|
Dear Art
Teachers:
Let me introduce myself. I grew up here in Birmingham and became a
full time artist at 21 years old. In 1989, I left Birmingham to open
an art gallery in New Orleans, LA. After Katrina, we came back home
to our family. We planned to come back eventually; Katrina just sped
up the process. I am now officially licensed to do University of
Alabama and Auburn artwork (Please visit
www.bamaart.net)
My wife Erin is a special Ed teacher at Spain Park High School. She
and I are members of the Birmingham Feline Fanciers. Please visit
our website at http://birminghamfelinefanciers.com. Every year I
sell my own cat art at the show. This year I realized that this
could be a great venue for High School kids.
As for our Cat/Art Show, we are giving the students a very important
experience. I wish I could have done that in High School. This will
be a first for most High School kids to have their work on exhibit
for several thousand strangers to see. A panel of independent art
professionals will judge their artwork. I would hope that the kids
put lots of energy into the competition. Not just for the prizes
(which will be many and very cool), but also to be able to see the
energy of the show. There will also be lots of press. As I have
lectured to many full and part time artists. I tell them that due to
technology and better communication, there are more full time
artists making a living then ever before.
Entries
will be sold with proceeds going to Birmingham Feline Fanciers (BFF
has donated over $170,000 to feline charities). Entries will not be
returned, but may be purchased for $20.
My goal is to get the kids to do something important, and have to
part with it. I believe we will get some great work. You teachers
should motivate them to go all out. The letter I attached today is
a call for entries. We will take the first 75 entries submitted.
Next year we will probably jury who gets in. This is really
something I want to do to give back for all the success I have had
(even if I was starving a few times).
Thanks
for being part of Birmingham’s Art History!
Best
personal regards,
Richard Russell
Cat Art
Show Director
|
The
Cats are Coming
