“Art for Love, Water for Life”

By Stacey Donovan

As we approach Valentine’s Day 2009, New Yorkers will celebrate Love on the eve of significant changes, as global water problems come to the forefront of our consciousness and a new political administration takes the reins. The problems of the 21^st century are both caused by, and solved with, our interdependence and connectedness.

In order to raise funds in support of the Global Water Awareness and Action Campaign of We, The World, artists who create work in this collaborative spirit will gather at the SoHo studio of legendary celebrity photographer Gilles Larrain to create art during the event and share their creative process with the public.

“I am grateful for the tremendous artistic benefits I’ve received studying under the classical atelier workshop model, where artists pass on hundreds of years of knowledge by working side by side with their teachers,” said artist Thomas Shelford, who organized the event. “With this and future salon events, I wanted to grow this artistic community and extend its benefits to the public in a fun and educational format. These are an example of the type of figure drawings that will be created on-site at the event.”

The event format will consist of a “bohemian salon,” wherein a community of artists working in various media will collaborate with live models, inspiring each other to create drawings, photographs, and music that emphasizes the beauty of the human form and expresses ideas of connectedness and community.

Artwork created during the event will be displayed and a silent auction will be held with a portion of all proceeds going to benefit We, The World’s Global Water Awareness and Action Campaign.

The studio of the event’s host, fine art celebrity photographer Gilles Larrain, is steeped in the history of the SoHo art scene. Gilles’ legendary intimate portraits of John Lennon, Miles Davis, Salvador Dalí and other giants of the international music and art world grace the walls of his studio, which has played host to the best and brightest members of the SoHo artistic community since its gritty heyday in the 1970s.

During this event, artists and teachers including Lynn Matsuoka, Louda, Sarah Bieda, Hilary Schmidt and Thomas Shelford will be drawing from live models using techniques which emphasize the beauty of humanity, while guests enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and beautiful live music. Artists’ drawings of some of the attendees will also be offered during the event.

This salon event will be a truly unique opportunity for members of the public to enjoy a front row seat to the creative process as they watch artwork being made and contribute to a worthy cause. After the creative session, the artists will be joining the party to discuss their work.

The silent auction sale will be administered on-site and payments by check or credit card will be accepted. Auction winners may take home the drawings. Invitees will include art journalists, art collectors, and gallery owners.

The Art Salon & Auction Party will benefit We, The World’s Global Water Campaign to raise awareness and take action on water-related issues: www.GlobalWaterCampaign.org

Event Location:

Gilles Larrain Studio

95 Grand Street

in Manhattan, New York City

http://www.gilleslarrain.com/

Between Mercer and Greene Street

Directions: Take #6 train to Spring St.

Walk South to Grand and turn right.

Event Cost:

$20 donation at the door

Participation in silent auction of artwork is optional.

Refreshments including wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

RSVPs are necessary – space is Limited! Please respond to ArtSalon@WeTheWorld.org and indicate if you: might participate in auction, are a member of the press, are only interested in attending the Salon and Party Event.