A little philanthropy

Tis the season for benefits, and over the next couple of weeks there are two with which I have the pleasure of being involved in small ways.

First up is the 2nd annual American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) fundraiser. This year's fundraiser, which includes a silent art auction, takes place at  Dixie Quick's/RNG Gallery next Thursday, May 13 from 5:30pm - 8:30pm. I don't know a lot about the AFSP, and I don't have any real connection with them; what I do know is that they do some difficult work with people who have some serious problems. So donating the quilted walnut mosaic side table (viewable to your immediate left and right) is the least I can do to lend a hand. Details, tickets, etc. can be found on the AFSP website.


The second, a $100 Art Sale Fundraiser at - and for the benefit of - the Bemis Underground, takes place May 21 (and 22, though I doubt much will be left by then). The title says it all. Lots of art all priced at $100. This might sound familiar, as Brigitte McQueen, the newish curator of the Bemis Underground, hosted a similar and successful $100 sale at her former Pulp gallery. I didn't make it to that sale for fear of a thick crowd. My disdain for large crowds will likely make me a no-show for this show, but I am donating this small paduak and cherry side table (to the right and left), which is part of my ongoing series of mosaic patterned pieces. Yeah, it's kinda small, but hey, it's only $100 bucks and it is a working table, so there you go.

I've worked with and for a number of not-for-profit organizations over the past several years. I have a pretty good understanding of their importance to a community and the difficulty of raising money and resources to keep their programs afloat and staffs paid. The Bemis Center particularly has played a major role in providing me with opportunities to develop and take chances as an artist and designer.

My $.2 for both events: go, and go early. We may still be in a recession, but $100 art is still $100 art. I would say, "See you there," but... you know... the crowds and all. Similarly, silent auctions are usually opportunities to get deals. And there will be Dixie Quick's food there. And drinks. So... see you there.

Two new side tables (for sale)

In between working on commissions for customers, I still find a little time to just make stuff. These two side tables are good examples of the fruits of that labor. The pinwheel patterns on the top of each were made by meticulously cutting and fabricating several hundred diamond pieces in precise patterns. After sanding the tops, I finished them both with several coats of satin polyurethane.

The table on the left is made of walnut, canarywood and paduak and is 18.5" tall x 12.5" in diameter. The one on the right is made of walnut and paduak and is 20" tall x 12.5" in diameter. Both tables feature elegantly curved legs made from steam bent solid walnut. Even cooler is the fact that the material is 100% recycled from scraps and cut-offs of other completed projects. So, as far as wood furniture and art goes, these pieces are relatively environmentally friendly.

These are both one-of-a-kind pieces that won't be reproduced. They're also for sale! If you're interested in purchasing either of these side tables, please feel free to inquire for price quotes. They're perfect for holding a cup of coffee while you're reading the morning paper (or blog)...