Atlanta's Art News Blog: 2013

"Festival of Angels" prints for Hospice

Reynold, Atlanta, Jenny Carrera & Laurie Taylor

Jenny helps us deliver my latest print, "Festival of Angels," to Hospice. These prints will be used as thank you gifts to all the tree sponsors at this year's Cape Fear Festival of Trees.

This painting celebrates not only the wonderful trees at this year's festival, but also the "Angels" of Hospice and the many loved ones so close to our hearts.

"Festival of Angels"
by Atlanta Marie Carrera

Good Shepherd receives the gift that keeps on giving

Angie Garrett delivers our prints to Good Shepherd
http://www.goodshepherdwilmington.org/

Atlanta's Art is designating our two new kitchen prints as fund raisers for the Good Shepherd Center. 100% of donations received for these prints will go to help them in their mission to feed and house the homeless.

Look for these new prints at our next event, or order them online www.atlantasart.com.

"Fruit Cart" by Atlanta Marie Carrera

"Veggie Stand" by Atlanta Marie Carrera

Donations Delivered from Atlanta's Art

Atlanta Carrera presents donations to Nicole White

Donations raised by Atlanta's Art at the 2013 performance of the Nutcracker have been delivered!

100% of the money received from this event went to either the Wilmington Ballet Company or to Lower Cape Fear Hospice.

Thanks again to all our volunteers who make 100% donations possible!

Holiday fun at the Nutcracker Ballet

Atlanta's Art at the Minnie Evans Art Center
for Wilmington Ballet Company's the Nutcracker
http://balletseries.blogspot.com/
http://www.wilmingtonballetcompany.org/
http://www.hospiceandlifecarecenter.org/

It was so exciting to have a table for Atlanta's Art at the performances of the Nutcracker Ballet. We love to watch Jenny's favorite ballet and see all the dancers (several of which Jenny knows personally).

This was our best performance as well in our fundraising efforts for the Wilmington Ballet Company and Lower Cape Fear Hospice.

My now completed Ballet Series features 7 prints of famous ballets paired with well know scenes around Wilmington. Our best seller was the new Nutcracker painting placemats. Everyone also loved the framed ballet prints that double as Christmas ornaments.

Of course, the most fun is just passing out our post cards for free and watching the kids faces light up!

See how to receive items from Atlanta's Art for your Hospice donations through the end of the year with their online donation link:
http://www.hospiceandlifecarecenter.org/Foundation/Gift-of-Hospice/Every-Donation-Matters.aspx/

Opening night "Party in the Pines"

Jenny Carrera and cousin, Grant Gausman

Jenny Carrera and Grant Gausman attended the Party in the Pines with us to celebrate the opening of the 2013 Cape Fear Festival of Trees at the Cameron Art Museum.

Just like the glitter they added to our butterflies, Jenny & Grant made our night more special.

Dancers from the Nutcracker attended the party and Jenny had her picture taken with one of her favorite characters, The Sugar Plum Fairy!

Santa was also on hand and asked Jenny for her list right on the spot!

Jenny meets the Sugar Plum Fairy

Jenny by the Dove tree

Our Tree "Angel's Wings"

"Angel's Wings" by Atlanta's Art
http://www.capefearfestivaloftrees.org/

Atlanta's Art is so excited to be a part of this year's Cape Fear Festival of Trees! Our tree, "Angel's Wings" was a concept by artist, Teresa Gausman and features handmade butterflies using artwork from my Angel's Series. Artist, Lana Prince created the butterfly patterns and with assistance from the entire Atlanta's Art team, the butterflies were brought to life.

Many thanks to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, our sponsor, Keller's, Inc., and to all those who made this tree possible!

My latest poem, "Butterfly Tree," celebrates this new creation.

Butterfly Tree by Atlanta Marie Carrera

The butterfly tree
weaves golden dreams
with a rainbow of smiles.

Countless wings
soaring upward
leave a trail of love.

An unknown angel
leads spheres of light
as good deeds shine.

Happiness flows
like a river of joy
through bright colored wonder.

Show your appreciation for Hospice with a generous gift this season...
http://www.hospiceandlifecarecenter.org/Foundation/Gift-of-Hospice/Every-Donation-Matters.aspx/

Jenny approves of our tree!

Reynold & Atlanta on setup day

Angel Delivery to Hospice

Atlanta, Reynold & Jenny "the Angel"
deliver our prints to Josie at Hospice.

Atlanta's Art visits Hospice to deliver our prints and cards for their end-of-year campaign. What makes this delivery so special? Well, Jenny in her Angel costume of course! After all, they do call themselves the "Hospice Angels" and we were delivering prints with cards and poems from my "Angels Series."

As a "Thank you" gift, Hospice will send you a set of my 3 newest poem cards and 6 notes cards for your donation of $100 or more to their Annual Fund.

For those who donate to both the Annual Fund and the Every Moment Matters Campaign, you will receive an additional gift of a signed 8x10 print of my "Butterfly Wings" painting.

Donation Link:
http://www.hospiceandlifecarecenter.org/Foundation/Gift-of-Hospice/Every-Donation-Matters.aspx/

Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion

Donations to the Every Moment Matters Campaign will help add 6 additional beds to the Hospice Life Care Center in Wilmington.

Hospice Tile Dedication Ceremony

"God's Peace" by Atlanta Marie Carrera
Poem: "I Go Softly"
http://myheartseries.blogspot.com/2013/02/i-go-softly.html

Atlanta's Art donated prints and poems for the Oct 26, 2013 Tile Dedication Ceremony at the Hospice Heritage Garden today.

The Carrera family and Guarino family attended for the memorial tile in honor of Salvatore Frank Carrera. Also dedicated today was the tile for Atlanta's classmate, Don Payne.

The fall Hospice ceremony featured a bird release. My latest painting, "God's Peace," honors this tradition and is paired with my poem, "I Go Softly."

Carreras & Guarinos at Hospice Tile Ceremony

Grandpa's Tile

Don's Tile (NHHS class of 82)

Grant & Jenny near Maw & Papa's tiles

New Tiles Dedicated Oct 26, 2013

Off and Running with Angie's Amazing Race

https://www.facebook.com/AngiesAmazingRace
http://www.gofundme.com/4gniig
https://www.facebook.com/pinkribbonproject

Atlanta's Art kicks off our first event with Heike's print "Abreast of Hope." The race may be over, but the fundraising never ends! Help us reach $20,000 by donating today http://www.gofundme.com/4gniig and we will send you one of Heike's prints as a thank you gift!

Atlanta's Art donated a framed print from our newest series
"Beautiful in Pink" http://art4pink.blogspot.com/ for the silent auction at Angie's Amazing Race as a fundraiser for The Pink Ribbon Project.

Jenny hoping to win the Pink Go Cart

We tried to win the Jenny sized Race Car by buying our share of raffle tickets, but it looks like we'll have to settle for this picture of it instead.

Helping The Woman in Pink

Atlanta's Art assists with printing of Heike's McDoniel's painting "Abreast of Hope" as a fundraiser for the non-profit organization, The Woman In Pink, who is setting up their Wig Shop and Salon in Gastonia, NC to offer free services to women battling breast cancer. Follow our new series "Beautiful in Pink" http://art4pink.blogspot.com/ paired with Atlanta's poem "Beautiful" as we launch fundraising for various charities whose mission is to fight breast cancer.

Heike McDoniel presents her painting to Kim

"Today I had a wonderful meeting with Kim from The Woman in Pink, her team, and with Atlanta's Art to present "Art with Heart" the "Abreast of Hope" painting done by Heike Wilczek McDoniel. All money raised by the sell of the prints will help women with breast cancer to receive a wig. Check out her web-site http://www.thewomaninpink.com." Heike

Two New Paintings for Hospice Angels Series

I am SO excited about my two new paintings for Hospice!

"Butterfly Wings" by Atlanta Marie Carrera

"Heart of the Butterfly" by Atlanta Marie Carrera

I am offering prints, note cards, and poem cards as thank you gifts to those who donate directly to Lower Cape Fear Hospice in memory of my grandmother, Atlanta King Taylor.

Read about my Angels Series: http://atlantakingtaylormemorialfund.blogspot.com/

Donate online to Hospice: https://lcfhospicefoundation3233.thankyou4caring.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=298

Sunshine Camp at Hospice

Jenny Carrera with cousin, Abby Carrera
at Abby's Sunshine Camp Family Day

Atlanta's Art sponsored two children to attend the Sunshine Camp at Hospice this summer. Hospice provides these week long camp sessions free of charge (except for a $25 supply fee).

"These creative camps encourage children coping with the death of a loved one to express themselves through play, art, recreation, and small group discussion. They learn the benefits of sharing their experiences with their peers."

Click here to learn more about Hospice grief support services.
http://www.hospiceandlifecarecenter.org/Our-Services/Grief-Support.aspx

Memorial For Don Payne, President NHHS Class of '82

Don Payne
May 5, 1964 - March 26, 2013

New Hanover High School class of 1982 gathered this weekend to honor and remember our class president, Don Payne. Known to many as the Emmy award-winning writer/producer for the Simpsons, Don's successful career has always been a source pride for all Wildcats. His classmates, however, remember him for something much greater than his accomplishments. We remember a friend with a dynamic personality, inspiring spirit, and meaningful soul. He was a true leader in every sense of the word. Teachers, classmates, and even our former principle attended the unveiling of Don's plaque located in the courtyard at NHHS. http://www.starnewsonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Dato=20130622&Kategori=NEWS&Lopenr=622009997&Ref=PH&pl=1

Classmates have also been collecting donations to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation in Don's name for a tile to be placed in the Heritage Garden under the turtle sculpture as part of their Safe Passages memorial. Please join us in this campaign as Atlanta's Art and Hospice continue to support those diagnosed with life threatening illnesses, like the cancer which claimed Don's life. https://lcfhospicefoundation3233.thankyou4caring.org/

"Angles in the Garden" by Atlanta Marie Carrera

Atlanta's Art is offering prints and/or poem cards to those donating to Lower Cape Fear Hospice in memory of Don Payne.

Prints and cards are from my "Angels Series" fundraiser for Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation. http://atlantakingtaylormemorialfund.blogspot.com/

Hospice Begins Their Next Project

Our Friends at Lower Cape Fear Hospice
https://www.facebook.com/LCFHospice

The expansion project for Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Care Center is now underway!

Atlanta's Art was invited to attend their groundbreaking ceremony to begin the remodel and addition which will add 6 new beds to their Wilmington facility. They have already raised an initial 1 million dollars toward this 3.1 million dollar project. Donations are particularly crucial this year as we support their efforts to continue to provide much needed end of life care to our community.

Atlanta's Art uses prints and poem cards from our "Angels Series" as a designed fundraiser for Hospice.
http://atlantakingtaylormemorialfund.blogspot.com/

https://lcfhospicefoundation3233.thankyou4caring.org

Memorial Tile for Sal Carrera

Salvatore Frank Carrera "Grandpa"
November 13, 1930 - May 19, 1913

Atlanta's Art would like to thank all those who made donations to Lower Cape Fear Hospice in memory of "Grandpa" (Sal F. Carrera). http://myheartseries.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html. He will now be honored with a memorial tile under the turtle at the Hospice Heritage Garden during their ceremony in October 2013. All are welcome to attend.

Information about "Safe Passages" memorials and tribute tiles:
http://www.hospiceandlifecarecenter.org/The-Foundation/Give-the-Gift/Memorial-and-Tribute-gifts.aspx

JDRF's Annual Gala is Over the Top

"Harmony Girl"
by Atlanta Marie Carrera

Raising nearly half a million dollars at this year's JDRF Gala, "Unmasking a Cure" was a tremendous success!

Atlanta's Art was pleased to do our small part by donating a framed print of Atlanta Carrera's "Harmony Girl" for their auction and supporting work by artist, Catherine Carter along with our corporate sponsor, Keller's, Inc.

View Catherine's art online http://catherine-carter.blogspot.com/ for her "Art to Cure Diabetes" JDRF fundraiser series.

Donations to JDRF for the Wilmington area can be made to the Coastal Carolina Chapter http://jdrf.org/

https://www.facebook.com/jdrfcoastalcarolina

Welcome Home Angel's Latest Project

Atlanta's Art is pleased to support Welcome Home Angel with our personal donation as well as donations collected for them at our Azalea Festival Booth. We offer art prints from our Spirit of the Butterfly Series http://spiritofthebutterfly.blogspot.com as a thank you gift for those donating.

"Life's Journey" by Atlanta Marie Carrera
from Atlanta's Art "Spirit of the Butterfly" Series

Welcome Home Angel extends a helping hand to local families with children who have chronic or debilitating medical issues.

"We will create a fun and healing environment in their homes that gives comfort and provides a better quality of life. Our further mission is to give emotional and informational help and support to the parents and/or guardians of these children as they deal with the enormous distress and challenges they face." http://www.welcomehomeangel.com

Read about their current project to remodel this home for a family in Carolina Beach:
http ://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20130612/ARTICLES/130619862

You can also follow them on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Welcome-Home-Angel

Atlanta's Art is "Beautiful In Pink"

"Abreast of Hope" by Heike McDoniel

In conjunction with artist, Heike McDoniel, Atlanta's Art offers our new series, "Beautiful In Pink" to help in the fight against breast cancer.

The first piece in this series was created by Heike as a fundraiser for "The Woman in Pink" which is a non profit providing free wigs and other services for women battling breast cancer.

Series Website:
http://Art4Pink.blogspot.com

Donations for this print are for: http://www.TheWomanInPink.com

Angels in the Garden at Hospice this Morning

Jenny on bench near the Hospice Turtle

Hospice invited us as special guests to be a part of their Safe Passages Tile Dedication Ceremony today in the Heritage Garden at Lower Cape Fear Hospice. They started the ceremony by reading my poem, "Angels in the Garden." We provided them with turtle prints, poems, and cards to hand out to all the families. Jenny enjoyed posing for pictures around the gardens to symbolize where we hid the angels in our painting!

Jenny by the Pond in the Heritage Garden

"Angels in the Garden" by Atlanta Marie Carrera
(Can you find the 7 hidden angels?)

Dad & Jenny at the Hospice Gardens

Mom & Jenny waiting for the Tile Ceremony to begin

Jenny standing near the hidden angels

Jenny in the Rose Garden

Donations from my new Ballet Series go to the Wilmington Ballet Company

Rhoda Gary accepts Azalea Festival donations

Atlanta's Art received lots of compliments for my new Ballet Series which features scenes from Wilmington with famous ballets. This fundraiser series was created especially for the Wilmington Ballet Company. Inspired by my daughter, Jenny, and with ballet ideas from Rhoda Gary, this set of seven prints brings dreams to life through bright colors and whimsical imagination.

http://balletseries.blogspot.com/

http://www.wilmingtonballetcompany.org/

Mercy House receives donations from our Azalea Festival fundraiser

Norris London accepts donations for Mercy House

Atlanta's Art delivers our donations collected at the NC Azalea Festival for the Mercy House Homeless Shelter. Inspired by co-worker, Norris London, we have been using my "Faith Journey" series of art prints and poems to raise not just money, but also spirits! Our set of seven poem cards from this series touch on the very heart of why Atlanta's Art was created. http://faithjourneyseries.blogspot.com/.

I am pleased to announce the addition of my poem "Awake" to this series. http://faithjourneyseries.blogspot.com/2013/04/awake.html

Hospice receives donations from our Azalea Festival Booth

Jenny & Josie next to Maw's Tile
at the Safe Passages Memorial
in the Heritage Garden

Jenny helps deliver the donations collected for Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation at our Atlanta's Art booth during the NC Azalea Festival.

We also delivered more of our "Angels in the Garden" (Turtle prints), Angels Series Poem Cards, note cards, and poem & print pages for the upcoming tile dedication this Saturday. They will be reading my poem at the ceremony.

Our family tiles that can be found under the turtle are for my grandparents: Atlanta King Taylor & Wilbur Jennings Taylor, and my uncle Wilbur Jennings Taylor, Jr.

Art prints, poems, and cards from my Angels Series can be ordered online:
http://atlantakingtaylormemorialfund.blogspot.com/
100% of your donation goes directly to Hospice.

Azalea Festival 2013 - Best Event Yet for Atlanta's Art

What makes for a great event? More Charities? Most Money Collected? Most Artists? Personal Appearances? More Art? Meeting wonderful people? The NC Azalea Festival was all these and more for our Atlanta's Art Team! But what really makes it all worth it is how all our friends and family come together for a common cause. I can't thank everyone enough for all the time and talents that went into making Atlanta's Art such a success!