‘We Art Boston’ Online Auction, Live Event To Feature 50 Children’s Book Illustrators Inspired by Boston Marathon Bombing
Boston, MA (PRWEB) October 10, 2013 -- Six months after the Boston Marathon bombing, 50 children’s book illustrators are helping to raise money for Boston Children’s Hospital Emergency & Trauma Center by donating their original work to an online auction and taking part in a family event on the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston.
The trauma of the Boston Marathon bombing impacted the lives of so many children in ways that go beyond physical injuries. We Art Boston was created in the weeks following the bombing as a way to contribute to the healing of the entire community.
We Art Boston will hold an online auction from October 10–24 and a family event Sunday, October 20 at the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston. The auction will feature personal contributions of original works of art from some of the most recognizable and beloved contemporary children’s books, include Mo Willems (Knuffle Bunny), Ian Falconer (Olivia), David Macaulay (The Way Things Work), Ed Emberley, and others. Proceeds will benefit the Emergency and Trauma Fund at Boston Children’s Hospital, which provided critical medical and emotional support to families in the wake of the April 15 tragedy near the finish line of the 117th Boston Marathon.
The October 20th event, on the Rose Kennedy Greenway adjacent to the New England Aquarium and near the Rings Fountain, will run from 11AM-3PM and will include a viewing of the donated artwork and family fun. Activities include watercolor, collage and book-making workshops for all ages led by many of the participating artists and the Boston Center for the Arts. The event will also feature musical performances by Karen K & the Jitterbugs, Ethan Rossiter & the Jamberries and Stacey Peasley. Porter Square Books will host a booth where books may be purchased (with 20% of the proceeds benefitting Boston Children’s) and signed by the authors. Children may also bring their favorite stuffed animal to have its portrait drawn by a professional children’s book illustrator.
The founders of We Art Boston, Joe and Susan McKendry of Boston, are parents of three young children. The traumatic effects of the marathon bombing hit home. “It felt personal. It could easily have been us. We wanted to find a way to contribute to the healing of the entire community,” said Susan McKendry. “The Emergency and Trauma Center at Boston Children’s Hospital has had such a direct and important role.” There were so many people affected beyond the physical injuries and felt it was important to bring this event to the community. The response from the artists has been overwhelmingly positive and generous. We are excited about their participation.”
“For most children’s book illustrators,” said artist and We Art Boston co-founder Joe McKendry, “Drawing pictures is how we share ideas and stories, how we convey excitement and hope. The artists of We Art Boston know the very real healing power that art, words and collaboration can have on individuals, families and communities, now and for years to come. We hope this will inspire many more people to get involved.”
We Art Boston can be found at http://www.weartboston.org.
Shelley Harrison, CTP, http://ctpboston.com, +1 (781) 467-9596, [email protected]
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