Artists Join Forces to Raise Money for the Homeless

Longmont, CO, June 11, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Artists in Longmont, Colorado have created a project to raise funds for the Outreach United Resource Center (OUR Center). The OUR Center works with people in need in the St. Vrain region, to move them toward self-sufficiency. In today’s economic climate, these clients’ needs go far beyond food and clothing but often include utility and rental assistance, shelter, prescriptions, affordable child care, budgeting advise, transportation, help in finding a job, or advocacy in getting the help they need for their disabilities.

The project, called Art for OUR Center, is an outreach effort of Longmont Studio Tour artists and their colleagues. Working with clients of the OUR Center’s program for the homeless as models, artists are creating works of art that will be sold this fall to benefit the Center. Conceived of and led by artist Robert Goldsworthy, the project supports the Studio Tour’s goal of community involvement and outreach.

Art for OUR Center will take place in two phases. During the month of June, four OUR Center models will each model for one three-hour session. Models will be paid standard fees and receive traditional tips, for a total income of approximately $100 for a half day session.

In the second phase, selected pieces will be sold through silent auction at the OUR Center’s annual dinner/dance fundraiser at the Radisson Hotel in Longmont, Saturday September 19. The story of the models will be told through a slide show or video presentation at this event. The week prior to the fundraiser, the art will be shown at The Great Frame Up at 430 Main Street in Longmont (one block north of The Muse Gallery) and at the ArtLink celebration Friday September 18. Additional works will be available at artists’ studios during the Studio Tour weekend, September 19 and 20.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the dinner/dance fundraiser, contact Elaine Klotz at OUR Center, 303-772-5529 or visit www.ourcenter.org. For information and a map for the Longmont Studio Tour, call 303-678-7869 or visit www.longmontstudiotour.org.

Participating artists include: Karen Adler, Grahame Atkinson, Ann Boettcher, Jerry Boyle, Susan Crouse-Kemp, Mario Miguel Echevarria, Jason Emery. Claire Evans, Scott Fraser, Jake Gaedtke, Robert Goldsworthy, Dan Groenwald, Dan Hollingshead, Susan Mara, Valerie Meyers, Gaynor Cooke Nelson, Cherie Nobilette, Dru Marie Robert, Rick Stoner, John Taft, and Dwayne Wolff.

Contact:
Edwina Salazar, Executive Director, edwina@ourcenter.org, 303-772-5529
Elaine Klotz, Outreach and Development Coordinator, elaine@ourcenter.org, 303-772-5529
Mary Horrocks, Longmont Studio Tour Project Manager, mrhorrocks@hotmail.com, 303-442-2517

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