Twelve for Twelve Project

Starting Out Strong

2011-09-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

Today is September 11, 2011.

No, I'm not going to write a reflective piece about the importance of that day. I'm not going to tell you where I was. I'm not going to recall, with patriotic fervor, how proud I am of all those people who stand between people like me and untimely or unimaginably cruel fates.

I could. So many others are doing that on this day, though, that I felt a different kind of message was in order. A message that will build unity, hope, and fulfillment.

You see, we have in front of us a tremendous opportunity as artists and patrons. Tomorrow marks the very first 12 for 12 Project auction day. We can move forward as active catalysts for change, awareness and charitable giving. In our small way, we can take the good intentions of individuals and bring them together into a solid, unified effort--one that will do good for others.

Now, more than ever, it is time to to good. Our first charity is Habitat for Humanity. I hope you'll join us in this small, inaugural event so that we can have a good first showing. As always, your reblogging, tweeting, liking, forwarding and tagging to get our name out there is always appreciated.

Thank you, everyone, for all you've done to help us get to this point. But it is only the beginning.

Aimee L. Dingman, Founder

Use Social Media for Good!

2011-08-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

How fantastic it is that we live in a world where minutes can take an idea from one person and spread it to thousands of others. We utilize this enormous power nearly every day in order to share photos, videos and thoughts we find amusing. We use it to find friendship and solidarity. We use it to network professionally. Right now, I am asking you to use it for the Twelve for Twelve project.

Twelve for Twelve is founded upon the idea that small steps on the part of many can make an extraordinary difference. Even if you don't plan to participate by donating a piece of art, you can participate by taking a few seconds of your time.

There are many ways you can do this. You can share this blog post, or any of the others, by using the links at the end. You can go here to become a fan of our Facebook page. You can follow us on Twitter by going here. You can find our initial event listing here. I urge to to connect yourself with these resources and share them with those you think will be interested as patrons or as participants. If you feel you have a physical space for flyers or posters, please email me and I will happily send a PDF file to you for reproduction as well as a supply printed at my expense.

As always, thank you for supporting this initiative. It is truly a chance to do some good in the world, and I appreciate each and every share, like, tweet and shout we get!

Cause #1 + Dates and Deadlines!

2011-08-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

Are you ready? Because it's time to get started on the newest artist-run, artist-sponsored charity initiative. I'm not asking much, just one piece of your original artwork (or fine craft). And I'm asking that the proceeds go to:

Habitat for Humanity

Here's the game plan. Create a piece of art specifically for this charity, or find an existing piece you'd like to donate. On SEPTEMBER 12th, create a 7 day auction on eBay using their giving works program, and select Habitat for Humanity Int'l as the recipient. I urge you to donate 100% of the sale price when setting up your auction. You *must* donate at least 70% to be featured in this blog, the forthcoming website, or on the Facebook page.

When you have your item listed, send me a link to the auction, along with a photograph of your donated artwork. I will then promote and feature your artwork through the blog, the facebook page, and our website (coming soon) fully credited. The person who garners the highest amount for charity in a given month will be featured prominently throughout the month as the winning artist.

Because this is our first month, I am allowing extra time. You will have from today, August 2nd, 2011 until September 12th, 2011 to find or complete your donation. Don't be discouraged if there are not many participants in the first month, or if our total is low for our first charity. I am confident that if we band together and keep the word moving, we can have a strong showing over time.

Now, your job isn't over yet. This is the 21st century. You have marvelous communication tools available to you! Promote! Get the word out by forwarding links, tweeting, posting on FB, etc! Remember, I have a PDF available to anyone who wants it, so if you have an arts-connected hang out, put out physical flyers!

Some quick links:

Blog (You're Reading It!)

Facebook Page

SEPTEMBER'S CHARITY

Progress Update--We're on the Road!

2011-07-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

It's almost Independence Day, and doubtless most people are out and about rather than glued to a computer screen, but I wanted to take a few minutes and toss out a few quick notes for those following our start-up.

It looks like we'll be getting a website soon, thanks to a very generous volunteer--which is great news, since that will be yet another place we can concentrate exposure for our causes and for our artists! Buzz is starting to build very nicely, but of course at the moment things are still very low key. I must appeal to you again--if you know anyone who might be interested in helping--either as a participating artist or as a patron--please share this post! We need to utilize the very best parts of social media to get things going.

I am still compiling the voting list for charities and causes. Please, if you have any ideas, feel free to let me know! At this time, I would prefer to take on smaller causes and charities, because I have no idea how much money will be raised and want to make sure what little there might be at first goes to the place where it will do the most good. But, of course, any good cause is welcome!

All in all, I would like to thank everyone who has shared the blog and the fanpage. Keep doing that little bit of painless legwork--we have a chance to do something great together!

It's Time to Do Good

2011-07-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Twelve for Twelve Project: a place for artists to do good for others.

It can be daunting, especially in this poor economy, to set aside money, time, or artwork expressly for charity. I know what I'm asking may seem like a lot. However, truthfully, I am only asking for a little bit--one small piece of art. It is my hope that, as a group, we can do some good for deserving causes and charities every month.

I believe wholeheartedly that together, artists can make a big difference in the world. By participating, you'll be giving great organizations, charities, and causes exposure and contributions! And in return, you and your artwork will be featured on the blog and on Facebook. While we are small now, I hope that through word of mouth, we can become a cohesive force for good.

Participation is open. You may auction for charity every month, or one month. It is up to you. There is no formal membership; simply create an artwork based on the month's theme and put it up for auction on eBay on the 12th of the month, with the "Twelve4Twelve" keyword in the title. Email the auction link and the photo to be featured on the blog and the Facebook page. And above all, remember to share, link, tweet, and shout our mission!

The first theme and charity will be posted on July 13th, for auction on August 12th, 2011. Spread the word, and help us start strong!