We Art Boston is a new non profit in response to the Boston Marathon bombing started by Joe and Susan (Hass) McKendry.
Their kids, Elsie and Owen, are close in age to Martin Richard, the 8 year-old who died that day. When they lived in the South End, they spent countless hours at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. As so many parents felt in those hours and days afterwards, they were certain that it very easily could’ve been them.
They were anxious to find a way to help. As an artist, Joe had initially planned on auctioning off a few of his paintings and sending the proceeds to aid the victims. But he quickly decided to try contacting some of his author/illustrator friends to gauge their interest in contributing to a larger auction of children’s book artwork, and the response was overwhelming positive.
They have collected over 60 pieces of art, generously donated by some of the most beloved children’s book authors/illustrators including Ian Falconer (Olivia), Mo Willems (Knuffle Bunny), David Macaulay (The Way Things Work), and many more.
Of course, the trauma of the bombing impacted the lives of so many children in ways that went beyond physical injuries, and they recognized the need to acknowledge this, too. It was important for them to find a way to contribute to the healing of the entire community.
From October 10 – 24, we’ll be holding an online auction of the work to benefit the Emergency & Trauma Center at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Please visit their site to bid.
The work will also be on display on the Rose Kennedy Greenway directly across from the Aquarium on October 20th from 11 am to 3 pm (rain date 10/27).
Join them for a day of family fun, with live music, author readings, book signings, and art activities led by the authors and illustrators of We Art Boston planned. Bring your favorite stuffed animal to have his/her portrait drawn by a professional artist.
