Donating Art to Raise Awareness for Vulnerable Youth

SinguLar Focus by Deb Chaney (9" x 12")

Earlier in the summer I met with the coordinator of the Foundation for Artistic Expression (FAE) and agreed to donate a painting for its fundraising event. The auction is in support of something very dear to me—mental health and well-being—and helping at-risk youth in the area.

Among the events at IGNITE2024 is a silent auction in which my painting will be available. The auction will be held at the gala event on September 14 at the Vancouver Island Convention Centre.

About the painting

The painting I’ve chosen to donate is called Singular Focus, an abstract artwork created with acrylic, pencil, and pastel on paper.

Cool tones of blue and gray create a serene and meditative atmosphere, while a vibrant circle of orange and red acts as a focal point, drawing the eye towards its warm, energetic glow. This contrast between the cool background and the fiery center creates a dynamic tension within the piece.

A variety of brushstrokes, splatters, and drips add texture and depth to the composition. The lines and shapes are loose and gestural, suggesting a spontaneous and intuitive approach to the work. Despite its apparent simplicity, the painting invites fresh interpretations with each viewing.

This small series of paintings is part of my larger Little Gems Series and each artwork measures 9” x 12”.

About the FAE

The Foundation for Artistic Expression is a non-profit organization committed to “shattering stigmas” and raising awareness for mental health and vulnerable youth in Canada.

Founded by Mariel Nichole Anderson, visit the website to read more about the organization and their mission, current actions, and future plans.

About the event

The title of the IGNITE2024 event says it all–Nature Nurture: A Mental Health Gala for Vulnerable & At-Risk Youth.

The event showcases local talent from in and around Nanaimo with the goal of helping vulnerable youth in the Nanaimo area. It aims to raise awareness for 2 programs in Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District 68, Learning Alternatives and the Take A Hike Foundation.

With the help of local makeup artists and hairstylists, volunteer musicians, dancers, and others will unite together in the spirit of giving back and igniting the spotlight on mental health. Activities include a 50/50 draw, a live mural painting, and the silent auction, then wrap things up with a dance.

  • When: September 14, 2024

  • Where: Vancouver Island Conference Centre

  • Tickets: Online or at local Save-On-Foods 

  • Website: FAE Upcoming Events

About my Little Gems Series

My ongoing Little Gems Series is a collection of paintings that begin as practice pieces. I use them to hone my skills as well as explore and try out new techniques and ideas. 

Each painting in the series is bursting with the joy, love, and passion I feel in the studio. And all that energy and positivity is infused in every piece of artwork – which becomes my gift to you!

You can see more abstract paintings in the series here at Saatchi Art.

Can You See Freedom Soar in This Painting?

Occupational Freedom by Deb Chaney (11” x 15”)

I’m excited to announce that one of my original abstract paintings is now available for sale along with high-quality prints in various sizes. The painting is titled Occupational Freedom. 

How I chose the title of this painting

If you look closely within the collaged text of this painting, you will see a page of words from the dictionary which includes one of the words in the title. 

Something I really love doing is to collage old book pages, poems, and dictionary pages and then find a word or sentence to inspire and guide the painting. In the case of this particular contemporary artwork, it also became the title of the painting.

About this abstract painting

This mixed-media abstract painting on paper is made with acrylic paint, pencil, gesso, and collaged book pages.

The colour palette of this contemporary abstract expressionist painting is a vibrant ocean blue with large areas of pure black, grey, and white. Strong gestural strokes create a sense of movement. In the lower-right corner, a soaring bird stenciled in black—with its own distinct space to fly—juxtaposes the strictly regimented pages of a dictionary.

This little painting is part of my Little Gems Series, which I use for testing new techniques and practicing old ones. The original is available for purchase, as are high-quality prints in a variety of sizes and formats, through Saatchi Art online.

Prints and Original Artwork for Sale Online

You can buy Occupational Freedom online at Saatchi Art here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Occupational-Freedom/499285/11013397/view 

You can see more paintings in the Little Gems series here:

https://www.saatchiart.com/art-collection/painting/Litte-Gems-Small-works-on-paper-and-loose-canvas/499285/160111/view

Reproduction prints on Saatchi Art are available in 3 formats:

Fine Art Paper

310 GSM, 100% cotton linters, archival quality, natural white finish with a slightly structured, soft-textured surface.

Metal

Specialized inks infused into specially coated, thin, high gloss aluminum sheets. Exhibit mounted on 2mm black Styrene and finished with a black Metal Inset Frame.

Canvas

Museum grade, matte textured (20.5 mil), bright white, poly-cotton blend with no additives and no agents.