ART: Bad Portraits by Mandy Stobo

I had the pleasure of meeting Mandy Stobo last night at the Calgary Timeraiser. Mandy is a local artist made infamous for her "Bad Portraits." It was a joy to meet Mandy she is bubbly and full of life. For Christmas my mom was give one of her hideously incredibly portraits and it hangs proudly in her  home. 

Mandy's art is vivid, imaginative, and true to form. She is an artist with a unique vision and strong commitment/dedication to the choices she makes as an artist. I admire her as an artist because she has no reserve or remorse in regard to challenging the norm. Her Bad Portraits are not glamorous by any means, however her Bad Portraits will make you smile. 

Mandy's Bad Portraits can be commissioned directly from her. Just send your photo to @badportraits.com; check out badportraits.com to see more of Mandy's work. A Bad Portrait will cost you only $100 and makes a great gift idea. (Isn't Father's Day coming up...?)

Beauty In Action: Time-Raising

True beauty is a depth of an individual. Beauty exceeds the surface adornments, the pretty eyes, or sexy facial hair. Beauty is the person; the soul. Beautiful people in my minds eye are smart, charismatic, funny, philanthropic, and present. Beauty fades,  and is hopefully replaced by a strength of character. What I define as beautiful is passion for community, art, and a life that is infectious.  

Beauty is best shared, preferably with a community of your closet and dearest. I am excited to marvel at the Beauty of Calgary at the 7th annual Time Raiser event. The Time Raiser, in my opinion is a genius fundraising initiative that enables philanthropic individuals with shallow pockets to partake in the grandeur of a silent art auction.  The Time Raiser, in contrast to the mold, is an event designed to raise volunteer hours for local charities. The auction items will be available for purchase pending volunteer commitment. 

How It works:

1. Choose An Agencies
2. Bid On Art
3. Volunteer 

The time raiser is a cross country event.  Both the organizations in need of volunteers and the art  for auction are local. The 7th Annual Calgary Time Raiser is happening June 14th at Flames Central. This year the event is hoping to raise 6,500 volunteer hours within the next year. The goal may sound ambitious, as time is always on short supply, however the 6,500 hours can be realized through the generous donation of only 20 hours per ticket. Nada!

Eyeing:

Butter flies, by Karen Klassen.

02, by Alfonso Reyes 

Last of the Fall, by Rayanda Delaini 

The Time Raiser event does understand the frenzy of raising the stakes; and has conscientiously made the decision to cap art bets at  125 volunteer hours. For more information regarding the Time Raiser or to find an event in your city check out their website.