ART ABANDONMENT

Fred Abandoned! www.artinflight.blogspot.com

 Above is my painting Fred.  I didn't paint him.  My Mom purchased Fred in 1972, I was two years old and he has been with me ever since.  I love Fred but I don't know who the artist is except for the signature, "Fred" in the bottom left hand corner. If anyone knows who the artist is please let me know too!

Anyway, I thought Fred was perfect for introducing this site I found on Facebook called, Art Abandonment. What an amazing site.  These guys make art attach a little note and then abandon their creations all over the place.

 I really liked the lady who tried to abandon her art at the Memorial City mall:

"Today a funny thing happened regarding the painting that i abandoned yesterday at the memorial city mall. The security had found my painting in the morning and gave it to the Art Movement gallery at the mall. The gallery owner had seen my name at the back and since she knows me she called me that i had forgotten a painting at the mall!!! What a Life!"

 Another person left their art in one of those little free library boxes.  What a great idea!

This idea is wonderful.  It has that pay-it-forward feel. The man who created the idea is Michael Demeng.  His blog has some basic instructions:
 

A few ideas behind this:

• I think it's important to be able let one's art live a life beyond its creator.   I love imagining what becomes of my art after it is gone…whether given or sold. 
• Some folks can't seem to let go of their work…even when they sell it.  This is a great way to learn to move on.
• It's also a way sharing work with an unsuspecting patron.   In this day and age when money is tight, this is a way of encouraging folks to stay involved in the arts.
• This is good for the soul.   A random kind act.
• You'll find it's a bit addictive…and fun  

So here is how to play if you wanted to join in:

1. All you have to do is make a piece of art.  (as simple or as elegant as you like)
2. Write a little note on it explaining that it is a gift 
3. Also mention that if the finder would like to share info about its fate they can contact you directly i.e. email.  Then you can share the info with us if you are so inclined.  Its not a bad idea to leave you're web address contact info…you never know…you might have created a new patron.
4. Photograph what you're leaving behind
5. Then leave it…walk away…run…try not to get caught.
6. Then on Facebook share the location and photo of your gift with the rest of us.  Here's the group address: http://www.facebook.com/groups/ArtAbandonment/
7. Keep your fingers crossed that someone lets us know what became of it.  I certainly doubt that everyone will take the time to inform the group.  A few artists have already been contacted by the "finders".

The group on Facebook has taken on a life of it's own.  People are really feeding off the energy of this idea. Everyone is so encouraging and happy to share something they've made with the world with little benefit for themselves.  Except good mojo! Can't beat the power of good mojo! :)

I love giving my art away.  It's actually hard for me to hang onto it.  This Art Abandonment idea is perfect for me!!  I can't wait to try it.

Linking with Sunday Sketches!!