World Animal Day
Last week we lost an angel on Earth – Dr Jane Goodall. Then Netflix released the interview with Jane – “Famous Last Words”. I am sure you have heard about it by now, and I hope you can take the time to hear the final interview with her. The first half she talks about her early life. The second half she speaks plainly about what is happening on our precious planet. And at the end she looks straight into the camera and gives us a message that will resonate differently, but deeply, with each of us. The interview was recorded with the knowledge that it would not be shown until she was gone.
Saturday Oct 4 was World Animal Day. I attended 2 events that day, with non-profits who protect animals. I am known as an artist-activist in both groups.
First I attended a thank you luncheon at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg Colorado, for donors and volunteers. I had a chance to chat with the founder Pat Craig, who is another one of those incredible superhuman angels on earth. In addition to the several hundred lions, tigers, bears and wolves he has rescued…..he always has a pack of wolfhounds following him around.
Then in the evening I went to the Laws for Paws fundraiser dinner at the Denver Botanic Gardens. I have just recently met Roland Halpern the exec director of Colorado Voters for Animals.
This event was so inspiring because it was a room full of people who are dedicated to passing laws to protect animals from cruelty, abuse, and neglect. This includes wild animals and domestic animals, addressing issues such as puppy mills, cruel hunting practices, factory farming abuse, and more. Whenever I go to an event such as this, I am networking as an activist artist, looking for opportunities to collaborate and show my artwork, and sometimes it also leads to opportunities for a group of fellow artists to show their work.
Before the event I went for a stroll in the gardens, and had some quiet time with the flowers and a hawk.
For fellow activist artists, I encourage you to attend events for non-profits, and do some networking for possible future collaborations. These organizations all know the power of art to touch the viewer’s heart. They are often delighted to discuss possible collaborations.
Another event I attended a couple weeks ago was for GIFFORDS – an organization dedicated to saving lives from gun violence led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. I also discussed possible future activist art with one of her staffers. She is another one of those amazing people who walk the earth. I don’t know how to explain this, but when I finally met her in person, she was absolutely luminous. What a beautiful soul.
As artists, doors often open to us that we never dream of….stay open to those opportunities when they come to you. The more we dedicate ourselves to being of service to those without a voice and without power, the more these opportunities are attracted to us.
RIP Jane, we will never forget you.
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