Hi All, This post is to get everyone up to speed as to where we are at this time, and to give you a peek at some of the very important people involved in this project.
Also, I would like to take a moment to thank these people so much, and to thank everyone who has thus far opened their hearts, which includes our sponsors, individual donors, anonymous donors, and to those lending a helping hand. It is exciting to see the wheels in motion and the light ahead.
We are grateful for the outcome of support that has followed since the launch of this project in March. In late May, in a meeting with our lawyer Dennis Bayer we went over the necessary logistics in preparation to move forward. Meaning soon we will be filing for our 501c3 status.
Following that meeting, we met at the Hollingsworth Gallery for a final decision on the count of images that will be in the exhibition. The original plan was to have 15 images, but we have now added to that number, making it a total of 20. There will be one more 30x40, and 4 images at 20x30. With these five added images, we now have a total of 6 images left to be sponsored for. The cost to sponsor an image will remain at $200.
I would like to thank Piedmont Plastics whom from day one was on board with helping with this exhibition. Their company, whose corporate location is in North Carolina, generously supports this project by fully sponsoring all of the glass needed for this exhibition. A special thanks goes to Mr. Ted Isbell for making that happen.
One hand has crossed over another through this journey. Thanks to JJ Graham, owner of the Hollingsworth Gallery, he directed me to speak with photographer A.J. Neste. A.J. has no idea how grateful I am to him because he connected me to my missing link, my lawyer Dennis Bayer. I couldn't proceed with this vision without this key person. Thank you A.J.!
A.J. is not only an incredible surf photographer, but he also has a big heart. He is the director for the "Voice " program that is under the Florida EndowmentFoundation. This is a program that not only teaches kids to photograph, but also helps them gain knowledge to the business aspects of the profession.
So, let me start by showing you who some very special/important people are...
image by Jerry Englehart Jr.
This is Dennis Bayer our lawyer. We can't begin to thank him enough for believing in what we are doing. He is an amazing person! I wanted to share this wonderful article written in the Daytona News Journal back in February about his dedication to our community. Please check out the link!
(image I shot of Dennis's office that over looks Flagler Beach)
This is paralegal, Suasn Kates for the Law Office of Dennis Bayer. I appreciate Susan so much. She is a friend who has been so extremely helpful with everything, and a shoulder to lean on with my 1,000 questions.
J.J Graham
Mercedez & Gabriel
Artist/ Painter, JJ Graham and life partner, photographer Mercedez Buzbee McCartney (shown above with their son Gabriel at my son's recent birthday party), are the owners of the Hollingsworth Gallery. A friend had told me about the gallery, and upon my first visit I was floored by what they had created in our community. It is a special place, one that does not exists in too many places. I approached them immediately about my ideas, and I am thankful for their belief in me. We quickly became great friends.
JJ's clear vision has succeeded by creating a place for contemporary artists to nurture their creativity. One thing that I find most important, is having a community of peers that encourage one another and leave the silliness of competitiveness behind at the door. When you are surrounded by other artists that feel the same that you do, it inspires you to challenge yourself in your own work.
No matter where you live, I encourage all artists of every medium to submit their work for review for exhibition at Hollingsworth. The space is extraordinary, and they have expanded recently with the opening of their new gallery SECCA Tree Studios two doors down. SECCA also includes artist studios for rental space, though I believe they are all reserved at this time.
In between these two galleries is a separate space for painters; those that are experienced artists and for those longing to learn. Believe when I say, JJ is the person you would want to learn from! Classes are available for adults and children. There are great summer classes available for children. If you would like to inquire, see the link and call 386-871-9546.
This is my long time dear friend, and talented colleague, photographer Jerry Englehart Jr. Jerry at this time attends Western Kentucky University studying photojournalism. Jerry and I push each other. His opinion I trust most.
Jerry is great technically as well, and he was the one who implemented my vision for this site.
It was great that he was down recently and was able to attend the latest meeting with Dennis.
With barely anytime left from a full day of events. Jerry and I left to meet with Alyssa. We chased what little light we had left, so that Jerry could catch a quick video glimpse of her. That will be to come.
This beautiful girl is Delynn Maples, Vice President of LFA. Delynn is my right hand. She is someone I can not thank enough. I thank her for believing in me and being such a vital part of making everything happen. Delynn has just moved to Washington State which means now we are going Skype, a familiar way that many companies work in today's world.
And, though we just spoke an hour ago, life is not the same without her and her family here. I miss them so much already, and it's only been a week or so. LOVE YOU Delynn!!!
I also would like to thank Alison Wynkoop Vanhoutte our secretary. We appreciate you so much. I've known Alison since moving to this area 6 years ago. She is good people. Her daughter Samantha, has always been a great little model for my personal work.
A couple of weeks ago, I met for the first time, Ms. Jennifer Kuiper, a teacher at Flagler Highschool. Jennifer contacted me a few months ago willing to really help make a difference. I am so impressed with the person she is, and extremely grateful to her for wanting to dive right in. We will be working together on an upcoming fundraiser. Thank you Jennifer!
Having only contacted a handful of people who had already known what I was trying to do, the word of mouth has gotten us this far. Please friends continue to spread the word. Feel free to contact Love for Alyssa if you would like to take part.
I will continue to update you all as we progress. I never mentioned this before, but I have had many images set aside that I never plan on posting. They are images I wish to keep until final edit, so that there will be some element of surprise come exhibition time.
Thank you all for your support, and please continue to spread the word!