Donate Art Supplies to Help Artists Affected by the North Bay Fires

Joani shared her thoughts about the donation drive with us: “The news of the fires that spread so quickly through Napa and Sonoma were so upsetting to watch on the news. As an artist, I would be so distraught if my entire body of work and all my art supplies went up in flames in just a matter of minutes. I tried to put myself into the mind of the artists who lost everything in the inferno, so at the meeting of the Concord Art Association which was held a day after the fires began I asked my fellow members to bring new or gently used art supplies to our next meeting. I didn’t have a name yet for this campaign, but when I got home, it was  clear- it had to be called “stART over” – because that is what the artists who lost everything would be doing. I contacted the largest art organizations in that area, Creative Sonoma and the Napa Valley Arts Council, and both were happy for the help, and were willing to distribute the supplies to the artists in need.

I am just an artist, one of many in this community. I wanted to do something to help other artists besides giving cash (which I am sure is also needed), but having actual art materials on hand without having to go out to purchase them will allow the creative process to begin faster and help with the healing that will be a long haul.”