‘Art With Soul’ auction will help raise funds for Children’s Hospital
Posted on Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Beginning when he was a third-grader receiving kudos for his artwork by fellow students, Todd Williams knew that he wanted to be an artist.
Alongside a love for his wife Rebecca and 17-yearold daughter, Jessica, Williams' life's passion is fueled by vivid color, brushstrokes and scenery worthy of artistic recreation and interpretation.
As of late, the Siloam Springs artist has fused his zealous appetite for art with a cause that he deems more than worthy of his time - a fundraiser for Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock.
On Oct. 9," Art With Soul," an inaugural fundraiser for the children's hospital, will be hosted at the Soul Restaurant and Lounge in Fayetteville. The event will highlight a gallery walk which will showcase art by Williams and Bentonville artist Julene Baker.
"This is our first year for this live art auction and we expect it to be really nice and a lot of fun," Williams said. "Fifty percent of the proceeds go toward the hospital which helps them, and, since it's charity, it's considered tax deductible for the buyer."
For $ 75 per ticket, guests are welcome to peruse the artists' work during the event at 3878 N. Crossover Road. Reservations may be made by calling the restaurant directly at (479 ) 442-0800.
Beginning at 6 p. m., guests will be invited to partake in appetizers and a dinner from the fine dining restaurant which will be served via interactive food stations, sample cocktails, view the featured art and interact with the featured artists.
At 7 p.m. the live art auction will begin, Williams said.
Williams is no stranger to charity art shows. In 2006, along with several other participating artists, he submitted pieces of his work to a silent auction at John Brown University.
The art drive, which sold 12 out of 25 pieces for the cause, benefited the Siloam Springs St. Francis Medical Clinic.
"As an artist, it definitely feels different when it's for charity," he said. "We're excited about this, especially because the funds will directly affect families here. The money will hopefully go toward building a satellite office here in Northwest Arkansas."
Speakers from ACH are schedule to attend the dinner to give a presentation and answer questions and a former patient will provide a testimonial about the life saving facility.
According to the hospital Web site, last year ACH had more than 268, 000 patient visits, including 3, 640 from Benton County and 3, 750 from Washington County.
"I'm happy to being doing this and hopefully it will be something that we can continue doing," Williams said. "I feel that it's a way of giving back to the community and a way to minister and bless other people."
Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Kansas City Art Institute where he studied painting and illustration. His work is showcased and sold across the country in several galleries including those in New Mexico, Texas, Maryland, Washington, Arizona and Wyoming.
"It's fun that you can live in a place in Siloam Springs and show your work all over the United States," he said.
Williams, an accomplished artist who has been featured in various art publications, travels the world teaching work shops, attending exhibitions, creating artwork and gathering inspiration for individual collections.
"It's not just about the subject," he said. "The paintings should say something about you as an artist."
Williams biography, contact information, art images, gallery locations and purchase details are available on his Web site online at toddwilliamsfineart. com.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online