Using Art to Fight Poverty

Take Flight to Fight Poverty was the theme for this year's Fifth Annual Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino Fundraising Reception held May 16, 2014 at the San Bernardino Airport Terminal. This year's gala featured an Art Show which was open free to the public prior to the reception. Patricia Nickols CEO of Community Action Partnership of SB County said, “This is the 5th year we have hosted this event. Our goal is to raise awareness about our organization and what we do for the community. Also, to raise funds for our programs and services and this year we are doing a different venue where we are including artists. We wanted to showcase our local talented our artists. The artists have been very generous. Not only are they selling their art but they have also donated art to our agency for us to receive 100% of the proceeds plus any art they sell, they will donate a portion to our organization. We are really appreciative of the artists that made that commitment to our agency.” Dozens of artists from all over Southern California were on hand to display their artwork, with many pieces being offered for sale. Several artists donated art work to be auctioned off for the fundraiser. Brothers and fellow artists Marciano and Richard Martinez each had several of their water colors on display. Marciano recently retired from Fullerton Community College after 40 years of teaching. “Since retiring, I travel and focus on my art," said Marciano. Marciano, along with the Martinez brothers, Richard's son, Ricky, also an artist, had several beautiful ceramic pieces on display. George Pulido, a contemporary surrealist artist from LA, was on hand with several of his paintings. His paintings feature bold, deep colors along with extraordinary designs that seem to evoke strong emotion. “I usually have 3 or 4 pieces I am working on at the same time. I will complete them over a matter of a few months.“ George said. Marlene Merrill, Public Information Specialist for the Community Action Partnership explained that this year marks the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Economic Act of 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. She went on to say, “Under that act they sprung up all kinds of poverty fighting programs to give opportunities to the low income. EOA authorized the creation of Community Action Agencies. There is a community action agency in every county across the nation.” The collaboration between the Community Action Partnership of SBC and the artists of Southern California appears to be a picture perfect way to continue to brush out poverty in San Bernardino County!