‘Artful Giving,’ (November 2023)

On November 11, local Santa Ana nonprofit organization, The Art Spread, hosted ‘Artful Giving’, a day to honor Veterans, come together to enjoy all things art, and enjoy French cuisine at local restaurant, Roquette Cafe.

Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving. -Hank Rosso.

As the leaves adopt their autumn hues, the season of gratitude ushers in a time for giving as the upcoming year draws closer to an end. Art represents a continuous exchange of giving and receiving, a symbiotic relationship where creators share their innermost thoughts and emotions, and viewers bring their own perspectives and interpretations. This dynamic connection is particularly meaningful in the month of November. The month of November typically marks the start of the holiday season in many cultures and countries. The holiday season continues through December and into the New Year, encompassing a period of festive gatherings, gift-giving, and celebration. At the heart of the season lies the spirit of community, where shared moments and collective generosity become the cornerstone of celebratory festivities each year. We embraced this sentiment of community through our ‘Artful Giving’ event held in the Roquette Café & Bistro in Santa Ana, California. Our event was a collaboration of talents aimed towards our collective effort to give back in meaningful ways. In partnership with Working Wardrobes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals in crisis, we hosted a clothing drive and are pleased to announce, we culminated in a collection of over 100 donated items. In a gesture of appreciation and respect for Veterans, we worked together and presented carefully assembled care packages to those attendees who generously contributed clothing on hangers.

Together with the dedicated team at Working Wardrobes, we initiated a mission to support those who’ve bravely served our country. Our Veterans have given so much, and it is our privilege to honor them in return. Recognizing our Veterans is a pivotal part of this month, a month that holds the weight of historical sacrifice and the valor of those who have served. It’s a time when we, as a community, pause to reflect on the freedoms and privileges that come at the cost of immense bravery and sacrifice.

Artful Giving presented a great opportunity to acquire exceptional artworks at a modest price. Our Affordable Art Raffle transformed into a platform for such profound expression, unveiling and raffling off 17 distinct masterpieces crafted by our exceptionally gifted artists.

‘All art arises out of gratitude, a deep pervasive feeling that you are glad something exists outside yourself, that something can complete you. ~Dorothy Koppelman

Through Artful Giving and our Affordable Art Raffle, we not only celebrated art but also the resilience and tenacity that defines us as individuals and as a collective whole. Amid the lively chatter and the clinking of French hors d’oeuvres, card making with Maryam Sedadi, a professional art instructor, proved to be a fun experience for attendees. With professional art instructor Maryam Sedadi, participants delighted in the art of card making. Each card that took shape was a blending of inventive spirits. The card-making station became a hive of creativity, the intricate designs and vibrant colors of the cards reflected the creative spirits of the community, showcasing that creativity is not only a means of expression but also a bridge to connect with those around us.

The event was a beautiful prelude to the Thanksgiving season, reminding us of the importance of gratitude and the impact of giving back. ‘Artful Giving’ was our way of showing appreciation, of giving back to those who have given so much to us. In this season of giving, let us remember that every act of kindness, every dollar donated, and every piece of art shared which weaves into the larger narrative of our community—one that is richer for its compassion and solidarity.

We want to express our sincere gratitude to every one of you who joined us at Artful Giving. Your presence was the brushstroke that painted our event with an atmosphere of connection. As we step into the holiday season, let’s carry the spirit of Artful Giving with us, recognizing that art and the power of our community are potent tools and we can build meaningful moments of lasting significance. Art has the power to bring communities together and bridge the gaps that divide us, it reminds us that we are all part of a larger, shared human experience.