Save the Brains: Rock n Roll Fundraiser

All my time lately has been taken up by the last minute details of planning this year's Save the Brains Rock n Roll Fundraiser for Brain Cancer Research. This year I nearly bit of more than I could chew! There's three blues and rockabilly bands, a burlesque dancer, a huge raffle, a silent art auction, goodie bags and more... I need a nap!

Be sure to check out the website for more information: www.savethebrains.com. See you there?

New Coasters!

I know I've been negligent in blogging lately. I've been working madly on organizing the next Save the Brains Rock n' Roll Fundraiser event, which happens on April 1st. This post does not signal a full return, but a quick note is better than no note at all, no?

My blue Ikea coasters are getting old and dingy, and it's time for a replacement. There are plenty of cool glass and tile coasters out there, but I don't like coasters that make a noise when you put a glass on them (is that weird?), and I find glass and tile coasters too slippery. I like some stability for my glasses since I break enough of them washing the dishes, and I don't need any help spilling stuff. I've found some beautiful letterpress pulpboard coasters too, but I don't like the impermanence of paper. One drop and they're done for.

This morning I bought these awesome coasters from Tim's Sally on Etsy. Are they not fabulous? Mousepad-material coasters with sweet birds on them in a cute little tin. Yay!

The Rumi Racer

At Save the Brains this year I've decided to hold a silent art auction. My contribution will be a painting of a 1954 Rumi Racer. Kirk and I got an encyclopedia of classic motorcycles at London Drugs (of all places!) a few weeks ago, and the Rumi motorcycles really stood out to me. The racer is unusual in that the motor is actually part of the frame. Here's the progression of my sketches for the painting, which will be acrylic on a 16" x 20" canvas.

 

sketch 1: rough ideas

sketch 2: placement and some details

sketch 3: ready for transfer to canvas

I'm still looking for donations of art for the silent auction. All of the proceeds from Save the Brains events go directly to the BC Cancer Foundation for brain cancer research in memory of Kevin Rushton. If you're interested in donating to Save the Brains, whether art or funds, please contact me.

Save the Brains!

Save the Brains is an annual rock n' roll fundraiser for brain cancer research. I'm currently working on organising the second event, which will take place on Thursday, April 1st (the next day is Good Friday) at the Biltmore Cabaret here in Vancouver.  There will be performances by The SOME x6 Band, The Deadcats and The Stag Reels. It's emcee'd by burlesque beauty Burgundy Brixx and the ever-debonair Purrrfessor of Kitty Nights West. There will also be a fantastic raffle (details TBA), a silent auction featuring artwork by some fabulous local artists, and of course, door prizes and goodie bags at the event.

All of this is in memory of my friend Kevin, who passed away one year ago tomorrow from brain cancer. The people who knew and loved him will be raising a glass to him this weekend, as he would've wanted. *Kevin, here's to you!*

If you're interested in attending, donating to or helping out with Save the Brains, you can find all the information you need and my contact info at www.savethebrains.com. Hope to see you there!