Read the full article here:
http://millvalley.patch.com/articles/local-artist-nabs-paint-off-prize

For more information, visit http://www.oilpaintersofamerica.com/events/exhibitions/2011/western/index.cfm

BayWood Artists, a group of ten distinguished Bay Area plein air painters, is dedicated to preserving the environment for future generations to enjoy. They produce an annual exhibition and sale of paintings at the Bay Model to raise both funds and awareness of Bay Area environmental causes. Each year they donate fifty percent of proceeds from painting sales to an organization that protects the land and environment.

In 2011 BayWood Artists became a 501(c)3 sponsored nonprofit and for the first time are able to accept tax deductible donations to help cover production and promotional costs. Previously the Artists individually absorbed the expense of producing and promoting their shows.

BayWood Artists chose to partner with Save the Bay in celebration of their 50th Anniversary of making waves! They will produce a major art exhibition of over 100 paintings to benefit Save The Bay. The funds raised from sales at this exhibition will benefit preservation and restoration projects.

“San Francisco Bay would not be the beautiful natural treasure it is today without Save The Bay’s work since 1961,” said Save The Bay Executive Director David Lewis. “During this 50th Anniversary year, we celebrate changing the course of history by fighting and winning battles against impossible odds to protect and restore the San Francisco Bay. Going forward, we have a vision for a healthy and thriving Bay to improve the quality of life and economy in the Bay Area; and we truly appreciate the generous support of the BayWood Artists in helping us bring that vision to fruition.”

BayWood Artists include Chris Adessa, Christin Coy, Ben Farnham, Jon Francis, Paul Kratter, Sherrill Miller, Victoria Mimiaga and Zenaida Mott, Lissa Nicolaus and Tom Soltesz. Guest Artists for this show are Kim Lordier of Millbrae, CA and Clark Mitchell of Petaluma, CA.

Since 1997, BayWood Artists has worked to save the lands they love, the first painting group in the San Francisco Bay Area with an environmental mission. This group was established solely to protect and preserve the lands that inspire their art. Bill Long, Chair, Marin Open Space Trust (MOST) says “BayWood Artists dazzling paintings bring beautiful open spaces into our homes. They remind us on even the darkest days of our spectacular surroundings and the need to preserve them for future generations,” about the 2010 BayWood Artists exhibition.

Organizations they have supported include Marin Open Space Trust, Marin Open Space District, Save Mount Diablo, Angel Island Association, Marin Agricultural Land Trust, Russian Riverkeepers, Marin Conservation League, the restoration of Bolinas Lagoon, the Greenbelt Alliance, Fish Friendly Farming, the Marin Bayland Advocates, the Bay Area Ridge Trail and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. “We were overwhelmed by the response of the public to their works of art – and it was a wonderful way to tell the story of this sacred park,” said Suzanne Badenhoop, President of AIA, of their show with the BayWood Artists.

Read the full article here:
http://www.sfweekly.com/2010-12-22/calendar/unwrap-before-eating/