Second Life® is a game to some, a business to others, and lifeline to still others. Many who cannot interact with the real world due to a disability can do so in SL, and are limited only by their imagination. The Pixel to Pixel Foundation showcases the creations of these amazing artisans, allowing that imagination to run free, with proceeds benefitting disabled residents in SL.
Located in Artropolis, http://slurl.com/secondlife/Artropolis/39/56/53 The Foundation sponsers an art gallery that features the works of talented SL residents with disabilities. We met with Jadyn Firehawk, Foundation creator and CEO, and toured her art gallery. We spoke with her about the good work the foundation does.
We asked Firehawk how long the Foundation has been operational. "Since june 2009. That's when we officially opened. Prior to that was around two months or so of designing the program, working out the details, (and) discussing the idea with many people in the disability community."
Each month, the Foundation art gallery hosts the works of a disabled SL resident. This month they are featuring the works of Matty Luminos, an impressive collection of fractal artwork. Fractal art is described by Firehawk as "created by computer software that feeds mathematical equations into themselves recursively, and then represents the results graphically." The end result is stunning and beautiful.
The exhibit pieces are for sale to the public, with proceeds going back to the artists. The Foundation takes no profit from the sales, and instead relies on fundraising events and donations. Firehawk tells us regarding the profits from the exhibit sales, "it is the artist's choice. Some need the lindens, because maybe they are on disability. Others donate the proceeds to the foundation. We leave it up to them.
"Disability assistance programs don't pay enough to live on in most cases, which is the reason for the foundation. People want or need to be in SL but maybe cannot afford to buy Lindens. The Foundation gives a modest stipend each week to spend in SL."
The land for the Pixel to Pixel Foundation is donated by Filthy Fluno and Artropolis. Fluno is the same artist that hosted the Artathon at the Second Life Community Convention held this past weekend in Boston.
Jadyn Firehawk is herself disabled, and understands the challenges they face with even the simplest of day-to-day things. The interaction that SL offers, as Firehawk puts it, is a "Godsend" as it allows them to express themselves in the purest sense, and allow others to marvel at their art.
Not all art is 2D paintings. We asked Jadyn the most unique exhibit she has done for a disabled resident. "It was called 'The Fine Art of the Sculpty.' We exhibited sculpted furniture and lamps as works of art. Which in the case of this creator, Melchizedek Blauvelt, truly are unique."
The Foundation exists on donations and fundraising events. Says Firehawk, "we have two groups that are actively helping us with fundraising that we work with. We're a member of the Remembering Our Friends (ROF) Coalition. They help us to raise funds and increase awareness of what we do. And also the Army of Bunnies has been very actively fundraising on our behalf. We also have had people who sponsor us with needed items."
How are the fundraisers done? "When we do our own fundraising, we host a monthly Open House/Dance Party here on the rooftop. We also put out donation kiosks here and at other locations in SL. We accept voluntary donation here at the two donation kiosks, one down in the gallery, and this one on the roof."
The Foundation has an inworld group, Pixel to Pixel Foundation, which is free to join. We asked Firehawk if she had any success stories of the Foundation's generosity. "We have had one recipient who requested a discretionary grant to acquire the equipment for a dj business. We do offer discretionary grants to participants, if they want to start a business or pursue a major creating project. And yes, he is a working dj!" The Foundation pays out $12,000 LIndens each and every week to deserving recipients, to be used any way they see fit.
The Foundation's guest artists have included the talents of TinMan Gearhead, Ronin1 Shippe, Ivy Lane, Winter Nightfire, Melchizedek Blauvelt, and currently, Matty Luminos.
The Foundation has a fundraising dance scheduled for this Saturday, August 21. The atmosphere is positive and the cause is nothing short of noble; to bring the unlimited talents of its residents to the world of Second Life®. The Foundation has info cards at the gallery for those who are intersted in donating, or wish to apply for sponsership for their art. They have a waiting list, as expected, but seek to help as many as humanly possible.
And they need your help. I sincerely urge you to visit this place of honor and help those who need it. You will not be sorry.
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The world needs more Pixels & Jadyns!
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