We may live in the United States, but our many visits to Australia has made it feel like a second home to us. And right now, Australia needs help. The wildfires continue to rage, with no end in sight. Kecia and I decided that as artists, we feel the best way to offer help is with our art.

We will be offering up 4 pieces of art to raffle off, with proceeds going directly to Mogo Local Aboriginal Land Council to rebuild the community Art Gallery and provide resources for local Aboriginal artists.

Two of the pieces are collaborative work that we made together at the LAX airport while delayed almost 23 hours during our first trip to Australia. We occupied our time by making art. We named them, LAX Lounge 1 & 2. Then we will each offer up a piece of art created on our own.

Kecia is contributing one of her beautiful, artsy bags, calling it “Hope” - and there’s special surprise inside!

Seth will be offering a 12x12 inch artwork on a cradled wood panel that highlights the circle -- a shape that to him signifies life and connection. This piece is titled “Imagine”.

For each donation of 15AUD (10USD), you will have 1 chance to win an artwork. Of course, higher donations equal greater chances! Please help us support them. Let's show them how powerful the spirit of art can be worldwide.

ABOUT THE BENEFICIARY

Mogo LALC boundaries are located in the traditional country of a number of Aboriginal communities with distinct cultures and language groups: Whilst the original people of the area were the Monara and Yuin nations, who were the custodians of the land and waterways of southern New South Wales, from Cape Howe to the Shoalhaven River, the language groups were known as the Bidawal, the Thaua, Ngarigo and the Djiiringanj.

The Monaro and Yuin people have significant heritage in the area with many Aboriginal sites and features being identified. In the language of the Yuin people the word ‘Mogo is said to mean ‘ Stone Axe and large camping ground’. The Aboriginal history of the area includes locations such as Tomakin and Barlings Beach where Aboriginal families tell of the significant spiritual and cultural associations of this area.

Mogo LALC has mandate over a large geographical area one which ranges from the coast to the aplpine regions of Mt Kosciuszko:-5,900 sq. km. The area includes the towns of Mogo, the seaside villages of Batehaven, Tomakin and Broulee and the inland hamlets of Captains Flat and Michalego.

The aims of the Land Council are;

To provide the resources needed to ensure all aged members have full access to the services available.
Meet the housing requirements of the Mogo LALC community.
Develop employment opportunities.
Culture & Heritage Development.
To raise retention rates at schools.
To review and reactivate Land Claims previously rejected and to progress claims still outstanding.
Business Enterprise and Investment development

ABOUT THE ART GALLERY

In the last couple of years, local Aboriginal artists have come together to create, teach and learn new skills. The Gallery provided an outlet for artists to sell their work which created economic opportunities and showcased the cultural history of their lives, families and land. Facebook

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Kecia Deveney is a published mixed media artist, instructor and world traveler, living at the Jersey Shore. As a Mixed Media Artist, her eclectic style can be seen in fabric and textiles, jewellery design, sculpture-work and painting. Creating is pivotal to Kecia and becomes, for her, art therapy. Her imagination comes to life and allows her temporary reprieve from her role as a full-time caregiver.

Scouring flea markets, long-forgotten treasures inspired her to transform them into something exciting and distinctive. As an educator, it is important to Kecia to teach her students to look beyond being perfect, to be more involved in the ongoing process of creating and leave insecurities behind. More of Kecia’s art can be found on her website here.

Seth Apter is a mixed media artist, instructor, author and designer from New York City. In addition to creating and exhibiting art, he has published two books, The Pulse of Mixed Media and The Mixed-Media Artist, and spends his time traveling internationally to teach mixed-media workshops.

Closer to home, Seth is an instructor at Pratt Institute and spends time seeing inspiration all over NYC. He designs product lines with several companies and is always thrilled to see people use his stamps, stencils, mediums, and paints. You can see more of his art and the products he creates on his website.

Important Note: This fundraiser has been endorsed by the CEO of the Mogo Local Aboriginal Lands Council and is linked directly to the Mogo LALC Bank Account. Mogo LALC is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR)