Have a Heart Project - 2nd Annual Food Drive & Art Installation

Jan. 7, 2013 - PRLog -- Workhouse Arts Center Studio Artists John Gascot and Mary Gallagher-Stout, also known as The Art Monkeys, are organizing the 2nd Annual Have a Heart Project—an artistic twist on the common (and vital) food drive—benefitting Food for Others, Inc. As the largest distributor of free food directly to people in need in Northern Virginia, Food for Others is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering assistance to our unemployed and low-income neighbors by providing a safety net for those who suddenly face unforeseen emergencies such as illness or the loss of a job or spouse.

Last year’s Have a Heart Project held at Studio 4, also organized by John Gascot and Mary Gallagher-Stout, garnered considerable attention from local media and was the subject of a documentary by young filmmaker, Makeda Thomas. The exhibit challenged the community to help Studio 4 artists fill an “empty kitchen” art installation and successfully raised over 750 lbs. of non-perishable food for Food for Others during its month-long run.

This year's installation opens to the public on Wednesday, February 6, 2013. Studio 4's exhibit space will be transformed by approximately 1,200 empty lunch bags featuring original art works created by its resident artists, John Gascot, Mary Gallagher-Stout and Denise Philipbar, as well as guest artists from other Studios of the Workhouse Arts Center. Each of the unique lunch bag works of art in the exhibit will be “sold” for a suggested $10 donation, 100% of which will benefit Food for Others. As the artists replace each sold piece of art with food purchased with the donation, the installation will continually evolve throughout the gallery. An opening reception will take place on Saturday, February 9, from 6 to 9pm, in Studio 4 (Building W-4) of the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA.

“We hope that visitors will share in our commitment to community and support our project once more. This year’s exhibit is a great opportunity to get your hands on original art at an incredibly low price while making a difference,” said John Gascot.

The public can also be a part of this exciting art installation to help Northern Virginians in need by donating canned or non-perishable food items during Studio 4’s normal business hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 11 am – 7 pm, and Sunday from noon – 5 pm. Donations will be welcome through the exhibit’s run, Wednesday, February 6 - Sunday, March 3, 2013.

Follow the Have a Heart Project and other Studio 4 happenings:
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/WorkhouseStudio4 (click 'Events' to R.S.V.P.)
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/WorkStudio4; hashtags: #HaveAHeartProject and #ArtMonkeys
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/ArtMonkeyTV
Video Update: January 6, 2013 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eenrPf-1nfU)




Food for Others, Inc.
Food for Others is Northern Virginia’s primary safety net for those needing food when an emergency strikes. They provide a channel for people to volunteer their services to help their neighbors in need. www.foodforothers.org

The Art Monkeys
As the dynamic art duo The Art Monkeys, studio-mates MG Stout and John Gascot create unique mixed media works of art. The Art Monkeys believe that art—and artful things—belong in every home. That art should be FUN! That artists should never take themselves too seriously. That art is for EVERYBODY. It is their mission to make art that is accessible, and to explore its potential for social change. www.TheArtMonkeys.com

Workhouse Arts Center
A vibrant cultural community, is home to over 100 of the region’s finest professional and emerging artists. They offer arts education programs, performance venues, gallery space, event facilities and more. www.WorkhouseArts.org