ArtAID:
Art in Service of Humanity
Some years
before September 11, we had a vision of creating an arts
organization that would give artists an opportunity to
contribute their work to helping others by supporting charitable
causes. Commissions normally taken by galleries and collectors
would go directly into fund-raising programs and charities that
most needed the support. It was also intended to give artists a
socially responsible means to make a living. ArtAID was born out
of a desire to heal the world. It also sought to provide
resources to the artists who create the healing works, thus
fostering a unique relationship worthy of development.
Then September
11th changed everything. We were faced with a compelling urgency
to console those most affected by this tragedy. The
unprecedented need to heal our wounded community was so great
that responding to that event was our top priority, which was
fueled by the overwhelming demand for these great works for
those they were intended for. This was a powerful validation of
the value of this work, but created an enormous challenge to
provide for a growing need.
Eventually
ArtAID became incorporated as a non-profit in the New York
State. We retained the finest legal assistance, established a
bank account, and began to accept nominal donations to help
cover our printing and distribution expenses. Out of this
emerged a membership-based program to provide these beautiful
artworks as our special “Thank You” in return for supporting
this needed work. With some much needed anonymous sponsors,
ArtAID has continued to exist and grow, and we now enter a whole
new era of providing Art in Service of Humanity based on models
of healing arts that were so effective immediately after
September 11.
When you visit
the ArtAID website, you will have an opportunity to witness our
deeply appreciated programs for LODD (Line of Duty Death)
incidents involving members of uniformed services: police
officers, firefighters and paramedics, created much in the
spirit of the work that was born in response to September 11.
The need for this work continues which is illustrated in
heartfelt testimonials. You will also find them as integral
components of many memorials for our fallen brothers and
sisters. This growing online community carries the torch of
honor and remembrance ArtAID has so steadfastly committed to
continue.
You will also
notice that most images have links to high-resolution prints
that ArtAID members are invited to download. Since our priority
is to make these works available to those in need, we must rely
on the honor system that visitors who download and print the
images support this cause. Just as a paramedic or doctor will
not ask for payment up front or refuse to treat someone in need,
ArtAID readily provides these works for those in grief who most
need to be healed and consoled.
We do not
disrupt that process with passwords or credit card pages to get
through before receiving the healing power of this work. After
you have experienced the beauty, value and understand the need
for this work, or have downloaded any of the images, please take
a second to support this remarkable project. When you are
visiting the website, please do not
hesitate to click on the
“Support” links or print the membership form and mail it in with
a contribution.
—©ArtAID 2004 Art in Service of
Humanity
Contacts
The Rolling Memorial,
Owner/Operator
17369 Banyan Rd., Shafer, MN
55074
www.therollingmemorial.com
Have You Forgotten-The Rolling
Memorial is dedicated to the victims and heroes who lost their
lives on September 11th, 2001. Let us, NEVER FORGET that
dreadful day! God Bless America
Meryl L. Moss Media Relations
Inc.
155 Post Road East Suite 8,
Westport, CT. 06880
meryl@medianmuscle.com
Special
Thanks
Special thanks to those that
allowed me to use their photos including
AP Wide World Photos, Getty
Images, New York Daily News, Corbis and John McKennon (two
photos to the St. Paul’s composition).
John is a devoted husband to
his wife Jackie, and his three children.
He is an avid photographer and
lifelong friend of mine.
Most of the photos were
taken as I was searching for survivors on September 11 and in
the days that followed. I strived very hard for an accurate and
complete recounting of events. Please contact me to rectify any
omissions or inaccuracies you may find.
—Fabrizio Bivona
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