SILENT AUCTION
Benefitting the Fund for Racial Justice and Equity
The original poster painting for Musikfest 2021, has sold for a price of $1,520 through an online auction. All auction proceeds will benefit The Fund for Racial Justice and Equity (FRJE), powered by the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
The auction winner, Seth Weber, a professor at DeSales University, will go home with a historical, original painting. Contributions will be directly invested in community-led efforts to end systemic racism.
The FRJE is dedicated to targeted and intentional approaches to support personal, organizational and ecosystem development leading to greater influence and economic vitality at the hands of Black and Brown leaders.
On Wednesday, August 18, 2021, ArtsQuest’s President & CEO Kassie Hilgert, Vice President of Education and Impact for the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Jill Pereira, FRJE leader Doctora Vivian Robledo of Bethlehem Area School District and artist Mandy Martin presented the painting to the auction winner.
MUSIKFEST 2021
A Collaboration with ArtsQuest
When I was contacted by ArtsQuest about creating a poppy themed Musikfest poster for 2021, my answer was a resounding YES. To me, there is nothing quite like live music, and it's something I have really missed during the pandemic.
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In this collaborative design process, I provided two sketches for the client to consider. Then, I provided three color options, and took direction from their Creative Lead throughout the process of creating the piece on canvas.
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The poster went through a really dark period in June. Like everyone, I was affected by the uncertainty of the pandemic, and at the same time my eyes were opened to the reality of systemic racism in our society.
I had to find some inspiration to bring a sense of hope, so I actually listened to live recordings from music festivals while I painted. It reminded me of how music brings people together, and I tried to capture that magic in the painting.
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The theme of poppies resonates now more than ever. They remind us that new life often emerges after times of hardship.
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I'm honored to be part of celebrating the way music brings us together. I hope this painting will bring a sense of joy and anticipation for the festival this year.
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