10 of 12 Days of Giving: Randy Nicholson & Judi Dahlquist December 10, 2015 16:00

Day 10 of 12 Days of Giving means not one artist feature, but two! Today we’re featuring Randy Nicholson & Judi Dahlquist. Both are abstract-expressionist artists living with bipolar disorder.

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12 Days of Giving: Day 9: Tierza December 9, 2015 10:20

Tierza was raised in a small village in Michigan and uses art as a way to escape the fear and chaos around her. Battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Tierza says she feels compelled to put beauty where there is none in her personal life.

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12 Days of Giving: Day 8 Andrew Weatherly December 8, 2015 09:29

Warm, insightful, intuitive and caring; Andrew Weatherly of Bergen County, NJ has brought all of these heartfelt qualities together, expressing and sharing the innermost thoughts of a profoundly perceptive young man.

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12 Days of Giving: Day 6 Laurie Kammer December 6, 2015 08:00

So, a little about the incredibly talented Laurie. After falling from a tree in 2011 and suffering from a T-10 spinal chord injury, Laurie Kammer has used art to get herself back on her feet.  She now works with the RiseUp Gallery, an adaptive art studio in Miami that provides art workshops for newly injured patients living with a variety of ailments. 

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12 Days of Giving: Day 5 David Foye December 5, 2015 08:00

David Foye is an incredibly talented local artist whose art reveals both an adventurous spirit and a positive outlook on life. David is a South Boston native and makes art to convey his visions of how life should be in the future.

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12 Days of Giving: Day 4: Nick Morse, Billy Megargel, and Grace Goad December 4, 2015 13:03

Happy 4th Day of Giving!

Today’s featured artists are Nick Morse, Grace Goad and Billy Megargel. For every purchase of their artwork and/or products, ArtLifting will donate one art-related toy to a child in need! Giving, not receiving, brings true holiday joy. For the 12 days of giving you have the opportunity to give back to both an artist and a child in need! 55% of every sale goes directly to the artist! 

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12 Days of Giving, Day 3: Dhyana H.J.F. December 3, 2015 13:56

Mission Winter by Dhyana H.J.F.

 

Dhyana started making art after she faced employment discrimination due to her disabilities. She found that art provided an accidental distraction and outlet for her stress. She says, "It makes me feel productive, proud, and confident again. Art has become my lifeline

 

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A Sneak Peek December 3, 2015 09:18

David Trujillo was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The landscape and fabric of New Mexico life has greatly affected his art, a craft he has been involved with for most of his life. David first got into art in highschool and has lately reconnected with his talents through a community art program at the Santa Fe Club House. The Santa Fe Club House offers outpatient treatment programs, community, and work opportunities for adults with mental illness.  

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Giving Thanks November 25, 2015 13:52

Thanksgiving is about being thankful and appreciating all we have. Regardless of what commercials and Black Friday tries to thrust upon us, this day and this weekend is truly a time for family and reflection.

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Art: A Breath of Fresh Air November 18, 2015 12:18

Life can be challenging, exciting and stressful, but at the end of the day we can all breathe a little easier. Taking a deep breath centers us and focuses our energy. It can relax us and help us think better. For Allen Chamberland, a deep breath isn’t always the best avenue for focus, or even really an option. Allen uses art and the creative process to focus himself.

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One Artist's Unique Vision November 6, 2015 10:24

Lori-Anne Faye is a visually impaired photographer. No you did not read that wrong. When Lori-Anne was told that she would lose her vision due to her degenerative eye condition, fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, her only response was “I will be a photographer.” Seeing the world is a beautiful thing, but to an artist, seeing the world is everything. What does it mean to have that vision blurred, distorted and wiped away? What would you see and what story would you want to tell?

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National Press- A Confidence Boost October 30, 2015 17:06

ArtLifting is celebrating this week! Not just Halloween, but also all the recent attention our artists have received from major news outlets. This week TechCrunch, Forbes, Boston Globe, Boston Business Journal, and Bostinno.com featured stories about ArtLifting’s recent big changes.

In case you missed it, ArtLifting announced this week that we raised 1.1 million dollars of funding to further grow the company and reach out to empower even more amazing artists. With the new funding we also launched a new website design with increased options for products.

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ArtLifting and Microsoft Connect October 22, 2015 13:23

On Monday, October 11th, Microsoft celebrated the grand opening of its new community space at 680 Folsom in the heart of San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood. To adorn the space’s blank walls, Microsoft turned to ArtLifting, purchasing seven original artworks from four different ArtLifting artists, including local San Francisco artists Eric Lewis Basher and Shannon R.

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From a Shelter Worker: Reflections on Doing Good and Earning Profit October 20, 2015 22:09

ArtLifting Co-Founder and Chief Happiness Spreader Liz Powers wrote this blog post for The Huffington Post on July 22, 2015.

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I have worked with non-profits for 8 years and with homeless individuals for the past 9. During that time, I did a lot of reflecting. I thought about how frustrating it was to feel stifled - how I wanted to make an enormous impact. And move fast.

My job used to be running art groups in homeless shelters. Having to wait a year to hear back regarding grant proposals made moving fast impossible. More importantly, however, I thought about all of my friends in non-profits - how they were doing amazing work, but also how much of the work that they did not generate revenue. I didn't want to compete with them for grants.

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Curator's Corner I October 19, 2015 17:15

Welcome to Curator’s Corner! This will be a weekly blog series on blog.ArtLifting.com focused on exploring the technical intricacies of some of our outstanding artworks.

Kitty Zen

The impetus for this recurring series came from a simple exclamation heard frequently from viewers who, upon encountering an ArtLifting original for the first time, could only articulate, “Wow”. These blog posts will be directed at customers, supporters, and art aficionados unable to experience our artworks in person. Each week will highlight a new piece of art. I hope you stick around for the ride!

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ArtWeek Boston + ArtLifting October 19, 2015 14:59

Spring 2015 ArtWeek kicked off yesterday in Boston with a bang! ArtLifting is thrilled to have participated in the opening ceremonies, where lights were turned on at the top of the Pru, and to now be featured on the ArtWeek Boston homepage!

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ArtLifting & Lexicon Gallery Exhibit October 19, 2015 14:56

Lexicon Gallery

ArtLifting is excited to announce that we will be hosting an exhibit in partnership with Lexicon Gallery in Gloucester, MA. The opening reception will take place on May 8th from 6-8pm. ArtLifting CEO, Liz Powers, and ArtLifting Artist, Scott Benner, will both be speaking at the opening reception. The exhibition will include several works by some of our amazing and inspiring artists surrounded by Lexicon’s array of beautiful ceramics. ArtLifting is so very grateful for the generosity and support from Seyrel Williams and Jenny Rangan of Lexicon Gallery. 

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Introducing: ArtLifting Ambassadors! October 19, 2015 14:54

empower map

Since our start in December of 2013, ArtLifting has grown rapidly to become a nationally recognized social enterprise. We have grown from empowering 4 artists in just Boston proper, to 50 artists in 8 cities across the nation. 

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Celebrating Independence on Fourth of July Weekend! October 19, 2015 14:53

On this lovely independence day weekend we would like to celebrate the independence some of our artists have gained through the sale and celebration of their artwork. Not only have our artists been able to generate an income out of something they love to do, they also have been able to take control over their lives and become more independent. 

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Humanism: ArtLifting and The Hub October 19, 2015 14:48

Yesterday, Sunday July 19th, ArtLifting artists displayed their work at The Humanist Hub in Harvard Square The Hub is a place where the Humanist community gathers. Formerly serving the Harvard community, The Hub has evolved to serve the larger community of Humanists.

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CBS News Profiles Two ArtLifting Artists on National Segment March 15, 2015 17:27

That was a very exciting weekend for ArtLifting as two of our artists, Scott Benner of Boston and Kimberly Williams of Fort Washington, MD were featured on CBS News. The segment aired on approximately 80 local stations across the U.S. throughout the weekend. You can view the full story here.

“Art is what I do [as] opposed to taking a drink,” Kimberly says, “art is what I do [as] opposed to getting high.” In December, Kimberly sold a three-piece painting to Creative Office Pavilion, a furniture dealer based in Boston, via ArtLifting. The painting set now hangs in one of their conference rooms in the Boston Design Center for office visitors to admire, learn about, and be inspired by. The confidence and income that Kimberly gained through this sale gave her a tremendous emotional boost and allowed her to buy a Christmas gift for her four-year-old son, an avid painter as well. The Washington Post profiled this story last December.

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ArtLifting + MFA: Women in the Arts Event March 1, 2015 17:28

We are excited to announce that on Wednesday, March 11th, ten female ArtLifting artists will be featured in the Boston Museum of Art's very first "Women in the Arts" event.

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ArtLifting Hosts MFA Museum Council January 30, 2015 17:29

 

ArtLifting recently partnered with the MFA Museum Council for a night of art, refreshments and good company on March 29th at Boston’s Design Center.

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REISS Scarves, Designed by ArtLifting Artists December 11, 2014 17:33

On December 11, 2014 ArtLifting partnered with global fashion brand, REISS, for a special night to celebrate the holiday season.

Attendees were treated to a specially cultivated collection of Reiss’ holiday apparell to enjoy with drinks,  light bites and wonderful artwork.

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ArtLifting Lands in SF! October 15, 2014 17:34

ArtLifting Partners with Hospitality House, Mountary to Empower Homeless and Disabled Artists in San Francisco

San Francisco. – October 15, 2014—ArtLifting has expanded its national presence to encompass San Francisco.

ArtLifting is collaborating with two San Francisco institutions for this initial launch. Artists participating in the ArtLifting platform were discovered through Hospitality House’s Community Arts ProgramHospitality House has been serving the homeless and low-income community in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood since 1967. The Community Arts Program is the only free-of-charge fine arts studio for poor, homeless, formerly homeless and at-risk adults in San Francisco. 

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