Every year I pick a charity and start making brooches and ornaments. This year I picked one very close to home, my studio at Artworks Loveland. Artworks Loveland is a place for artists to work, learn, and for everyone to get inspired. We have programs every month connected to our two Contemporary Art Galleries that engage the community in discussions about studio practice, inspiration, business, and more. It’s not unusual to see 120 middle school kids working on a found-object sculpture project in our large gallery, or photo students learning about dark room photography. It’s a lively non-profit that does a LOT on a dime. Artworks goal this year is $5000. This also helps keep my studio rent low!

The Brooches have a long history. I made my first Charity brooch for a pin swap give-away at The Colorado Metalsmithing Conference in 2016 (I made my first brooch ever in 1996)! They have been in auctions, for sale at parties, given as closing gifts from realtors, and last year they helped children in Aleppo. Next year I would like to open up the Charity Brooch Movement to all artists! Stay tuned for that.

Meanwhile, it feels good to wear your art and even better when it reminds you that you supported a living local artist AND a great charity! Please shop my sale all week long and tell your friends about it. Community means a little bit more when we build it together and make it irresistible!