Championing the makers, artists, and wanderers in all of us.
The poppy on our patio bloomed over the weekend, so I thought I’d send out this burst of color, in case you could use some extra warmth in your day.
You’ll just have to imagine the chorus of bird songs that go along with it. They’ve really decided to sing their little hearts out these last few days!
A new portrait of President Obama was unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery last week. It was met with mixed reviews.
Critics compared the unconventional painting by Kehinde Wiley to portraits from the White House collection, implying that the new work – and, by extension, Obama himself – was less dignified or presidential than those that came before.
But it’s a flawed comparison. This is not his White House portrait. (Also? Judge presidents by their actions, not by artwork created of them.)
There are two collections of portraits that include all (except the most recent) former U.S. Presidents: the 43 paintings in the White House and the more varied collection in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery (NPG), which also includes sculptures and photographs.
The portraits in the White House are often more formal and official-looking than their NPG counterparts, especially in recent decades, when artwork has been veering away from tradition, widening the gap between the two collections.
Wiley’s painting has been installed in the National Portrait Gallery, where I’m sure it stands out as unique, but not out of place.
PS Obama’s portrait has been re-created on a cookie.
Former President Barack Obama's painting for the "America's Presidents" exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C., has been unveiled. #CookieTheNews pic.twitter.com/J89Q7l4849
— Tastemade (@tastemade) February 17, 2018
Photos via the White House and National Portrait Gallery.
Red isn’t the only color of love.
The classic combination of black and white can also have a romantic feel.
You can see it in this month’s color story with elegant DIYs, destinations, art, interiors, and objects in black and white.
1. Venice mailboxes 2. L’amour print 3. Printable geometric heart gift wrap 4. Boyce Thompson Arboretum 5. Black steps
6. Sandnes, Norway manhole cover tote 7. Black sesame cappuccino 8. Ceramics by Inger Södergren 9. Bridge of Sighs, Venice 10. Stay True poster
11. Black Cloud (Nube Negra) detail by Carlos Amorales at Phoenix Art Museum 12. DIY eraser heart stamp 13. Windmill Winery, Florence, Arizona 14. Traditional bookbinding patterns 15. Minimal open wardrobe DIY 16. Bee Mine card
17. Peggy Guggenheim Museum Café, Venice 18. Hand carved block printing stamp 19. Farmhouse in Woodend, Victoria (Australia) + rental cottage 20. Punkpost thank you card
Bear hugs to all of you! (Illustration by Daryl Hochi)
Images via respective sites.
There are lots of ways to get crafty to do some good – regardless of your skill level!
Here are some DIY projects to make a difference.
Make a place for a neighborhood book exchange! You can build it or repurpose a phone booth, mailbox, vintage bread warmer or other weatherproof container to house books in.
Organization(s):
Little Free Library
Good to know:
Help someone with hair loss due to cancer treatment feel more comfortable.
Organization(s):
Good to know:
Before making a cap to donate, check the charity’s guidelines on best yarns and patterns to use. Many of them offer free patterns on their sites!
You can reduce trash by composting food waste and turning it into something that’s good for your garden.
Good to know:
Caitlin’s Smiles distributes handmade cards and “bags of smiles” with arts and craft supplies to kids in hospitals. You can make cards, tote bags, or donate art supplies.
Organization(s):
Caitlin’s Smiles
Make blank cards that will be personalized and sent to people with a cancer diagnosis.
Organization(s):
Card Care Connection
While there won’t be an official Meals on Wheels campaign like last year’s “Love Letters,” you can contact your local Meals on Wheels program to find out about creating cards.
Organization(s):
Meals on Wheels
Postcards may currently be the most effective way to let Congress know what issues matter to you.
Good to know:
You can knit, crochet, sew, or tie blankets for dogs and cats in shelters.
Organization(s):
Comfort for Critters
Good to know:
Knit or crochet neonatal baby blankets.
Organization(s):
Knots of Love
Organization(s):
Help save the bees! Solitary bees are great pollinators and don’t have painful stings.
Good to know:
Bats not only help pollinate plants, they eat mosquitos and other pests. As forests are cut down, they have fewer safe places to raise their young.
Organization(s):
Bat Conservation International
Hummingbirds need a lot of calories every day! They can fuel up on nectar at feeders or flowers like honeysuckle.
Good to know:
If you sell items you’ve made, you can give the proceeds to whichever charity is meaningful to you. Cash is the most versatile donation.
One fundraiser craft idea is hand stamped bracelets. MyIntent (who I received a necklace from) now sells a Maker Kit, so you can make your own custom jewelry. One fundraiser selling hand-stamped bracelets brought in over $4,000 in 3 weeks!
UPDATE: Found a discount code, so I wanted to share! VDAY25 will get you 25% off a MyIntent Maker Kit.
Organization(s):
MyIntent.org
What else can we make to make a difference?
PS While some of these projects are U.S.-specific, hopefully, they’ll spark ideas for anywhere you are!
Let’s celebrate local art and artists!
Since we had fun sharing Local Art Loves last year, I thought we could keep the challenge going throughout the month of February this time!
Just look for art in your community and share photos using the hashtag #LocalArtLoves on Twitter or Instagram. I’ll post some of your finds here on the site.
Keep an eye out for public art, local galleries, neighborhood art walks, and rotating art displays at coffee shops or libraries. You can also share favorite art spaces, street art, or your own work.
Can’t wait to see some art from where you live!
First photo: Paintings by Bud Heiss on display at Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Last photo: Round sculptures by Hidden in the Hills artist Peter Skidd at Renee Taylor Gallery, Sedona.