After the Tornado: Project Reclamation

From artist and friend Matt Dehaemers:

With the urging of fellow artists friends in Joplin...I wanted to share a two part project to benefit the art community of Joplin devastated by the recent EF-5 tornado.

Part I of Project Reclamation
This First Friday
Leedy-Voulkos Art Center
Friday July 1st 6-9 pm

I have created an installation out of materials and random objects that were collect by myself and other artist during to trips to Joplin. We visited with the director and board president of the Spiva Arts Center along with other artists whose homes where lost to the tornado.This installation is made up of material that was apart of their lives...there will also be a series of photographs and stories of these individuals that reflect what they have endured. We honor these and the countless others who have survived and those who did not.

Part II of Project Reclamation
Leedy-Voulkos Art Center
Twist and Shout! Event
Saturday August 27th 6-9 pm

It is this debris--these objects and materials that will be transformed by KC area artists into new works of art filling the entire main gallery of the Leedy-Voulkos. Making something new out of the chaos and destruction. In late August there will be a one night silent and live auction of the works that are created. 100% of the proceeds from this event will go to a special fund through the Spiva Arts Center to assist artists in rebuilding their lives, their studios and create art again. It will also aid the Spiva art center which is the cultural hub of Joplin in providing therapeutic workshops to the people of the area.

To Learn more about the "Twist and Shout" event I invite you to visit and visit often our website for this entire project...
the website is www.kcartists4joplin.com

An army of people both artists and non-artists are working to make this a memorable event for all!
Please pass this along and to others and we hope to see you support this important opportunity for those of Joplin!

Hope to see you there!!!