[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.23″ custom_margin=”-17px||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.23″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”-54px||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_image src=”https://www.art2life.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/image-for-sunday-blog.jpg” _builder_version=”3.23″ z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.23″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]
I have canceled my normal vlog today in order to express my solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and the dismantling of institutional racism and inequality.
As I’m sure many of you are also feeling, my heart is heavy over the recent displays of violence and police brutality. This moment calls upon us all to stand for justice.
How we do so will be different for each of us. It might be protesting, using art, song, or story. Others may offer financial support for this movement. And for some, it will begin by learning and listening.
Alongside my team at Art2Life, I am sitting in deep reflection around how we can work towards justice and greater equality both within and beyond our immediate community.
I recognize that words and empathy are not enough — they must be paired with action. In the short term, Art2Life will be making a $10,000 donation, split between the following organizations: NAACP Empowerment Programs, Black Women’s Blueprint, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, The East Oakland Collective and Black Lives Matter.
Beyond this, I am also asking: How can Art2Life embody meaningful change that reflects our values of inclusion, generosity, and uplifting creative voices? As a global platform for artists, how can we harness the transformative power of art and artmaking in service of a future that celebrates the creativity within us all?
These are my questions to answer in the weeks to come, but know that I, as well as my team, am listening and taking your feedback to heart.
In solidarity,
Nicholas
PS I wanted to offer this list of organizations to support as well as resources that a friend shared with me that has been helpful in my own journey of understanding. If you know of others, feel free to post them in the comments below.
PSS The above painting of mine is from the children’s book “Feathers and Fools” by Mem Fox. It is an allegory that teaches children to embrace differences in others.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Hi! I’m
Nicholas Wilton
the founder of Art2Life.
With over 20 years experience as a working artist and educator, I’ve developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process.
Join me and artists from all over the world in our Free Art2Life Artists Facebook Group or learn more here about Art2Life.
