11/15/07 - I've nearly finished 2 more pages in the altered art book, BUT, my plan to have it finished before I leave for New Zealand has been foiled! I tripped on the sidewalk, fell, and injured both hands. Sprained one, bruised the other, pulled muscles in several other body parts. Talk about unlucky - this affects my bag-handling at the airport so I'm hoping to ride in one of those little cars they drive people around in. It's actually not as bad as it all sounds - I can type now - just can't grab onto things. Anyway, I will post the images soon.
Also, I have decided to waive the "closed" status to allow a Greenland resident to participate in the project. She is someone who I became instantly drawn to by her captivating singing voice and she is going to make a nice surprise for the book. Please check her out at www.myspace.com/nivenielsen
11/10/07 - I have had a deluge of last minute work coming in these last couple weeks so thanks to all of you for that. Unbelievably, almost everyone who committed to the project has sent something in and there are only a small handful who didn't, which I expected. It has not been an easy project to manage because I am only one person trying to be the glue to hold it together, but I have had so much encouragement from everyone involved, and I have had all of these amazing artists worldwide who have graciously submitted their work. These artists, and the children that we advocate for, are what keep me going along this path.
The book is halfway through it's assembly process but I have much more artwork than can fit onto the pages. The rest will go INTO the pages - or sleeves . This book is going to be literally STUFFED full of art. I wish there was a way that everyone involved could see the finished project.
My stepfather has accepted the responsibility of building a box to contain the book. It will contain a false bottom that will house the recording device, which will play the song "Missing Children," written by Brazilian band, Leyline.
I will be on a little 6-week sojourn to New Zealand with my daughter Ella on November 17th. We will return for the new year and then I will begin my quest to find a potential buyer for this piece of art. Once the book is entirely assembled, I will be able to send letters out, with images of the book, and we'll see what happens from there. I have a potential connection to Bill Gates, who happens to collect art, and for now that's a start. I will be drafting a letter while I'm away and it will be one that I send out to as many art collectors as possible with what little money I have. If anyone wishes to be a "volunteer helper" and spare some $$ to pay for postage, what I would do is forward the letter via email, and give a list of names to send it to - helpers can send one letter or one-hundred letters - the sky's the limit. That way anyone wishing to contribute doesn't have to worry whether their money has been used incorrectly. They would print out the letters, address the number of envelopes they wish to pay for, put the stamps on and drop them into the mail. I would then just ask for an email from each "helper" when they've completed the task so I know when mail has been sent, and to whom. Follow-ups will be done by me via email. Please contact me if you are interested.
It has been a very full year and while this project has gone along slowly, it has come a long way since my first Call to Artists last October. Everyone should give themselves a little pat on the back for following through on sending their artwork because without it, none of this would have been possible.
9/30/07 - This post is a bit different from other posts I've made. I try to keep this site as positive as I can but I think I've been too tame. I'm here today to vent because I'm frustrated, angry, and scared because of the amount of crimes against children there are in this country and around the world. With the media being the vehicle to inform the public - and primarily the television, which most people watch, we are offered story after story about little children who are victim's of negligence, sexual abuse, and other violent crimes.
One of the most disturbing things I've heard lately involves the disappearance, and thankfully, the return of the little girl known as Madison, who was abused on video tape. Only a day after I learned of that story, I was jolted out of sleep by the story about a six-year-old girl, Hannah Mack, who was found hanging in her garage, the apparent victim of a neighbor. If it turns out that he acted alone, that means he walked into the victim's home and took her while she was asleep on the couch. We don't know all the details yet, but it's a very scary situation.
A lot of people live their lives not worrying about this kind of thing happening to their own children. I know there are still people who don't even lock their doors at night. I barricade mine. I do live in fear of this happening because it does. Of course, it has become a major focus for me, but I KNOW it happens - it happened in Lansing, Michigan when I lived there. It happens everywhere. It could have happened to me.
What I feel outraged about at this moment is that this guy, who allegedly hanged this little innocent girl, has a bail of .5 million. Why does he have a bail at all? Why is it that these men who are getting caught red-handed on shows like To Catch a Predator going free after a slap on the wrist? Some of the guys who've appeared on that show have admittedly been caught before - a few have even been caught more than once on the show! WHY, WHY WHY are they allowed to go free after just a small sentence? They are surely NOT rehabilitated while they are behind bars. I am no psychologist, but I don't believe that this kind of mind ever heals. It's a chronic disease, which is precisely why there are laws against known sex-offenders living near schools and parks. But even that law can't stop a predator. Like many animals are predators, predators are like animals. They have a hunger for their prey and they need to stalk and attack.
If you investigate the many centers for missing and exploited children you will find that exploitation against children is on a constant upswing. I partially blame the Internet for this - everything from chat rooms to child porn sites is at a predator's fingertips. But the laws have not changed to match the crimes these men commit, and women in fewer cases, and when the act of exploitation doesn't end in a child's death, there is often a sentence that allows the perpetrator to be free once again in their lifetime.
I remember reading about a sex offender who served ten years for sexually abusing a child when I lived in New Zealand. He was released but his address was publicized. He had served his maximum sentence and went to live quietly in a little house in a quiet little neighborhood. But there were some angry residents in the quiet little neighborhood who were not happy. Ironically, they were not parents with children - they were children. They were young teen-aged boys, who decided to get together one day, break into the man's home when he was there, and beat him to death. It is an appalling thought, yet, if it was my child I know how I would feel.
We all have our own personal opinions about the law, about how this sort of matter should be handled. But I am amazed that there aren't more stories like the one about the boys who took it upon themselves to spare the streets from a predator, whose crime was fit enough to receive the maximum penalty in New Zealand.
There was a time when these people would be put to death for such a crime. Perhaps it's time to rethink our judicial system and the laws that pertain to crimes against children. I know there are so many people out there that don't believe in capital punishment, but I just wonder how they would feel if their child was snatched in the middle of the night, sexually assaulted, then hanged out in the garage - or if a video surfaced with their child being brutally victimized. It's food for thought.
I am a pacifist, but I am also a parent who loves my child more than anything in the world. I also believe very strongly that there needs to be some major restructuring of our so-called system. Vigilantism is against the law, but so is raping and killing people, and yet, while those innocent victims are either scarred for life, or dead, the offender rarely gets put to death, and instead, goes to jail, at taxpayers' expense, with the opportunity to earn a living and an education, free meals, and free accommodation. WHY? WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE? Do you think for a minute that they're sitting there repenting? There are so many loopholes that allow the bad people to get away with bad things. And while the majority of people in our society are good, hard-working, caring people, there are A LOT of bad people out there and we see them all the time when we turn our television sets on. What is wrong in this country that it is just accepted? Why are not every single one of us doing something proactive to help change laws? Why are not all of us writing letters to our senators, lobbyists, and other political figures to demand that changes are made? I just don't get it?
8/23/07 - Ad copy for Stampington & Co. has been emailed to Laura Burns. I sent it with the Honor with Art logo and pictures of the front and back cover of the book. Now we'll just have to wait until it comes out...in the meantime, here's the copy:
Our Children: Honor With Art, is a project dedicated to the cause of missing and exploited children through works of art. Our hope is to bring awareness and keep it alive through the artistic, creative process.
Our first project was created by recycling a vintage record album and turning it into an altered book, with pages of wonderful paintings, photography, poems, and even music. It is a collaboration between artists, musicians, and poets from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Brazil, and Japan, all of whom contributed a piece of work for the book. It is our hope that we will exhibit the piece nationally, and internationally, before it goes to auction. All proceeds from the auction will go to charities who advocate for missing and exploited children.
The online artist association, EBSQ, has cordially offered to sponsor us, but we are still in need of other sponsors, endorsers, venues for exhibiting work, bidders, and other volunteers. If you are a museum or gallery curator, philanthropist, creative person, or just someone eager to help, please go to www.honorwithart.com for more information, or contact Shawn Marie Hardy at 503-344-4820.
Join us in keeping our kids safe!
8/13/07 - My daughter and I arrived in Portland, Oregon on Friday night. We flew instead of driving all the way out here. Neither one of us wanted to make another road trip after our east coast venture and we're both relieved to be here safe and sound. I can now start putting more time into the project, and have done a little revamping here today. I've added work by Bob Scott, Brittany Heskett, Heide Reed-Hibbard, & Heather Mathieson.
8/8/07- Great News! I received this email from Laura Burns of Stampington & Co. while I was on my trip out east:
Dear Shawn Marie Hardy,
I wanted to contact you to share the good news that Honor With Art has been chosen to be featured in Stampington & Company’s publications in a free half page ad that we reserve in each issue for non-profit organizations. Tina Marlissa provided me with your information, which I submitted to our Publisher, Kellene Giloff, who thought that your organization would be wonderful to include within our publications.
I am the Advertising & Marketing Coordinator, and I will be making sure that all of your information and materials get to the art department so that they can create your half page ad free of charge. What I will need for you to send to me are any logos, text, and images that you wish to be included in the ad. The ads usually are comprised of a logo, 2 to 3 photos, and 150 to 200 words of copy.
Once we have the ad completed, it will appear once in each of the following publications: Somerset Studio, Belle Armoire, Somerset Memories, The Stampers’ Sampler, and Art Doll Quarterly. These ads provide thousands of dollars worth of exposure for you free of charge, we simply request that you place a link to our website on your website as a small gesture of thanks. J
Congratulations! We are all very excited to feature Honor With Art in our publications. We are truly inspired by the efforts of the dedicated individuals such as yourself that are closely involved in organizations such as Honor With Art. Please let me know if you have any questions, and I look forward to receiving your materials and seeing the ad that the art department will create with them.
Sincerely,
Laura Burns
Advertising & Marketing Coordinator
Stampington & Company
22992 Mill Creek Dr., Suite B
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Phone: (949) 380-7318 ext.137
Fax: (949) 470-2977
E-Mail: lburns@stampington.com
Web: www.stampington.com
7/05/07 - It's been awhile since I've posted here but things have been pretty hectic. It looks like I'll be making a wee trip to New York to help my uncle, Mark Esper, build the box that will hold the book. Mark's kinetic works are pretty awe inspiring and I'm so happy he suggested using lights in this project - we're talking about having a little light show go off when the box is opened. Brazilian band, Leyline, who wrote the song "Missing Children" for this project, will be heard when the box is opened - they are who will be featured on this chip. Other musicians have submitted work on cd. Mark has created a chip that will store the music. There are some other pretty exciting ideas floating around about this box so I can't wait to share them as they unfold. But in the meantime, you'll have to use your imagination.
5/17/07 - A few more people have let me know that art is on the way. From New Zealand - Chris Knox, Robert Scott & David Kilgour. From the U.S. - John Paul Thornton. And just in from Montreal - the rich, luxurious work of Yan D. Soloh. Keep it coming!
5/13/07 - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all mothers out there! I haven't had much in the way of news except for lots of good artwork I've received and some new artists who want to send art in. There is some news but I can't announce it just yet. Please bear with me on this - when I do announce it it'll be exciting. I am just waiting for a confirmation and then I'll post here on the site for all to see.
I have received about half of the artwork if you look at the number of people participating - there are 99 artists interested and some may opt out but that's ok. There is still a lot of grand artwork here, ready to be assembled now. I've been preparing the pages inside the book for the artwork and have purchased some lovely fiber and beads, as well as "found objects" (little rusty bits and pieces and such, that will be used to decorate this piece. Stay tuned - I'll be photographing all of it.
4/26/07 - Great News! I've received the glass plate that Dawn Thompson did for the front cover of the altered book. It's absolutely beautiful and can't really be appreciated as much online. I can't say enough about it. It's going to MAKE this book! You outdid yourself Dawn!
More great news! Bob Pollard's art is on it's way today. A new artist has signed up bringing the total artists to 95 - Jacquie Janzen Yee. Thanks Jacquie. Pass this info on to any artist friends you might have that might want to participate.
4/12/07 - I've heard from Bob Pollard who has his piece of art finished. I'll hang it in the gallery as soon as it's here. Thanks for being involved Bob and Rich T. too! Can't wait to see what this mastermind came up with!
I'm finally getting back into the action here and working on the latest newsletter, which should be ready next week. I've just received a lovely piece of art from Nicole Resseguie of Cracked Moon Miscellany and this is now up in the Art Gallery.
I've heard from Dawn Thompson, who is creating the glass piece for the front cover of the altered book and it's almost done. That is also up in the gallery - please take a look.
I have spoken to artist, Mark Esper, who is supplying the equipment necessary to record music, where we will in turn, transfer it onto a chip. This chip will activate and play the music when the box that will contain the book, is opened. There are a few musicians who have offered the gift of music for this project as well. Douglas Stambler has sent an MP3 of his song "no straight line to the ocean" and the Brazilian progressive rock group, Leyline, have written a song for the project. Thanks guys! I've heard from several artists lately who have pieces in the works so keep 'em coming.
I would like to start putting everything together soon. I've thought about trying to put a booklet together to publish to generate further funds for charity. I would like to hear from everyone about their feelings on this. I don't even know where to start to put it together, or who to approach for publishing, but it's an idea. And I would need permission from all artists concerned (in writing) to use their images. I would not make money on this - this is strictly charity.
I've got a list of places to call and write to as far as finding a venue and will get going on that as time allows. I've got my work cut out for me.
3/21/07 - There has been a lull in activity here - I'm taking some time to do a couple commissioned pieces and making arrangements to hang my work for the months of April and May - that means putting wire on the back of all my canvases and framing stuff. A lot of work in this short notice. I'm even doing three big pieces just in case - there's a lot of wall space to fill up. Once I hang the work on April 1st, I'll get back to this.
3/07/07 - There's not a lot of news to report today - there is some new art in the gallery. Thanks Lauren and Betty! A couple new artists have signed on to participate. I've been slow in moving toward my goal lately. There have been some personal issues going on that have required my attention. I will be writing some letters to send out regarding publicity and I will be sending a hard copy of everything that is on the site so far - kind of like a CV (a more detailed version of a resume) - to various news programs. I'm hoping someone will take interest and do a segment about it.
I have started priming the pages within the altered book so I can start attaching the artwork. There are twelve pages in all and I do two at a time and let them dry. By next week I should be able to start putting the art onto pages. That's it for now:)
2/23/07 - I just got an email from Tobin Sprout. He has finished his painting for the project - a 7 x 7" work called "Lost Soul." Once I receive it I will photograph it and put it in the gallery. In the meantime you can view it here: http://www.tobinsprout.net/tobin_sprout_061.htm
2/22/07 - Just received from Angela Gue - two lovely paintings! I will spend some time this weekend uploading all the new stuff to put in the Gallery.
2/21/07 - I have just spoken to Dana Sandberg from Christie's in NYC and she gave me some great news regarding the auction procedure. Once I find a venue to hold the auction, Christie's can provide an auctioneer for the auction. This would be a pro bono situation based on this being a non-profit item. My next course of action will be securing a venue so I'll be investigating some locations soon. Ms. Sandberg said that the best times for securing someone would be at their least busy times - summer or winter. I'm going to aim for the end of summer, but will be open-minded and realistic about it as well.
2/20/07 - I have just received the lyric sheet from Graeme Downes and will photograph it asap and put it up in the Art Gallery. Sorry, I've been a bit behind on my photos - they'll be up very soon.
2/15/07 - I have just received a most amazing piece of art from Aileen Kushner, who lives in Bridgeport, Michigan. I will photograph it asap and put it up in the gallery. She sent a "foldable" collage - hard to describe and I'm sure photos are not going to do it any justice. It looks like it will go between two pages in the book and acts sort of like a "pop-up" when you open the book up. Very beautiful and fun too. Thanks so much Aileen!!
1/17/07 - I have just finished uploading some pix of the book - I'm working on the back cover and will take photos along the way.
There are a couple new names up on the CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS list - please check them out. And if you get a chance, please click on the GUESTBOOK link at the bottom of the page and sign in. Let me know how you like what's going on, any suggestions, words of wisdom, prayers, etc. Thanks so much!
1/8/07 - Please take a look in the gallery - I've just added a bunch of new photos of artwork that I've received! Thanks!
12/20/06 - ANOTHER QUICK NOTE - I AM STILL AT A REMOTE LOCATION AND NOT YET ABLE TO USE MY COMPUTER BUT I SHOULD BE BACK VERY SOON - HOPEFULLY TOMORROW OR THE NEXT DAY. I HAVE A TON TO CATCH UP ON SO I'M EXCITED! I HAVEN'T NEGLECTED ANYONE - JUST NOT ABLE TO BE ONLINE QUITE YET. IF ANYONE IS CONCERNED BECAUSE THEIR NAME ISN'T UP YET, JUST SEND A QUICK EMAIL AND LET ME KNOW. I HAVE SOME NAMES TO ADD ASAP SO HANG IN THERE! HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!
12/13/06 - JUST A QUICK NOTE - I AM AT A REMOTE LOCATION RIGHT NOW - MY COMPUTER DIED YESTERDAY AND I'M NOT SURE WHEN I'LL BE UP AND RUNNING AGAIN. I WOULD GUESS IT WILL BE WITHIN A WEEK OR SO. SORRY ABOUT THIS - I WILL CHECK MAIL PERIODICALLY AS I CAN. THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING
12/08/06 - Gianmarco Liguori, from New Zealand (see entry from yesterday) talked to Chris Knox at a party last night and Chris will also be contributing something to our project! This is such fantastic news! If you don't know anything about Chris, please take the time to listen to his songs. He is from the legendary New Zealand band Tall Dwarfs, but has some great solo stuff too. But he's also a brilliant artist and cartoonist. You can learn more about him by clicking here: Tall Dwarfs , Flying Nun Records, or here: Chris Knox
I also wanted to mention that Robin C. McGee from the online gallery EBSQ has volunteered to create a box to hold this altered book in when it is finished. Thanks a million Robin!
Please take a look at the updated Contributing Artists list by clicking on the tab. There are a lot of great new artists who have volunteered for this project. A big thank you to EVERYONE!
12/7/06 - Great News!!!
2 NEW ADDS
I'm pleased to add two great New Zealand musicians to the HONOR WITH ART mix! David Kilgour and Gianmarco Liguori.
You can hear David here: http://www.myspace.com/davidkilgour and take a listen to The Clean as well: http://www.myspace.com/theclean
Listen to Gianmarco's music here - it's well worth it on all three counts! http://www.myspace.com/gianmarcoliguori
11/30/06 - I will be taking a short break from posting due to the death of a dear friend. John was the father of the guy I dated through high school (who passed away in 2001 after being in a coma for 22 years). I was close to the family over all these years but had not seen John and his family for about 2 years. I happened to surprise them on Halloween night to say a long-overdue hello. That was almost a month ago to the day. I had thought about going over for Thanksgiving but decided not to, thinking I would stop by for Christmas instead. I am so glad I went over to see him on Halloween. I remember him telling me that he had some issues and I hugged him, telling him he was going to be around for a long time yet. He lived a happy life - he was 72. Always remember to cherish people while they're alive - you just never know what is going to happen.
11/30/06 - More great art from watercolorist Barbara Ferguson - see it in the Gallery and click on her name to see more of her beautiful watercolor paintings.
11/29/06 - MORE BIG NEWS: Tobin Sprout, former member of Guided by Voices and awesome musician on his own, is doing a small painting for the project. Another HUGE bonus for this project. See his work here:
Tobin Sprout Paintings/ www.tobinsprout.net
Petrified Fish Clocks/ www.petrifiedfish.com
11/29/06 - BIG NEWS:
Robert Polla
