Volunteer 1 Janice

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I have a new project starting in conjunction with the local art center: 

I am looking to create an exhibit honoring volunteerism and the non-profits they support with an exhibit scheduled for February of 2016.  This idea originated from an artist in Maquoketa.

The exhibit will be based on the “Portrait of Maquoketa” exhibit by Rose Frantzen. Rose’s idea was that: “Typically, the subject in a portrait is a person who can afford to commission a painting or someone the artist finds intriguing for his or her own reasons. In a Main Street Maquoketa storefront, Rose Frantzen painted portraits from life of anyone in her hometown that wished to pose for her. “I wanted to paint my neighbors and fellow Maquoketans without any selection or choice on my part, attempting to capture a direct portrayal of the people around me,” said Rose. “Together, we could democratize portraiture, allowing anyone to be painted just by showing up and participating.” From July, 2005 through July, 2006, Rose painted 180 12x12” oil portraits.”  http://oldcityhallgallery.com/page6/index.html

Typically when we honor someone for their volunteer contributions to the community it is the main person, such as Rodeo Parks' Eddie Richards. In this case the exhibition wishes to herald those “behind the scenes” folks that participate in regular and loyal fashion for their nonprofit. We want to honor the volunteer that shows up and does whatever needs to be done. We want to encourage volunteers with the idea that they are needed at all levels. I aim to capture their everyday strength.

We are asking that Fort Madison nonprofits select a representative volunteer that represents the organization.  The selected volunteer for each organization will need to show up for a 2 hour portrait painting session at the FMAAA. I will work around their busy schedule. This session will consists of myself painting the final portrait for the exhibit and will be open to any other artist who may want to take advantage of a live model. The volunteer will be able to keep the oil painting, but it must be available for the exhibit. 

The exhibit will consist of all the portraits and canisters to collect donations for the participating organizations, included with information on volunteering at these placements.

I look forward to this opportunity to paint, promote and highlight this great community with all the people who make it so.

I asked my sister to identify this lady and she knew right away. Such a relief. Although I tweaked this from a photo when I got home. She is well liked and volunteers at the local art center along with lots of other organizations.