Contributing to Our Communities: Decorative Painters Work Their Magic

Decorative painters are inspired by the causes they love, the need to give back, the creativity that is released through the act of giving, and the desire to connect to the larger community through their work.

by Debra Disman
Decorative Painter and Principal
 ArtiFactory Studio

Here is an example of Decorative Painting in Action to support the San Francisco community. Following is a mural that I did for the wonderful organization Planning for Elders inthe Central City. The Donor Tree was painted on canvass with donor names later added to the bricks and leaves.

The Donor Tree for Planning for Elders in Central City.

Many Ways to Contribute

In last month’s article, I asked three of my favorite artists/artisans from around the country to help me paint a portrait of the contemporary decorative painter working in the U.S. today.  Their responses also revealed the many ways they contribute to their communities through their work.

I believe their insights also ring true for all Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners.

Following are some of the ways they use their unique skills and talents to employ the magic of Decorative Painting in support of their communities.   I hope these insights inspire you!

Supporting Causes Close to Our Hearts

Julie Dexter, Gold Leaf Walls, Colorado Springs, CO

“One of the big events here in Colorado Springs is “The Heart Ball” which supports the heart association. For three years I donated towards their silent auction. The “package” included Color Consultation and $1000 towards labor. This year I plan on doing the same for “The Fur Ball”, which benefits the local Humane Society….a personal favorite.”

The Need to Give Back

 Lyna Farkas, The Spirit of Décor, Ashville, NC  

“In 2005 over 100 faux finishers worked together to “faux” a house. The experience was made into a book. The proceeds went to fund a Habitat house in New Orleans for a Katrina victim.

In 2009, a dozen faux finishers met in New Orleans to paint together, bringing beauty to that house, and getting to know the owners who would live in it.  As Chair of this phase of the project, I recruited local volunteers and interfaced with New Orleans Habitat coordinators. We also supported the NOLA SPCA where we did mural and painted doghouses for their auction. I even found some local young architects to build the doghouses and lined up publicity through the New Orleans press.

Why did I do this?  I need to give back in a significant and creative way in order to stay balanced. The artists who worked together on the Habitat project formed a deep bond. Our intention is to find projects each year to work on together and continue to give back with our art.”

 Giving Releases Creativity

Joy Conway, Funwalls, Albuquerque, NM

“In January, I completed two murals for the RoadRunner Food Bank here in Albuquerque. This was originally going to be a small project, but after I saw what the food bank was accomplishing, I donated a lot of extra time and creativity. 

It came out beautifully, adds a lot to the facility, and I feel really good about doing it.  The act of giving seemed to release a flow of creativity for me.”

Thoughts on Giving from Debra Disman, ArtiFactory Studio, SF, CA

Successful artists and entrepreneurs also need to be business people, but the dollar return on every project is not always the bottom line. For many, their deepest fulfillment is to immerse themselves fully in their creative work, and experience the gratification of connecting with others through that work.

By contributing our art and craft to the community, we not only connect to the world outside our studios, we become a part of it, and thus part of something greater then ourselves.

Here is another example of how the magic of decorative painting can give back to the community.  This is a Donor Arch that was created for Maitri Compassionate Care, a hospice in San Francisco, CA.  The names of donors who contributed to their building capital campaign were honored by adding their name to The Arch!

The Donor Arch, Maitri Compassionate Care.

Here’s to celebrating the power of connection, and the contribution of all of our special gifts to the enhancement of our world!

Sharing is caring…so if you enjoyed this article be sure to share it!

Tags: Beauty, Inspiration, marketing, Non-Profit, work/life balance

Category: Interior Design