Art and Soul

Easter Seals

"All children can express their creativity through the arts, regardless of their abilities," explains Mac Murphy, co-owner of M2 Gallery. "Dan'Quisha Collins for example, is the signature artist for this year's Art and Soul."

Thirteen year old Dan'Quisha has limited control over her arm movements because of cerebral palsy. Because of physical and occupational therapy received at Easter Seals, Dan'Quisha is able to create beautiful paintings by wearing special adaptive devices on her hands. Her "brushes" are mittens with sponge-like pieces attached from the palm of her hand to the tips of her fingers. She thoughtfully chooses her colors and applies the paint to the canvas with a deliberate concentration. The result is a vibrant, abstract blend of colors. The piece she is be featuring at Art and Soul is an intense fusion of autumn colors rich with flecks of gold.

"When I saw the caliber of her artwork, I knew the frame needed to showcase her talent. I wanted something with an understated elegance to enhance this stunning piece," says Murphy. It's Mac's creative eye for talent and his artistic framing skills that transform a child's painting into a piece of art that will catch the eye of even the most discerning collector.

Easter Seals' teachers proudly collect the projects of their preschoolers throughout the year and deliver it to Mac, anticipating which pieces will make it to the event. "It's amazing to take the watercolor or crayon picture of a child and add matting and framing and turn it into something that goes from the refrigerator to the focal point of the living room."

Art and Soul would not be as successful without the help and dedication of M2 Gallery. The event has grown from a small get together inside the gallery (formerly called Gallery B) to what it is today- a festive soiree in the gallery that extends to two tents in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center parking lot and raises more than $50,000 for Easter Seals. "We're pleased to have been part of Art and Soul for the past 6 years. Easter Seals is a place that touches your heart from the moment you walk in the door."

M2 Gallery represents many local artists including Jason Gammel, Christina Mariotti, VL Cox, and Nathan Beatty. These artists and many others also contribute their artwork for the live and silent auction. "There aren't many occasions when a child's artwork is confused with that of an accomplished artist," jokes Murphy, "In all seriousness, there is some great art of all types in the auction."

Art and Soul will be Friday, November 7, at 6:30 at M2 Gallery in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center. Tickets are $75 for patrons and $35 for guests and can be purchased at the Gallery, at Easter Seals or on-line at www.ar.easterseals.com. For more information, call 227-3700.