 
These are two pieces in mixed media by Catherine Vesce, and as you can guess, I placed them in the new Cancer Center at University of Kansas Hospital. Why? Well there’s a soothing aspect to them, both in terms of color and execution, and I feel that’s important in a hospital. But there’s also more than first meets the eye.
Catherine’s very concerned about endangered songbirds. These two, Scarlet Tannager and White-Crowned Sparrow, are endangered. If you’ll notice the helicopter in the closeup of the one, you’ll see that it’s spraying pesticides. Interesting juxtaposition. It’s for these multiple reasons that I acquired her work. Also her exceptional talent.
Nice work; I like it when a painting says “Hey wake up and look at what’s going on before it’s too late!”
So do I.
Hello Paul,
I am one of the artist who attended your seminar at the Palo Alto Art League in California, Rozanne Di Silvestro (the short dark hair women sitting on your far left – if you remember). I wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your talk and your insightful information. I found it helpful in moving forward with my fine art career.
Ms. Vesce’s 2 paintings look very soothing and appropriate for it’s location. It’s also great that her meaningful message is out there. I personally know how valuable art would be in that type of setting as a distraction.
I hope you don’t mind me sending you a question. I recently created 3 monotype paintings, which were inspired by my mother’s death, for a juried show at PAL (Beyond Cancer Show) sponsored by the Canary Foundation who supports early detection research of Cancer. I won 1st place and they exhibited at the Canary Foundation’s symposium at Stanford University, PAL’s Gallery and the San Jose Grand Prix.
Last week, I picked up my 3 paintings and I could not stop thinking, all the way home, that I should donate them to the Canary Foundation or to some ‘Cancer’ organization (possibly HD Andersen’s in Texas who had reviewed mother’s files.)
Unlike Ms. Vesce’s 2 soothing paintings, my images are related to my experience with Cancer and are somewhat disturbing. I have had several people tell me that they have a hard time looking at them, which make me think I should not donate them.
Do you think that Artist’s should donate their artwork in some situations? Or is it not a good idea? If so, is it appropriate to put it on my resume of their placement? How would you word it?
I would appreciate and thank you for any advice.
Kindest Regards.
Rozanne
Rozanne:
I remember you well. In fact I suspect you are in the attached photo. Warm smile, evident passion.
Your works interpreting cancer are haunting and brooding–appropriately. Interesting timing, since one of our fall shows has a cancer theme.
Donating is fine, but if the org is a non-profit, get them to write a receipt, so you can take it off your income tax. And yes, do list it on your resume–but don’t list it as a donation. Simply list them as collectors.
Donating in general is fine, if you can afford to do it. It’s good karma no matter what, but especially with a worthwhile org. Just don’t do it too often, as it might undermine the market value of your work.
Best,
Paul