Opportunities For Artists to Help Other Artists

Something wonderful occurred this week that led me to take this weekly column in a slightly different direction. It is about unique opportunities for artists — and anyone for that matter — to help other artists. A few days ago I sent news to Keith Morant that he was selected to win a $100 Monetary Award in the Manhattan Arts International “The Healing Power of ART” juried competition and exhibition that opens April 30, 2017. In his reply he expressed his appreciation and his desire, instead of accepting the money, to donate his cash award to a worthwhile charity of my choice.

This article was published in 2017. It remains on this on the website in honor and memory of Keith Morant (1944-2022) and his spirit of generosity that lives on and inspires us all.

Overjoyed with his decision I immediately suggested we donate the funds to the Artists Fellowship, an incredible charitable foundation organization based in New York, NY. Its founding members were a group of compassionate artists and business leaders. In 1859 they formed Artists Fellowship “to help working artists and their families in cases of emergency and financial need.”

About The Artists Fellowship

The Artists’ Fellowship, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) foundation, assists professional fine artists  — painters, graphic artists, printmakers, and sculptors. It is run entirely by volunteers — that includes the Artists’ Fellowship’s Board of Trustees and Officers. Assistance is given to artists and their families without expectation of repayment.

Unlike many nonprofit organizations 100% of its donations accepted by Artists’ Fellowship go directly to emergency aid. Donations can be made in memory or in honor of someone special. The organization will send out a card acknowledging your donation to the person and/or family if you provide them with that information.

In Keith’s letter to the Artists Fellowship, Inc., he wrote: “I am a professional painter who has been lucky enough to survive and continue with my work. However, I am acutely aware of the trials and tribulations that many artists suffer and as this award was won through my contribution to an exhibition titled ‘The Healing Power Of Art’, I cannot think of a better way to carry my interest and intentions to a finer conclusion.”

So there you are for this week’s unique opportunities for artists. Thank you Keith for reminding us that we can each make a difference with an opportunity that has been given to us. Keith’s decision inspired me to match the funds and we will be sending $200 to the Artists’ Fellowship.

I hope this article inspires you to consider making a donation to this organization or any one of the many nonprofits that help others in need.

To learn more about the Artists Fellowship please visit: artistsfellowship.org.

Please also visit our comprehensive Arts & Healing Resource Directory with dozens of nonprofit art and healing organizations.

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