Dear Fellow Artist:
Both of us have rarely asked
fellow artists for a contribution to any the various arts organizations we‘ve
been involved with over the years, unless the artist is rolling in money (an
all too rare state), but we’re making an exception now. We’re both on the board
of directors of a non-profit organization called Arts on the Block (AOB), and
it could use a little help financing a very important part of its mission,
which as an artist we think you’ll appreciate.
AOB's signature program involves
high school students, many of whom are
economically disadvantaged, but all of whom identify themselves as
creative types and lovers of art.
Mosaics are what the students (called apprentices at AOB) focus on, and
over the years they have created a number of great public and private murals in
the DC area. As a team the apprentices work with a public or private client to
design a mosaic, and then they build it. Through this program AOB does a truly
remarkable job of fostering art, life, and business skills. (You can see some
to our apprentices’ work by going to the AOB website www.artsontheblock.org
and clicking on Buy & Commission Art.)
A unique cornerstone of the
program described above has been paying the apprentices a stipend while
participating in the AOB program. This stipend is a important teaching tool as
it adds concrete value and incentive to their creative work. The appentices
have historically been paid $30 a day for their participation in the program.
So why are we asking you for
money now? Arts on the Block, like the vast majority of non-profit art
organizations, is trying to weather the current economic woes. Unlike most
non-profit art organizations AOB consistently stays out of debt;.This, however,
can lead to budget cuts. Thus, we’re hoping you will contribute $30 for one of
our apprentices for one day in the AOB program. We will not stop you if you’d
like to finance 2 days for $60, or even a
whole week for $150. But, again, We’re hoping you will at least consider financing an outstanding young
artist for one day’s participation in the of Arts on the Block program.
Here's a link for
donations: https://npo.justgive.org/nonprofits/donate.jsp?ein=64-0958139
Or you can mail a check to:
Arts on the Block
11501 Georgia
Ave., Ste 104
Wheaton, MD 20902-1952
Whatever you can give will
be greatly appreciated.
Best,
Richard Dana and June Linowitz
