Inaugural “WetPaint” Fundraiser Brings in $25,000 for ArtStart
Wellington , FL ( March 28, 2007 ) – WetPaint, a countywide fundraiser held
March 22-24 by Wellington based non-profit ArtStart, brought in $25,000 for the
young organization. Now in its third year of operation, ArtStart’s mission is to
provide educational opportunities in the arts and funds raised during the event
will help support that mission.
A crowd of approximately 200 guests began arriving at the Harriet Theater at
CityPlace at 5:30pm and entered the main hall to find close to one hundred
silent auction items and nineteen “wet” paintings displayed on custom-made
four-sided easels. With Graham Wood Drout and Iko Iko belting out soulful
tunes there was a feeling of electricity in the air, as guests danced and enjoyed
a variety of food and drink.
“It was a wonderful event, and a true team effort,” said ArtStart founder and
president Jeannette Pomeroy Parssi. “The artists did a wonderful job, in spite
of the less-than-perfect weather conditions they had to endure,” she added,
referring to the strong wind and occasional rain that had the artists occasionally
running for cover. “Monet was a nut!” exclaimed Loxahatchee artist J.R.
Houbrick as he picked grass, leaves and assorted critters from his canvas as
he painted on wind-blown Torry Island in Belle Glade . “But it is beautiful out
here and I’m happy to be a part of WetPaint – but maybe we should call it ‘wet
and windy’ paint.”
Maps Pinpointed Artists Locations, Encouraged Visitors to “STOP BY”
“As ArtStart evolves, so has our mission,” she added. “We see ourselves as not
only providing education, but also access to the arts; and this event was very
successful in that regard.”
Parssi was referring in part to the nineteen artists who painted “au plein air” for
two days, March 22 & 23, at seventeen scenic and historic locations around
Palm Beach County . “We had artists in every part of the County,” Parssi said,
“and each artist greeted numerous visitors while they painted.” Five thousand
colorful maps were distributed to the public, pinpointing the location of each
artist, “and we’re happy that people took the time to visit the artists while they
worked.”
Parssi also paid tribute to the organizations that partnered with ArtStart to make
WetPaint possible: “We want to thank all of the host organizations, who
graciously allowed our artists to set up their easels and paint at the various
locations,” she said. “We are also very grateful to those organizations who
generously waived their admission fees for anyone holding a WetPaint map.”
Those locations were: John D. MacArthur State Park , American Orchid Society,
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Wildlife Preserve and The Palm Beach Zoo. “It
was a wonderful program,” commented Gail Eaton, Chief Marketing Officer for
the The Palm Beach Zoo. “We thoroughly enjoyed having two extraordinary
artists on our grounds. They were delightful and our zoo visitors really enjoyed
watching them work.”
Juried Event with $1,000 Top Prize
The artists who participated in WetPaint were selected by a jury, headed by
Phillips Galleries on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach . Each artist submitted
samples of his or her work along with an application fee, some as far back as
August of 2006. The finished paintings were reviewed the night of the event by
judges Alyssa DiEdwardo and Jefro, both accomplished artists, and awards
were given for first, second and third place. “This was a tough decision,” said
DiEdwardo. “The paintings were all very well done.”
Finishing first and capturing the $1,000 top prize was Brennan King, a resident
of West Palm Beach . Second place, which paid $500, went to Jupiter artist
Marylyn Muller, who teaches art at the Lighthouse Center for the Arts in
Tequesta. “First and second could have gone either way,” said Parssi. “They
were that close.” Finishing third and collecting $250 was Palm Beach Gardens
resident and perennial favorite at the Lake Worth Street Painting Festival
Michael LasCasas.
As he accepted his blue first-place ribbon, King surprised everyone by
immediately donating his winnings to ArtStart. “That was a wonderful gesture,”
said Parssi. “Brennan is a gifted artist with a generous soul. And the money will
be well spent on our program in Belle Glade .”
Asked when plans for WetPaint ’08 would begin, Parssi answered, “They
already have.”
Mix Up Adds to Humor of WetPaint
When she arrived at the Sundy House in Delray Beach , artist Mary Delaney
was excited and ready to begin painting. Thanks to a slight miscommunication,
however, she wasn’t quite sure what she might be painting. The Sundy House
is currently undergoing renovations, and the manager on duty, unaware that
Delaney was part of WetPaint, assumed she was there to paint the walls in one
of the dining rooms. “It took a minute for it to sink in,” said Delaney, smiling as
she recalled the conversation. “But we finally figured out why I was there and it
all worked out.”
Ron Jacobsen Named Volunteer of the Year
One of the highlights of the WetPaint auction was the custom-made easels on
which the paintings were displayed. The easels were the brain child of ArtStart
supporter Ron Jacobsen, who was named volunteer of the year and presented
with a painted hammer and framed certificate in recognition of his efforts. “Ron
has been a tremendous help,” said Parssi, “and he never ceases to amaze
me.” Jacobsen, who worked for many years as an engineer for Proctor &
Gamble, said he was “happy to help such a wonderful organization.”
-END-
Wellington , FL ( March 28, 2007 ) – WetPaint, a countywide fundraiser held
March 22-24 by Wellington based non-profit ArtStart, brought in $25,000 for the
young organization. Now in its third year of operation, ArtStart’s mission is to
provide educational opportunities in the arts and funds raised during the event
will help support that mission.
A crowd of approximately 200 guests began arriving at the Harriet Theater at
CityPlace at 5:30pm and entered the main hall to find close to one hundred
silent auction items and nineteen “wet” paintings displayed on custom-made
four-sided easels. With Graham Wood Drout and Iko Iko belting out soulful
tunes there was a feeling of electricity in the air, as guests danced and enjoyed
a variety of food and drink.
“It was a wonderful event, and a true team effort,” said ArtStart founder and
president Jeannette Pomeroy Parssi. “The artists did a wonderful job, in spite
of the less-than-perfect weather conditions they had to endure,” she added,
referring to the strong wind and occasional rain that had the artists occasionally
running for cover. “Monet was a nut!” exclaimed Loxahatchee artist J.R.
Houbrick as he picked grass, leaves and assorted critters from his canvas as
he painted on wind-blown Torry Island in Belle Glade . “But it is beautiful out
here and I’m happy to be a part of WetPaint – but maybe we should call it ‘wet
and windy’ paint.”
Maps Pinpointed Artists Locations, Encouraged Visitors to “STOP BY”
“As ArtStart evolves, so has our mission,” she added. “We see ourselves as not
only providing education, but also access to the arts; and this event was very
successful in that regard.”
Parssi was referring in part to the nineteen artists who painted “au plein air” for
two days, March 22 & 23, at seventeen scenic and historic locations around
Palm Beach County . “We had artists in every part of the County,” Parssi said,
“and each artist greeted numerous visitors while they painted.” Five thousand
colorful maps were distributed to the public, pinpointing the location of each
artist, “and we’re happy that people took the time to visit the artists while they
worked.”
Parssi also paid tribute to the organizations that partnered with ArtStart to make
WetPaint possible: “We want to thank all of the host organizations, who
graciously allowed our artists to set up their easels and paint at the various
locations,” she said. “We are also very grateful to those organizations who
generously waived their admission fees for anyone holding a WetPaint map.”
Those locations were: John D. MacArthur State Park , American Orchid Society,
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Wildlife Preserve and The Palm Beach Zoo. “It
was a wonderful program,” commented Gail Eaton, Chief Marketing Officer for
the The Palm Beach Zoo. “We thoroughly enjoyed having two extraordinary
artists on our grounds. They were delightful and our zoo visitors really enjoyed
watching them work.”
Juried Event with $1,000 Top Prize
The artists who participated in WetPaint were selected by a jury, headed by
Phillips Galleries on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach . Each artist submitted
samples of his or her work along with an application fee, some as far back as
August of 2006. The finished paintings were reviewed the night of the event by
judges Alyssa DiEdwardo and Jefro, both accomplished artists, and awards
were given for first, second and third place. “This was a tough decision,” said
DiEdwardo. “The paintings were all very well done.”
Finishing first and capturing the $1,000 top prize was Brennan King, a resident
of West Palm Beach . Second place, which paid $500, went to Jupiter artist
Marylyn Muller, who teaches art at the Lighthouse Center for the Arts in
Tequesta. “First and second could have gone either way,” said Parssi. “They
were that close.” Finishing third and collecting $250 was Palm Beach Gardens
resident and perennial favorite at the Lake Worth Street Painting Festival
Michael LasCasas.
As he accepted his blue first-place ribbon, King surprised everyone by
immediately donating his winnings to ArtStart. “That was a wonderful gesture,”
said Parssi. “Brennan is a gifted artist with a generous soul. And the money will
be well spent on our program in Belle Glade .”
Asked when plans for WetPaint ’08 would begin, Parssi answered, “They
already have.”
Mix Up Adds to Humor of WetPaint
When she arrived at the Sundy House in Delray Beach , artist Mary Delaney
was excited and ready to begin painting. Thanks to a slight miscommunication,
however, she wasn’t quite sure what she might be painting. The Sundy House
is currently undergoing renovations, and the manager on duty, unaware that
Delaney was part of WetPaint, assumed she was there to paint the walls in one
of the dining rooms. “It took a minute for it to sink in,” said Delaney, smiling as
she recalled the conversation. “But we finally figured out why I was there and it
all worked out.”
Ron Jacobsen Named Volunteer of the Year
One of the highlights of the WetPaint auction was the custom-made easels on
which the paintings were displayed. The easels were the brain child of ArtStart
supporter Ron Jacobsen, who was named volunteer of the year and presented
with a painted hammer and framed certificate in recognition of his efforts. “Ron
has been a tremendous help,” said Parssi, “and he never ceases to amaze
me.” Jacobsen, who worked for many years as an engineer for Proctor &
Gamble, said he was “happy to help such a wonderful organization.”
-END-
We just can't wait for WetPaint09 Download Sponsorship Packet Donate Silent Auction Items Return to ArtStart Home You will need Adobe Reader to download the forms above. Click to download. |
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ArtStart, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) corporation and
contributions are deductible to the extent of
federal law; Tax ID# is 84-1665568. A COPY
OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION #CH18965
AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE
OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF
CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING
TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE
STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY
ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR
RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
contributions are deductible to the extent of
federal law; Tax ID# is 84-1665568. A COPY
OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION #CH18965
AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE
OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF
CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING
TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE
STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY
ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR
RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
© 2006 ArtStart, Inc. All rights reserved.
| Ronald & Jeanne Jacobsen |
| Photography by Christopher Fay |
| James Swope Fine Arts Conservation, Inc. |
| Ric and Dorothy Bradshaw |
Botkin
Parssi &
Associates
Parssi &
Associates
| A successful first year! |