Tag: Memphis Child Advocacy Center

WE SAW YOU: Works of Heart

Post author By Michael Donahue
Post date February 13, 2024

If I only had a heart. Artists created heart-themed art for Works of Heart. (Credit: Mike McCord)

Pinocchio (presumably) had a wooden heart. But so do the Works of Heart guests who went home with wooden hearts transformed into works of art.

The hearts were included in Memphis Child Advocacy Center’s annual silent auction, which was held February 10th at Memphis Botanic Garden.

Not all the “heartworks” were made of wood. When the event began years ago, artists were given wooden hearts to turn into inspired heart-themed creations. Later, the rules changed. Artists didn’t have to use the heart. They could use any type of medium.

A total of 111 artists — or “heart-ists” — took part in this year’s event, says the center’s communications and grants manager Beryl Wight.

Toonky Berry at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Hallie and Marc Charney at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Phyllis Boger at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

David Simmons at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Ellen Cox at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Sushma Konappa, Murray Riss, and Sheila Noone at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

In addition to the art, the party — just in time for Valentine’s Day — featured beer and wine as well as appetizers. Big Heart Lounge ticket holders had their own room, which featured a full bar, food, and music by Three Degrees: Rice Drewry, Donna Wolf, and Donna Staub.

Rice Drewry, Donna Staub, and Donna Wolf at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Chris Blizzard at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Richard and Susan Glassman at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Jason and Wunita Spigner at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Alice Higdon and Daniel Reid at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Joe Birch and Memphis Child Advocacy Center executive director Virginia Stallworth at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

About 350 attended and $131,000 was raised, Wight says. “I think it definitely was a success. It was record breaking as far as the amount raised.”

What makes Works of Heart special? “The artists. They’re willing to donate their time and their talent. They don’t get any kind of percentage of the sales. They’re definitely the heart of the event. And they do it for the kids.”

As for the guests, Wight says, “They want to come partly because of the mission and partly because of the event. We have some really good artists that participate each year. I think those two things combined are really a draw for a lot of folks.”

According to its website, the mission of Memphis Child Advocacy Center is “to serve children who are victims of sexual and severe physical abuse through prevention education and intervention.”

Demetri Kampourogiannis and Jessica Van Eyck at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Rick Bartl, Lucas Skinner, and Jacob Allen at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Curtis Smith and Sky Hamilton at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Joe Birch, Corian Love, and Toonky Berry at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Nia Nguyen, Deirdre Oglesby, and Hannah Oglesby at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Mike and Sharon Goldstein and Kristi Goldsmith and Mike Alabaster at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Forrest and Amy Edwards at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Nancy Hart and Joe and Robyn Birch at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Tags Beryl Wight, Memphis Botanic Garden, Memphis Child Advocacy Center, Works of Heart

We Recommend We Saw You

WE SAW YOU: Works of Heart Returns

Post author By Michael Donahue
Post date February 21, 2023

Joe Birch, Nancy Hart, and somebody else at Works of Heart (Credit: Demetri Kampourogiannis)

I think I covered the first Works of Heart art show 31 years ago. If I’m not mistaken, that was when the artists strictly had to use the wooden heart they were given. They could do anything with them to make something for the heart-themed art auction.

Now, artists have the option of using the 12-by-12-inch wooden heart, but they can also use anything else they want to create a work of “heart” for the longtime fundraiser.

The event, which originally benefited the old Mental Health Association, now raises money for Memphis Child Advocacy Center (MCAC). “When they closed down, the committee was looking for another charity to benefit and they found us,” says Beryl Wight, MCAC communications and grants manager.

A retrospective was held in 2007. “And then we took over from there.”

Nancy Hart at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Rita and James Kelly at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Natalie Brashear and Colin Hill at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

It felt a bit strange at first, knowing the event wasn’t going to be at the old Memphis College of Art, where it was held for years. Earlier locations included Oak Court Mall and WMC studios.

This year, the Works of Heart party and online auction was held February 11th at Memphis Botanic Garden. It was the first in-person Works of Heart in two years. I felt right at home at the event’s roomy new home. And I wasn’t the only one. “I thought it was wonderful,” Wight says. “I thought it was a perfect place for it to happen, coming back after two years and being in this environment. It was spacious. It’s a perfect backdrop for the art. I think it was a very successful and a good choice.”

I also felt right at home seeing some of the long-time Works of Heart artists.

Jay Etkin at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Art and Nancy Graesser and Murray Riss at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Wayne Edge, Ed Rainey, and Karen Edge at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

All bidding was done online at this year’s event. Heart Hawkers wearing red boas assisted guests with bidding as well as information on artists.

Gloria Dodds, Laura Alexander-Dodds, and Allison Becksfort at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Gabe McGaha at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Lucas Skinner at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

The Big Heart Lounge VIP section was back, too. Those who bought a ticket for the lounge got upgraded food choices, comfy sofas, a full bar with specialty cocktails and a Works of Heart T-shirt.

Kerry Jackson, Tyler Malkey, Kelly and Kathy Fish at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Gabe and Comelia Franceschi at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Mike and Sharon Goldstein at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Donna Wolf, Donna Staub, and Rice Drewry at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

About 400 people attended this year’s event, which featured Joe Birch as emcee, Wight says. Some $93,000 was raised for MCAC. Those are some big-hearted people.

Trey Carter at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Garret Hartline at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Donna and Bill Wolf at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Carlos Valverde at Works of Heart (Credit: Michael Donahue)

Tags Memphis Botanic Garden, Memphis Child Advocacy Center, Works of Heart

We Recommend We Saw You

“Works of Heart” Moves Online This Year

Post author By Michael Donahue
Post date January 26, 2021

Among the artists in ‘Works of Heart’ is Alex Paulus, who contributed his ‘Just Out of Sniffing Range,’ an acrylic on wood.

I have fond memories of a jam-packed Memphis College of Art with people crowding around and bidding on every size and shape of “valentine” imaginable.

That won’t be the scene this year. Fundraisers have gone the way of the dinosaur — at least for now. But you gotta have heart. So take heart. “Works of Heart” will take place, but this year’s event is virtual.

The Memphis Child Advocacy fundraiser, which will celebrate its 29th anniversary, will be held February 7th through 14th. It will feature heart-themed art by more than 100 artists. Bidders will go online to try to snag their heart’s delight.

Among the artists contributing work are Dolph Smith, NJ Woods, Quantavious Worship a.k.a. Toonky Berry, Veda Reed, and Alex Paulus.

For John McIntire’s ‘Cave Stone,’ the artist traded a banjo for the stone, found in Middle Tennessee, that was transformed into this beautiful sculpture.

“We knew the event was going on no matter what and the committee had a lot of discussion about what that was going to look like,” says Child Advocacy Center communications and grants manager Beryl Wight. “Even thought about postponing it. And we just settled on that we’re going to go head and do it virtually this year ‘cause it is a Valentine’s event.”

Artists are traditionally given a 12-inch wooden heart to use as their inspiration, but they don’t have to use it. Works in various shapes include painting, photography, jewelry, and mixed media.

This year’s event will feature the Big Heart Lounge, but it also will be virtual. Those who purchase a Big Heart Lounge ticket will receive exclusive admission to a live, virtual preview of the artwork hosted by Joe Birch from 6 to 7 p.m. on February 6th. They also will receive a valentine box that includes a bottle of wine and other goodies, a yard sign, an event T-shirt, and first bids on all artwork. Big Heart Lounge tickets are $200.

Last year’s event, which was held February 15th at Memphis College of Art, was one of the last big fundraisers before the COVID pandemic shut everything down. That event, which featured 111 hearts and drew 450 guests, was a huge success. They raised a record-breaking $98,000, Wight says.

Virginia Stallworth is executive director of the Memphis Child Advocacy Center.

A Works of Heart link will be posted closer to the date, but those interested in purchasing tickets to the Big Heart Lounge or want other information can go to memphiscac.org/worksofheart.

Napapon Santirojprapai (aka Pam Santi) shows ‘Zen Heart,’ a wooden heart with wire and acrylic paint.

Ken Woodmansee’s ‘Funnel of Love’ is, in the artist’s own words, “A reminder of the power of love, especially during times of chaos, crisis, and uncertainty.’

Connie Hendrix’s ‘Suppression’ is about the many forms of suppression experienced during the historical year of 2020.

David Simmons ‘Hendrix: Star Spangled Banner’ is No. 18 in a series represents a “salute to democracy.” It recalls the definitive rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ as performed by Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock in 1969 — a “powerful dawn to anew day in America.”

Tags Beryl Wight, David Simmos, Dolph Smith, John McIntire, Memphis, Memphis Child Advocacy Center, Memphis College of Art, Virginia Stallworth, Works of Heart

We Recommend We Saw You

Halloween and Other Fall Happenings

Post author By Michael Donahue
Post date November 8, 2019

CREDIT: Michael Donahue

Michael Donahue

No. This isn’t me. It’s Avery Poynter at a Halloween party.

I got a text saying, “We have a Michael Donahue at our party!!” about 10 p.m. on Halloween. It was a photo of a young guy in a big wig and glasses.

I texted back and was told Lainey Felsenthal threw the party. And Avery Poynter was the guy in the wig.

I called the number the next day. Anna Campbell, who took the photo, answered. I asked her if Poynter came to the party dressed as me.

“I think he was something else and we changed it half way through when he put on the wig,” Campbell told me.

Well, I love it and I hope Poynter lets his real hair grow so he won’t have to wear a wig next year if he trick or treats as me.

I saw a lot of scarier costumes at the 19th annual Lodge Halloween Masquerade Ball, which was held October 26th at Black Lodge.

“We do it every year,” says Matt Martin, Black Lodge founder and co-owner.

No more than 20 or 30 people showed up at their first party in 2000, Martin says. This year “at least 400 or 500” people showed up, he says.

What makes this party so popular? “The Lodge aesthetic pretty much year ‘round is kind of Gothic. We’re that kind of people.”

So, people know their Halloween parties are going to be exceptional. “We’re already known for being kind of mysterious and strange.”

And, he says, “Seems like we’re always trying to bring into it a little something extra to make the party a little more memorable and a little more offbeat. Above the top.”

Michael Donahue

Black Lodge Halloween Masquerade Ball

Michael Donahue

Tripp Anderson, Reagon Mason, Sarah Thompson, Millie Mason amd Rick Cannon at RiverArtsFest.

“I’m gonna love you like nobody’s loved you – come rain or come shine.” Those song lyrics were echoed by the folks who made it to RiverArtsFest on a misty Saturday as well as those who showed up on a nicer Sunday.

More than 200 artists, which included all juried fine artists and some invited local demonstrating artists, participated in this year’s event, which was held October 27th and 28th on Riverside Drive.

A total of 11 food vendors/food trucks were on hand along with five beer and wine tents, which featured some local Memphis beers and Old Dominick spirits.
And lots of live music.
Michael Donahue

RiverArtsFest

Michael Donahue

Chef Tory McPhail from Commander’s Palace in New Orleans was among the participating chefs at the Memphis Food and Wine Festival.

Third time is a charm, but so were one and two when it came to the Memphis Food & Wine Festival.

This year’s event, which was held October 12th at Memphis Botanic Garden, drew about 2,400 people, says Sherry Chementi, one of the festival founders.

“It was an absolute perfect fall evening for our third festival,” she says. “Plenty of good food, plenty of good wine, and plenty of good music filled The Live Garden. People are still talking about tasting this dish or that wine. And I can’t tell you how many chefs and vintners were already asking to be invited again for the next Memphis Food & Wine Festival. It speaks well for Memphis and our culinary scene – not to mention our Southern hospitality, of course.”

MIchael Donahue

Isiah Thomas and his Cheurlin Champagne at the chef’s party for Memphis Food & Wine Festival.

Felicia Willett held a fundraiser – “Cocktails & Cornsticks” – October 17th at her restaurant, Felicia Suzanne’s, to help raise money for the documentary about Molly Wexler’s documentary on The Little Tea Shop.

“We raised about $1,000 that night,” says Wexler. “We have raised $17,500 out of a goal of $22,500 – so closer, but still a ways to go.”

October 15th was the last day of filming, Wexler says. “We are editing now and the goal is to have the film ready in late winter, early spring 2020.”

Michael Donahue

New Wing 0rder took first place honors at the Bluff City Hotwing Fest, held October 26th at Compass Midtown. Wingy Dingy came in second and TBD-Q was second. Angela Fox was event chairperson for the Compass Community Schools fundraiser and community awareness event.

Michael Donahue

Chefs, including Brad McCarly, Nick Scott, Franck Oysel, and Dave Krog took part in a City Block butcher’s dinner, which was held October 17th at Puck’s Food Hall.

Michael Donahue

Burns’ Chili Wagon took first place honors at the St. Ann Fall Fest Chili Cook-Off, which was held October 18th at St. Ann Catholic Church. Mike Burns is with Jamie Coggins and Stephanie WIlson Nichols.

Michael Donahue

Geoff Davis, Dex McCune, and Drew Fleming celebrated at the 10th annual Cooper-Young Beerfest, which was held October 19th at Midtown Autowerks. More than 40 breweries were represented. Proceeds support the Cooper-Young Community Association.

Michael Donahue

Todd Hansen, Robin Cooping, Karl Schledwitz, and Mike Raemo were at the eighth annual Meat Me in Memphis, which drew more than 600 people and raised more than $700,000, reports Schledwitz, chairman/CEO of Monogram Foods, which sponsors the event. Chefs prepare dishes using Monogram products.

MIchael Donahue

Tom Clifton, Whitney Jo, and Michael Detroit were at the Chefs’ Celebrity Gala. A total of $250,000 was raised at the 30th annual gala, a fundraiser for the Memphis Child Advocacy Center. The event, held October 30th at Holiday Inn at the University of Memphis, included a ‘Star Chart’ that tells how many years chefs have served. Jim Prentiss Jr. has the most seniority – 29 years.

Michael Donahue

Sabor Caribe restaurant was one of more than 20 restaurants that participated in Taste of the District, which was held October 7th at Premiere Palace. Memphis Medical District Collaborative hosted the event to showcase the array of food and beverage options available in the Medical District.

MIchael Donahue