Preparing the Live and Silent Auctions

Today, Nathaniel Foster and I were invited to the Gallery of Anthony Holdsworth: www.anthonyholdsworth.com. Anthony gifted us with stories and catalogs of his latest work--he is the painter, the plein air painter who lives in the scene as he is painting it--capturing the essence of air and light, the presence of the people and spirit of a place. He offers indoor and outdoor painting classes, hosts painting expeditions to Mexico and Italy, and supports the non-profits he believes in by donating his sought after artworks and proceeds from his monthly studio events.

There are two paintings in this year's auction by Anthony--One from his beloved Italy, another from our beloved Oakland. It was one of those magic meetings--being there in his studio--watching his humanity, his love for place, his art of possibility come together in story and gift. We talked about the economy, the fear that for non-profits the government has yet to offer a bail out, the strange sense of national priorities in this crazy time of real people in real need. We talked about what he could afford to give--to make possible the generosity of others. We talked about how it might seem a crazy time to organize a fancy event--and yet, this is the time an event like this is needed the most. We are moving forward, preparing live and silent auctions, honoring important people, inviting old and new friends alike to come together under the stars and remember--people need us to have a good time, to afford to be generous, to consider what we can afford to give so that we might start a generosity ball--like a snowball--that just gets bigger with every little bit we can each add to it.

At Lincoln we are in a mode of thinking about hands and hearts--and, when I tell the story of Rebecca McWade, our founder who found a baby on her doorstep, I like to say this:
"in that moment, she decided for herself what one heart could hold, what two hands could do, and she picked that baby up". We're a long way from babies left on other people's doorsteps in America--and yet, we are always at that crossroads of generosity. Each, for themselves, must answer, what can my heart hold? what can my hands do? And if your heart is like Anthony's and you have the hands of an artist, you can donate what you create. And if your heart likes a good night out for a good cause use your hands to buy tickets to attend the event by clicking on our website and reserving your place with us, under the stars at Chabot, May 14, 2009: www.lincolncc.org.