\ Lauren G. Koch
Keeper of the Old Ways

There's one thing about it - Appalachians and Artist take care of their own!

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In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Southern Appalachia

I am inviting the community to come together through art and creativity to offer support.

Art for Appalachia is a grassroots Art Auction & Fundraiser that will feature original artworks,

limited edition prints, stickers, posters, postcards, and more from regional artists

and others who would like to contribute to the relief efforts. 

 

The hope is to collaborate with several regional galleries across the nation to create Juried Exhibitions through the upcoming year to showcase these beautiful, inspiring works in addition to an online auction - to provide an ongoing way to give back to those directly affected by the hurricane in Southern Appalachia - then transition to other relief efforts throughout the whole Appalachian range in the future.

 

A portion of the proceeds will go directly to individuals and organizations providing immediate relief and long-term rebuilding efforts. Artists can choose to receive 30% of the proceeds raised to take care of themselves as well or they may choose to donate 100% of the money raised to our fundraising efforts.

 

I'm currently seeking volunteers, partners, and sponsors to host Care Box Drives, Drop Off Locations, & Transports  - in addition to assisting to alleviate expenses for purchasing merch like stickers, t-shirts, etc. so we can make sure all proceeds go to those who need it most - this can be in the form of time,

materials, or monetary donations.

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Please continue reading to learn more about how and who can help...

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What we're hoping to include...

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Original Artworks: One-of-a-kind paintings, drawings, sculptures,

and other handcrafted works by talented artists who want to support the relief efforts.

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Limited Edition Prints & Posters: Affordable options for those who want to support the

cause while receiving a special piece of art.

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Stickers & Postcards: Small, accessible pieces to spread the

word and keep a piece of this initiative with you.

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Get Involved

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We are seeking artworks immediately for an Pop Up Art Sale (pieces under $200 for a cash & carry event) - created in response to this devastating natural disaster. Inspired by the Appalachian Mountain Range, Culture, Sense of Community and/or Hope. Location & Time TBA (will be starting in the Frederick, MD area)

 

Juried Exhibition & Art Auction ($100 plus works) more details and officially entry form coming soon

Location: Riverside Blue Heron Inn in Townsend, TN

Deadlines: Late April 2025 to Apply / Exhibition Opening & Gala Early June 2025

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The plan is to continue yearly announce calls to continue this good work and

continue providing aid throughout Appalachia in the future.

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(If your gallery would like to host a regional juried exhibition please reach out)

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Auction Details: TBA

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Where the Proceeds Will Go:

A portion of all proceeds will be donated to individuals and relief organizations providing

direct aid to families and individuals affected by the hurricane - artists will also receive

30%  of the proceeds unless they choose to donate the work outright.

 

We are also considering funding art therapy or community rebuilding projects that

empower local artists who have lost their studios or homes due to the storm.

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How You Can Get Involved:

Artists: We’re inviting local, national, and international artists to contribute

their works to the auction. This is your chance to share your talents and support a crucial cause.

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Businesses: Become a Sponsor

Galleries interested in hosting Juried Exhibitions...

Creators that would like to donate time and materials for Sticker,

T-shirts printing, Fine Arts Prints, and other merch...

Help alleviate expenses for getting this initiative off the ground

and receive shoutouts on promotional material.

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Community Members: Become a volunteer, partner, or sponsor, bid on your favorite works, or purchase other

merch to show your support and raise awareness. Seeking individuals with Art non-profit, gallery/exhibition, art auction, web design, and marketing experience - or anything else I'm forgetting.

  

Spread the Word:

Even if you’re unable to purchase or bid on artworks in the future, you can still help by sharing this event with your network! Help us raise awareness about this effort and the ongoing needs

of those affected by Hurricane Helene in Southern Appalachia.

 

Contact Us:

For more information on contributing artwork, sponsorships, or event details,

please contact us at artforappalachia@gmail.com or fill out the form linked below.