Yes, I sell the art I make, but I hope no one buys any of it on Black Friday. There are conflicting reports about how this infamous day after Thanksgiving got its name. Its alternate name, Buy Nothing Day, was coined by artist Ted Dave. I learned about it from Adbusters in college in the 90's. The magazine raises awareness about the ills of overconsumption. We have the expression, put your money where your mouth is, but not putting your money where your mouth isn’t can be even more impactful. Consumer behavior has sent a clear message to big companies this year.
Parts of the world shop as a hobby and other parts struggle to shop for basic necessities. Often, it is luck that decides which part each of us falls into. This week I stopped for groceries on my way home from work. At the checkout, I noticed that the family in line in front of me was getting the same bag of dried lentils as I was. I love these little connections from the universe. They paid a little bit with an EBT card, then some cash, then tried a debit/credit card, but it was denied. They started looking through bags of what they could take out of their order. Without thinking, I walked past my shopping cart and paid their balance of $21. They were very thankful. I was happy to help, but embarrassed that our society failed them in this moment. I won’t miss that $21, but they would have missed dinner. If you have enough, there’s no reason not to share.
So I’m not a fan of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and their other friends, but I am a big fan of Giving Tuesday. To celebrate it this year I will be live painting from 7pm to 9pm in a paint-a-thon hosted by the Aplomb Gallery to benefit The Aplomb Project, which is a 501(c)(3) that supports trauma survivors in many ways. The event is in Dover, NH, but will also be live streamed. We painters will start out limited to sketching and will be seeking donations in the moment. With each donation, our access to use a color will be unlocked. Many of us are also donating our paintings to their benefit auction. It should be fun.
I wish you a pleasant finale to your fall. How will you spend these unique late November days? If by chance you are also participating in a Giving Tuesday event, I’d love to know, especially if it is something that I am in the position to support. Please reply and share the info with me.
Here is info on my next events:
Until next time,
joç
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