Merchant Modern Hosts Ukrainian Relief Art Auction
The White Stork (Білий лелека): Hanging art mobile in auction for Ukrainian humanitarian relief.
At a time when so many are looking for ways to help those in Ukraine, the wonderful founders of Merchant Modern (https://www.merchantmodern.com/) are hosting an auction to raise money for relief.
Featuring works shared from throughout their extensive artist community, Denise Portmans and Sara Marlowe Hall will be donating 100 percent of the proceeds from the auction to support those in need.
I've had the pleasure of working with Denise and Sara for a number of years, featuring my hanging art mobiles at their Santa Monica location. And what I've learned about these two inspiring women is that - when they see a need - they act.
Whether it be to help the less fortunate during the pandemic or give voice to social justice or protest political injustice, Denise and Sara know how to leverage the "power of together" as a force for good. And, this auction is just one more example of this.
I'm humbled to be able to join together with so many other heart-full artists and donate The White Stork (formerly Swan) to the auction.
As the unofficial national bird of Ukraine, the White Stork (Білий лелека) is seen in the country as a symbol of family, loyalty, and patriotism.
According to legend, the stork has magical powers it uses to protect and help humans. For many, it is thought that if a stork nests on or near your home, you and yours will live in peace, prosperity, and good health.
This design pays tribute to the spirit of the Ukrainian people and a moving reminder that war is never the answer, and no one “wins” when others suffer or are subjugated.
In addition to the auction, I will also be donating 10 percent of all profits from the sale of this mobile in 2022 to purpose-built charities in support of Ukrainian humanitarian efforts.
Oftentimes for me, during times of crisis and hardship, it feels hard to know what to do, what will really make a difference. "I'm just one person," I think. Denise and Sara are living reminders that - yes, you are just one person - butandalso you are a person and I am a person and she is a person and they are a person and he is a person - and when we connect with our common personhood (with dignity, respect, and compassion), we can be, as Gandhi encouraged, "the change we want to see in the world."
NOTE: Denise and Sara were overwhelmed (in the best way possible) with donations. They are working as quickly as they can to get the auction live. I'll share more details when they become available.
