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A THING OF BEAUTY
BY AMY SULLIVAN
"The aim has always been to showcase local art, while at the same time helping out the nonprofits involved, " says Rauscher. For the past 25 years, Casa Myrna Vazquez has sought to combat domestic violence in New England. In addition to providing shelters for battered women and children, the organization also promotes the education and empowerment of women. Casa Myrna Vazquez operates five houses in the Boston area, including two emergency shelters, one transitional living program for women, and another for adolescents. It has also recently opened the nationís first shelter for women and their adolescent sons. Approximately 200 people are expected to support local art and raise money for Casa Myrna Vazquez; by all counts, this eight-year-old brainchild is on its way to a healthy adolescence. The eighth annual Art of July will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. this Tuesday, July 24, in the Oval Room of the Fairmont Copley Plaza, 138 St. James Street, Boston. Tickets for the auction and reception are $25, and will be available at the door. © 2002 Phoenix Media Communications
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Eight years ago, Boston nonprofit advocate Randace Rauscher came up
with the idea of showcasing the work of local artists in an effort to
raise money for the nonprofits she worked with. The result of her brainstorm
became the Art of July, a silent art auction and reception, which is
now going into its eighth consecutive year. In the past, the Foundation
for Children with AIDS has received funds from the auction. This year,
proceeds will benefit Casa Myrna Vazquez, New Englandís largest nonprofit
organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. Next Tuesdayís auction,
which will take place at the Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel, is slated
to include more than 100 items ó photography, jewelry, paintings, and
gift items from Newbury Street and Copley Square merchants, as well
as the work of local artists such as jewelry maker Kate Jones, Media
Gallery owner Kenn Gray, photographer Jennifer Bauer (who will present
a photo essay on the children of Casa Myrna Vazquez), and Phoenix contributor
and illustrator Kevin Banks, who designed the auctionís logo and has
donated work to it each year. He will receive an award for his contributions
to the project.