Art Partners I - In The Beginning

Sunday, I was lucky enough to be invited back to photograph ArtPartners' Day at Dr. John Cortopassi's office in Hoover.  VSA ArtPartners pairs local artists and children and young adults with disabilities or chronic illnesses to create amazing art all year long. Later in the summer, this work will be auctioned off at their annual fundraiser. More on that later!

The blank canvas

Lily gets a warm welcome from Dr. C.

Each year, Dr. Cortopassi opens his office to his very special patients and what a fun time it is. There's lots of laughter and hugs, but also face painting and the making of art going on. In the middle of all the glee, the ice cream truck pulls up in front and well, you can imagine what happens next.  All in all, it was a wonderful day for the young artists, their art partners,  parents, Dr. C... and the photographer.

Today a little about how it looks at the beginning.  I will feature more photos throughout the next week.
Enjoy!

Artist Jayne Morgan and her friend chat about what they are going to
create together. 

Mary Susan Lewis and Ryan get started!

City Daily Photo Theme Day - Best Photo of 2012

Every January 1st, City Daily Photobloggers around the world select their best/favorite photograph to share.  Having posted 365 (more or less) it's sometimes a daunting task.  This year was a no brainer for me.  The loving hand of this Birmingham artist guiding the tiny hand of this little artist with special needs, was first posted here on  June 29th.  It was my first experience photographing for Birmingham's VSA Art Partners, but certainly not my last.  Later I was asked to photograph their awards ceremony and after that, their fabulous auction to raise much needed funds to keep this program going and growing. It is a privilege to be able to volunteer my time for this marvelous program.

 "VSA Alabama’s ArtPartnersprogram provides people living with disabilities and chronic illnesses the chance to develop meaningful relationships with artists in our community while creating collaborative masterpieces"

Many City Daily Photobloggers are posting their Favorite Photo of the Year right HERE. Go have a look!

As I look back on this year, I'm so grateful for all of you that read this blog and often leave comments.  You're why I keep doing what I'm doing.

 HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA!

Artist At Work

If you hold your tongue just right, it really helps!!

VSA Alabama's Art Partners program has been featured here before.  Throughout the year community artists are paired with emerging artists to collaborate on works of art that will be auctioned off at their big fundraiser this coming Sunday at B&A Warehouse.  I was lucky enough to photograph this little guy at work last month, and last Sunday I attended the Awards Ceremony hosted by CVS.  I was blown away at the artwork that will be available for purchase.  I'll be right there taking photographs on Sunday as well.  Here's the website for more information about the event.

Helping Hands

VSA of Alabama pairs 100 community artists with over 150 emerging artists, youngsters and adults living with disabilities and chronic illnesses.  Last Sunday, Birmingham pediatrician Dr. John Cortopassi teamed up with VSA's Art Partners and opened his office to his very special patients.  There was a whole lot of painting going on with plenty of encouragement from Dr. Cortopassi, not to mention the grand finale...the ice cream truck! Thank you Mary Jane Coker and VSA for asking me to be the photographer.  I don't know when I've been so moved or had so much fun at the same time.  I asked Mary Jane to select the photo and this is the one she chose.  If I play my cards right I might get to join them again for their monthly sessions at their southside offices.

NOTE: August 19th is their annual Live Auction fundraiser at B&A Warehouse  where you can purchase some of these masterpieces!