On May 17, 2013 I had the pleasure of working with the tremendous team at the Graffiti Gallery Art Programming for a very successful fundraiser. For those of you who don’t know the Graffiti Art Programming is a not-for-profit community youth art centre, located in Winnipeg that uses art as a tool for community, social, economic and individual growth. It is the only one of its kind in North America for artists of all ages and genres including traditional art, urban art, graffiti art, street art, Hip Hop, Aboriginal art, contemporary art and performance art.
On May 16, the New York graffiti legend Greg Lamarche (http://www.greglamarche.com/) came to Winnipeg for an art installation and show. Inspired by the dynamism of New York City and its role as an incubator of the underground art of graffiti, Greg Lamarche’s collages combine the city’s relentless rhythm and graffiti’s aggressive presence to express the power, elegance and rebelliousness of urban creativity.
The private, sold out night on Friday May 17 was a chance for an intimate dinner and get together to not only showcase Greg’s work, but for young members of Winnipeg’s business community to gain a better understanding of what the Gallery does for the community and the youth living in the area. The incredible night was catered by Brooklyn’s Bistro in the heart of the Exchange – and the food was to die for!
As I looked around the room enjoying everyone having such a great time, it really made me proud to live in Winnipeg. Here is a room of inspiring, community and family loving people getting together to do their part to make the lives of young Winnipegers a bit better – while have a ton of fun doing it. Winnipeg is really a place of inspiration – the community and family values that are found in Winnipeg are hard to come by. The love and appreciation for art and creativity is at the soul of this city. I love being a part of it all and wouldn’t change it for the world.
I was proud to be a part of this exciting event, and can’t wait to plan to next one. Part of our health and wellness regime needs to include giving back – it is the health of your soul. Whether it’s your time you give, a donation, or even just a smile to the people of the street – it is our responsibility as citizens of this planet to do good. And whatever level or ability you can do, do it with gusto. Enjoy it. Love it. Breathe it. Do your part to make this world a bit of a better place than it was when you leave.