AN AFFAIR OF THE ART

Artist Statement: Books read to me as a child are the same ones I find reading to my children decades later. The pictures that filled the pages are timeless stories that took my imagination to wonderful worlds where anything is possible. The love of those characters ignited my desire to create art. They remain more than just happy memories; they keep the child alive within me.

www.michaelgodard.com

Artist Statement: In the style of springtime and in full circle of wonderment, we breathe in the “renewed” of all that is wonderful around us. Just like the flower in springtime, its simple elegance unfolds as it basks in the warmth of the sun and dances in its prime abundance of ‘being’. La Primavera, started off as an illustration of a story based on the Greek Goddess, Persephone. It grew to be so much more. It’s an allegory to awaken in appreciation and gratitude, to living in a renewed springtime everyday...‘being’ in Goodness. Why do we dance through life with a graceful style and awareness of the beauty that surrounds us? Because we choose to. Dance, Laugh, Paint...the choice is always yours.

www.BetiKristof.com

Artist Statement: Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with practicalities and urgencies, with deadlines and worries, that we forget the immense power of love and healing capacity of affection. This piece and project gave me a perfect space to underline and remember the value of sharing love and the capacity it has to renew hope and rebuild spirits. As the adage says, love comes in many forms. It doesn’t matter who or how we share it, as long as it is authentic and palpable, dramatic yet patient, blind and unconditional. What love does goes beyond any work of art or piece of literature can express. It can do things unimaginable. It can offer us the light we never thought we could see again. It can bring us together after believing isolation was the only way. It can invigorate us after suffering the deepest defeat. Love does the most magical and profound number on us as humans. To receive it is irreplaceable, but to share it is the greatest gift one will ever give and possess.

www.alexandranechita.com

Artist Statement: I found this quote by John Wooden, I immediately associated it with my life, my art and why giving back each year to worthy causes such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is so important to us all. “Be true to yourself. Make each day your masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.”

www.nikijsands.com

Artist Statement: I thought about this idea after I spent some time with the previous sculpture I made for this event at the park where it was displayed and I got to experience the children’s first reaction when they saw the collection of sculptures. Also, how they interact with them. Each sculpture is so inviting they can’t help but to approach it, touch it, sit on it and even climb it. But the one thing every kid had in common was their reaction towards the sculptures, the first thing they said was “look a donut” and that is the reason I decided to paint it from a child’s perspective.

Artist Statement: “Venus” is a celebration of a woman’s strength and beauty. My painting on Dorit’s beautiful sculpture is a reflection of her organic creation. The shape reminds me of Venus flytraps, my favorite plant as a child. Children always respond really well to my paintings of fairies with Venus flytraps. I am hoping this piece brings a smile to their faces and inspires their creativity. I have chosen to model the fairies after Britney Spears, who closes her Las Vegas “Pieces of Me” show with spectacular visuals of carnivorous plants. Britney is a great example of a powerful woman who inspires others with her charitable work involving children. I am so honored to collaborate with Dorit, and shine a light on the Las Vegas Chapter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

www.nicksanpedro.com

This sculpture is a symbol of hope, laughter, and love. Children throughout the city came together to leave their mark and show their support for the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Why a handprint? Because there is nothing more personal than a handprint. The handprints represent the personal triumphs each child faces during their journey at St. Jude.

Artist Statement: “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” - Dalai Lama

www.ADCook.com

Artist Statement: Architecture has a major influence in my art. So does human interaction amongst ourselves and within our environment. I am a firm believer that people can be influenced by their surroundings. Buildings were my obvious choice to paint. The whole idea is to portray two embracing buildings that demonstrate the act of caring, love and positivity in the form of two embracing figures. These two buildings form one structure, showing the strength of its purpose.

www.josephwatsoncollection.com

Artist Statement: Life is in bloom. Days come and go. People, though different, are the same in their love for one another. Children grow and learn. “Yes, I think to myself, What a Wonderful World.” Let’s keep our children growing and learning as we support St. Jude in their mission to eradicate childhood cancer. My inspiration for this piece comes from the song “What a Wonderful World” recorded by Louis Armstrong and written by Bob Theile and George David Weiss.

www.donmichaeljr.com