“Paint it Forward” Provides Creative Approach to Tornado Relief Efforts
When local artists Stephanie Marie Deirdre and Kat Kissick saw the volunteer effort opportunities that were available after Friday’s EF-3 tornado that ripped through Saint Louis, they were frustrated that they couldn’t pitch in to help in the way they saw others were. Both artists have disabilities that prevent them from doing manual labor, but they wanted to be involved in the effort to help the communities that were affected by the storm.
From this frustration, the idea of “Paint it Forward” was born. If Deirdre and Kissick know anything, it is art; and with their backgrounds they were able to pivot to devise this nontraditional fundraising event. Both are dedicated local artists that hone their creative work in a variety of different ways. Kissick is a full-time independent artist who does illustrations that oftentimes center on political activism; she has also helmed a few successful fundraisers for herself and other groups in the past. Deirdre has also been involved with non-profit collaborations, including fundraising efforts to raise money for others’ medical bills and grassroots political causes. Deirdre’s art focus is fiber arts and mixed media.
In “Paint it Forward,” the duo are calling all artists, makers and crafters to donate their own art to fuel an online auction to specifically benefit Action St, Louis. “This organization was integral in the first wave of relief efforts, and we want to donate to the people who stepped up right away,” Kissick said. “We do take care of ourselves when the government doesn’t step up.”
They are looking for art of all kinds; originals, prints, fiber arts, sculpture, jewelry, and beyond. They will be accepting physical submissions or pledges of donations with high-quality images of the work until Friday, May 23rd. To donate, they ask that artists click this link to fill out and submit the form.
The auction will begin Saturday, May 24th at 2 pm through Sunday, May 25th at 2 pm on the Facebook Event page.
Correction: The original version of this article reversed information about Deirdre and Kissick. It has been corrected.
