Opportunity of a Lifetime for Levin Artist

Opportunity of a Lifetime for Levin Artist

Christmas Day delivered the ultimate gift to Levin based, NZ Art Guild artist Sharlene Schmidt. She received notification that she has been awarded a place on an International Artists Residency program at the Kalanirvana International Art Center in Hyderbad, India in March.

Kalanirvana International Art Center is an art movement which aims to bring the world together through art. It is a revolution which creates a bridge between artists of different countries, religion, cast, color and thoughts. The residency covers all the costs of accommodation, food, exhibition and studio space so that the artist only needs to find funding for the airfare.

When Sharlene shared this news a wave of excitement went through other members of the NZ Art Guild and they came out in full support. Artists from Whangarei to Southland came forward with donations of artworks to be auctioned to help raise the much needed funds for Sharlene’s airfare.

Many of the artists offering support have never met Sharlene; they were simply connected to her through the NZ Art Guild. Lumsden artist, Marimba Powley, then took the initiative to formalize the donations and fundraising into a Facebook group and website called One Good Deed, Inspired by the actions of many Art Guild members other artists from across the country started to join in. Through Marimba’s hard work, people can now purchase the donated artworks via this website, trademe and facebook. People are also able to buy a “share” in Sharlene’s trip – for $35 they receive a handmade postcard from India, a newsletter about her trip and a 6 x 6” artwork on her return.

Marimba says “Sharlene is well known for her generosity in the art world as she regularly donates artworks to charities and worthy causes. She also volunteers with the NZ Art Guild and NZ Academy of Fine Arts to help other artists achieve their goals. It was the perfect opportunity to be able to give back to her because I believe that one good deed deserves another”

Sharlene’s spirit of generosity continues through One Good Deed “My one condition in accepting the donations was that One Good Deed continues to do this for other artists in New Zealand who find themselves in similar positions. I was completely overwhelmed and humbled by the support of these wonderful kiwi artists.”

Sophia Elise, Manager of the NZ Art Guild said “Despite the tough economic times and artists working in a competitive environment; competing at awards, applying for the same funding grants, vying for position in galleries, exhibitions etc it’s fantastic to see that they have come together to support and help one of their own colleagues achieve their dream.”

Sharlene is a full time artist, studying for her Diploma through The Learning Connexion. She has exhibited extensively throughout NZ and also in Italy in 2010 and she is one of seven artists worldwide selected to have her artworks transformed into jewellery with award winning American company Bajidoo.

For more information go to www.onegooddeed.yolasite.com

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