Tonight I was online checking my RedBubble site when I came across a comment on one of my photographs from a fellow photographer. He commented on one of my Rugged Rigs and I replied in kind. After replying, I decided to take a look at his artwork and went to his profile.
He had some wonderful images in his gallery, but what really caught my eye was a web button on his profile that said, “I support the Art for Cancer Group”. I clicked on the button and it took me to the RedBubble group called “Art for Cancer”.
I was absolutely intrigued by this group, because I have been looking for something that I can do to give back to the community as a photographer. The group does not collect any money for any cancer charities specifically. Rather, it is set up to simply promote the artwork of those artists who want to give a portion, or all, of the profits made from their artwork sold for the purpose of donation.
The artist is left to decide which cancer charity they would like to contribute to and which pieces of art they would like to use for their cancer charity’s cause. It is also up to the artist to contribute that profit made from the piece in the amount they advertise in the description of their work to the cancer organization they chose. This, after they have received the money from the sell.
I have latched on to this concept for some reason. I guess in a way it “spoke to me” as a worthy way to give back to the community. I certainly see it as a great way to give back a little to help those in need. So, I decided to “sink my teeth into it”, joined the group, and picked a cancer research organization that I know is 100% legitimate; the Huntsman Cancer Research Institute (HCI) in Salt Lake City, Utah. (I work in and around their building sometimes, so I know what they do.)
This type of giving to HCI is not a direct donation to an individual. However, this giving is one that goes to their worthy cause and affects the lives of individuals positively through leading edge science and hospital care. And, that is what giving is all about anyway isn’t it; affecting and helping to change lives in a positive way through God given talents, gifts, and abilities.
I am glad I came across that web button tonight. My hope is to make a difference in someone else’s life by doing my little part. I set up a new section in my gallery called Mike’s Heart Art (Art for Charity). I hope you will visit it right now and take a look at the few items that are there. There are sure to be more items to come and hopefully more charities to support in the coming months.
If you are a photographer I hope you are doing something to make a positive difference in someone else’s life. It can be very rewarding and maybe along the way we all learn something about those we care for and life’s circumstances. I believe that in giving away the results of your hard work you can only improve your ability as a photographer or artist. This, because in that giving the unique lessons found only in one’s willingness to give are revealed.
Until next time…
