FOR EDUCATION & SAFETY
In 2015 I partnered with Lotus Pedals. I painted over 30 paintings of girls, bikes, and women with umbrellas. I gave over 20% to Lotus Pedals and at the end of the year, I traveled to Cambodia and delivered over 250 bikes to young, underprivileged girls so they could safely get from their villages to their schools.
Additionally, in 2018, I collaborated once again with Lotus Pedals during the installation of my two, 14-foot paintings into the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. Over fifty young girls in Cambodia were gifted bikes so they could safely travel to school and receive an education.
Lotus Pedals provides heavy-terrain bicycles to hundreds of at-risk Cambodian girls who would not otherwise be able to traverse the considerable distance to the nearest schoolhouse. Parents sign an agreement with Lotus Outreach that their daughter, after receiving the bicycle from Lotus Pedals, will remain in school for at least 2 years. We monitor girls’ attendance at school to ensure the effectiveness of the program: bicycles being given so these bright Cambodian girls can continue studying.
FOR ART EDUCATION
In 1988, I was accepted into the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Summer Program. It not only changed the course of my art trajectory but it became the foundation of my deep appreciation for the love of art. Thirty years later, in 2018, I joined the SCGSAH Foundation Board, where I now passionately help to raise money to support the Governor’s School for the Arts’ students and programs.
The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities offers young artists a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to receive pre-professional arts training along with a nationally-recognized high school education.
The Residential High School program serves juniors and seniors, as well as exceptional sophomores in Music and Dance. Students live on campus in a safe and structured environment which allows them to truly become immersed in their art discipline and their studies.
FOR COVID-19 RELIEF
At the beginning of the global pandemic, I partnered with @directrelief (a nonprofit organization that is improving the health and lives of people affected by poverty and disaster during the coronavirus pandemic.) After learning about this organization, I decided I wanted to donate 100% of my resources and sales for the entire month of April (2020) to this cause.
During the month of April 2020, I sold over $10,000 dollars worth of art and donated 100% to Direct Relief. Direct Relief is working in overdrive to get protective gear and critical care medications to as many health workers as possible, as quickly as possible, with emergency deliveries leaving daily for medical facilities across the U.S.
Direct Relief
Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Since the late ’70s, I have hiked the Foothills Trails with my father. It has always been a part of our lives and outdoor adventures. In 2018, I partnered with the Foothills Tails Conservancy to reestablish and create new trail headers and signage for the hikers heading up to Hilliard Falls. Located in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina, the Foothills trail is 77 miles long.
In an effort to protect the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Foothills, I continue to give and connect with the Conservancy for the love of the environment and my family history.
FOR CHILDREN IN POVERTY
For six years I partnered with Open Doors of Asheville. Over the years I have given them 100% profit from the auction sale of my work. Since 2012, I have donated nearly $10,000 worth of art!
OpenDoors of Asheville connects local children living in multi-generational poverty with an active, individualized network of support and Opportunities for education and enrichment. At OpenDoors, we invest in kids who live in poverty so they will learn to invest in themselves and in the end, break the cycle of poverty for themselves and for our community. Working in partnership with parents and schools, OpenDoors increases access to mentoring, tutoring, school events, sports and extracurricular activities, summer camp, and other opportunities that allow each child to be successful and feel inspired.
FOR HUNGER PREVENTION
In 2017, I partnered with Loaves & Fishes. 20% of all sales from my series, “Flocks & Schools”, went directly to provide nutritionally balanced groceries to individuals in need.
Loaves & Fishes provides a week’s worth of nutritionally balanced groceries to individuals and families experiencing a short-term crisis through a network of 20 emergency food pantries located throughout Mecklenburg County.
FOR GIRL’S EMPOWERMENT
In 2013 I partnered with Girls on the Run of WNC. I painted 13, large-sale paintings of historical and inspirational women ranging from Joan of Arc to Annie Oakley to Rosa Parks. At the end of the year, I donated over $2000 to Girls on the Run of WNC from the proceeds and sales of art surrounding this series of work.
Adjectives that describe this group: Empowerment, Responsibility, Intentionality, Diversity, Connectedness, Joy, Optimism, Gratitude, Nurturing, Healthy, Open-hearted, Compassion.
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
In 2015 I lost one of my best friends to her battle with lung cancer. Kathy had never smoked a day in her life, she was incredibly athletic and led an extremely healthy lifestyle. Cancer does not discriminate. Lung cancer is the deadliest form and the second most common form of cancer for both men and women. It affects more women than breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer combined. Men and women share the same risk factors for contracting lung cancer.
LUNGevity is the nation’s leading lung cancer-focused nonprofit.
We are changing outcomes for people with lung cancer through research, education, and support.
FOR ANIMALS
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is a No Kill organization in Asheville, North Carolina. They are a 501(c)(3) Tax Deductible Corporation (EIN: 20-8787719). In addition to offering services to their community including free spay/neuter assistance and a pet food pantry, their Behavioral Counseling and Youth Education programs help promote a better understanding of, and respect for, companion animals.
FOR ART PRESERVATION
Since 1997 I have been involved with the Asheville Art Museum. In 1997, I worked as an Outreach Curator of the Museum. From 2011-2016, I sat on the Executive Committee of Asheville Art Museum. It is with a huge love for this establishment that I continue to support them with donations and recognition.
The only organization of its kind providing cultural and educational experiences for residents and visitors to the 24 county region. It was established by artists and incorporated in 1948, the Asheville Art Museum is committed to being a vital force in community and individual development and to providing life-long opportunities for education and enrichment through the visual arts.
