art180.org/blog » Art Karma

Art Karma and Q

ART 180 — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:18:20 +0000

Wow, what an event last Thursday night. The event space at Plant Zero was packed with ART 180 enthusiasts who came out to bid on beautiful artwork, stunning jewelry, and other spectacular items from local artists and entrepreneurs. DJs Carlito and Greybread from WRIR kept a groove going through the party, while sounds of clinking Karmatini classes and “oohs” and “ahhs” of excitement came from bidders around the room. There was a spread of mouth-watering homemade pasta salads, delicious baked goods (Did you try the Sour Cream Pound Cake? It was INCREDIBLE!) and a tortilla bar donated by friends of ART 180.

Thanks to everyone who provided the yummy eats!

Drinks are served!

Art projects were in the works that the kid’s craft table.

Imagination soars!

VCU TV/HD's video was shown.

The Plant Zero’s halls were filled with quotes and pictures of the kids in our program.

Even if you didn’t bid on anything, you probably left with something pretty incredible. Not only did everyone receive good karma for supporting ART 180, they also picked up the first issue of Q, a quarterly publication “dedicated to the wisdom of wondering.” In each issue ART 180 will be talking to people about one of the values that are the life-blood of ART 180. What are those values you might be asking? We believe in children, communication, creative expression, compassion, community and change.

That last one is a big word these days. We heard repeatedly from the most recently elected president how he was going to make changes in our nation and lots of people are making little changes in their daily lives to become more environmentally friendly. These transformations of thought and habit are driven by people who believe their actions are powerful enough to make a difference.

As our website states, “we embrace change as a gift that empowers young people to transform our world through creative expression. It provides opportunities to be passionately engaged in a natural process of learning, challenging complacency and discovering opportunities to live a meaningful life.” Without change, we don’t move ourselves or our community forward.

But, how does change actually happen? What does it take to actually make change? Can art create change? That’s what is addressed in this first issue of Q.

We interviewed six artists and six people who all believe that art can make change. You’ll have to get your hands on a copy of Q to find out what they said.

But, we want to know what you think:

Can art create change?

Send us your artwork, prose, lyrics or scribbles. You can post it here in the comments section of the blog, or if you’d like to send us a picture of your answer email us at 180@art180.org (please put ‘Answer to Change’ in the subject line of the email

As 180 donor Aimme Koch said:

“Art can make change if you make art.”

We can’t wait to see what you’ve got!

You weren’t at Art Karma, but have to have an issue of Q? If you’re already on our mailing list, a copy will arrive in your mailbox sometime soon. Otherwise, contact us to find out how you can subscribe to Q!

ART KARMA IS TONIGHT!

ART 180 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:59 +0000

We hope you’ve gotten your tickets already, but don’t worry if you haven’t. You can get them at the door for $25, or you can stop by the ART 180 office today and pick them up for $20. Hope to see you tonight!

Holiday shopping with ART 180

ART 180 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:01:11 +0000

Where else can you go to get your holiday shopping over with while helping out a great non-profit AND supporting Richmond artists?

ART KARMA!

ART 180 has collected a ton of donations that are sure to satisfy everyone on your list. Here’s a run down of some things to expect and the people you can cross off your Christmas list:

FOR: The Gardner

Mosaic Flower Pot by Elizabeth Steele

Plant something in this beautiful flower pot to make it an extra-special gift.

FOR: The Richmond Native

'Trestle at Brown's Island, Richmond' by Morgan E. McKinney

Unique perspective of Richmond for that person you know will never leave the 804.

FOR: Your Sister

Earrings and Necklace by Karie Walker

Lamp Finial with Matte Onyx & African Trade Beads

Lamp Finial

FOR: The New Mom

Baby Blanket by Ninny's Nappies

This hand-quilted baby blanket was made by Jenny McGurk from fabric scrapes that were donated by Ninny’s Nappies customers and is backed with 100% organic bamboo fleece. Cozy and colorful!

FOR: Your Cousin

Velocity Comics donated 5 graphic novels

The Escapists; The Hunter; Stitches; Johnny Hiro; The Book of Genesis Illustrated. All SO cool!

FOR: The Dog Lover

Holiday Collar and Gift Certificate

Diamond Dog House donated a red and green dog collar, along with a gift certificate for 5 days of Doggie Day Care and Bath! Perfect for any pup! WOOF!

FOR: The ART 180 board member or volunteer

Recycled art by Kim Young

Elvis, made of an old license plate, sings and dances for ART 180.

Can’t wait to see you on December 3rd at Plant Zero!

Bizarre Market Holiday Edition

ART 180 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:15:30 +0000

Instead of heading to a chain for your holiday shopping, buy from local artists at the Bizarre Market Holiday Edition. Beginning Black Friday (Nov. 27) through December 24th at Chop Suey Books in Carytown, you will find knock-your-socks -off gift ideas in this wonderland of locally made goods. Check out their Facebook page to see all the donations that have been made. ART 180 gave Change for Ten chocolate bars, If You Were A Food What Would You Be? cookbooks, and Journal 180 spiral-bound journals. It will be a wonderland of sparkly, cutesy, crafty, gotta-have-it gifts!

Market Hours: M-Th: 10-6 F-Sat: 10-8 Sun: 12-6

Another place to get one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list is Art Karma, next Thursday, Dec. 3rd at Plant Zero. Get your tickets here!

Building Good Karma

ART 180 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:24:19 +0000

ART 180 already started collecting some great things from local Richmond artists for Art Karma. Thanks to the following people for their donations:

Elizabeth Steele

Marshall Higgins

Eldridge Bagley

Nanci Peters/Unique Pieces

Cyane Lowden

Want to know what they donated? Buy your tickets to Art Karma here to find out!

While the karma theme suggests exotic lands, this event champions homegrown talent and community generosity.

ART 180 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:01:39 +0000

ART KARMA IS ONE MONTH AWAY!

Put Art Karma on your calendar for December 3, 2009. Come help us keep programs going and growing, while getting some good karma of your own at Art Karma, ART 180’s annual fundraiser. We’ve got a silent auction with donations from local businesses and the proceeds benefit the children that ART 180 serves.

Admission is $25 at the door, or 2 for $40. Get your tickets through the ART 180 website (here) early and save $5.

See you there!