Under the slogan “Happy art deserves a happy home,” the Friendship Circle’s art auction will be happy to welcome friends both old and new into its ever-widening sphere.
By RUTH BELOFF‘Mirror to the World.’ Photographer/artist: Eli, age 11; Photographer mentor: Max Richardson; Artist mentor: Chaya Vance.(photo credit: YOSSI KOREN)
Elaine Hall, pioneer of The Miracle Project in the US, asserts, “They say it takes a village to raise a child; I think it takes a child with special needs to raise the consciousness of a village.”That could well be the motto of the Friendship Circle of Central Jerusalem, a nonprofit organization that connects teen and young adult volunteers with young people with special needs and their families through a wide array of social activities all year round. Following on the heels of its successful “The Art of Friendship” art auction last year, the Friendship Circle invites the public to participate in this year’s art auction on October 8, titled “Jerusalem through a Golden Lens.”Upping the ante in terms of the legwork and the artwork, the project was a twopronged process. Four months in the making, “Jerusalem through a Golden Lens” gave young people with special needs the opportunity to collaborate with some of the city’s well-known photographers and artists in an endeavor that enabled them to express themselves through art. For some, challenged by the inability to express themselves in words, this project gave them the means by which to convey their innermost thoughts and feelings in a visual, visceral way. The result? Artwork that warms the heart and staggers the imagination.Armed with top-of-the-line cameras, 40 youngsters ranging in age from 11 to 27, along with their volunteer buddies, went out in groups to take pictures of the nation’s capital in honor of the 50th anniversary of its reunification. Having attended a photography workshop beforehand to advise them on what to look for and how to focus and angle a shot, the groups, each under the guidance of a professional photographer, had free rein to snap away to their hearts’ content. The photographers who volunteered their time and talent to mentor the youngsters were Zion Asoulin, Jared Bernstein, David Blumenfeld, Debbi Cooper, Yehoshua Halevi, Yaal Herman, Joanna Kushnir, Max Richardson, David Vaaknin and Alice Zlotnick.Of the hundreds of snapshots that were taken, the most exceptional were developed, enlarged and mounted on cardboard or canvas.In the second stage of the project, some of the young students worked with local artists to enhance their photos. Using techniques such as painting, mosaic, collage, gold leaf or papier mâché, they added insight to artistry to create some truly unique and inspired works of art. The artists who opened their hearts and studios to the youngsters were Avigayle Adler, Esther Antopolsky, Zion Asoulin, Michal Lev, Sadie Lynn, Ma’ayan, Sarah Mannheim, Hannah Salmon, Solomon Souza, Keren Souza Kohn, Sarah L. Singer and Chaya Vance. At the auction, there will be a total of 120 original pieces of artwork created by the young members of the Friendship Circle. The colorful collection consists of 55 photographs and 65 enhanced pieces. The chief curator of the exhibition is Raphael Marrache of Marrache Fine Art.The gala event will take place at Beit Chassid, 47 Emek Refaim Street. The auction will be preceded by a lavish cocktail party and preview of the artwork at 6 p.m. The auction will begin at 7 p.m., led by the dynamic Rafael Sait. There will be musical entertainment as well. In addition to the pieces of original artwork up for auction, there are three items that patrons can purchase that showcase the young people’s inspiring handiwork: a coffee-table book, a calendar and a pack of greeting cards.Friendship Circle director Chanie Canterman says, “Children with unique challenges teach us to see the wonders of their world, the wonders of our world, offering a fresh look at reality. It is a treasure and a privilege to be let into their lives, to view the world as they see it, through a golden lens. The innocence of their art is untapped and unlimited. We have learned so much from them – not just they from us.”Under the slogan “Happy art deserves a happy home,” the Friendship Circle’s art auction will be happy to welcome friends both old and new into its ever-widening sphere.Beit Chassid, 47 Emek Refaim Street, Jerusalem, Sunday October 8.Admission for the entire event is NIS 100. Auction and entertainment NIS 50. To register, email fcjeru@gmail.com. For more information, visit fcjerusalem.org.
