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Farewell, 2019! Performance still from "Incarcerated on Sunday" NYC


31 December 2019


Dear Friends,

As you wrap up your end of year giving, here’s an invitation to consider the contributions of artists (musicians, poets, painters, photographers, writers, creative activists and makers of all kinds) and the ways they have lifted your spirits over the past year.

There was a moment for me, several years ago, when I’d lost all hope in the power and purpose of art. My studio practice came to a screeching halt because I was plagued with questions like, “What’s the point of making art? What purpose does it serve? Who am I to indulge in making things of beauty when there are so many people out in the world – our world – who don’t have food or even a place to live…”

Then, I was invited to offer my interactive art projects for thousands of visitors at playwright Eve Ensler’s V TO THE TENTH event in New Orleans a year or so after Hurricane Katrina, but I was still questioning my purpose as an artist. What could I possibly offer to anyone who had suffered so much?

I went, and together with dozens of other artists, we transformed the torrid energy of the Superdome into a healing space of SUPER LOVE. Amidst the heartbreaking stories shared by hurricane survivors who had lost everything (absolutely everything - including loved ones, homes, pets and livelihoods) we found sweet spots of healing through art and connection.

Each person who has participated in one of my empowering creative engagement events has expressed deep gratitude for being seen, heard, and held in a space of love and acceptance. By offering opportunities for people to safely share their stories and experiences through creative expression, my work has brought joy and hope back into their lives. And THAT is what brought me back to believing in THE POWER OF ART to heal and uplift our spirits.

Art + Ice Cream = FUN!  Participants at our 2019 events included people of all ages, including even some celebs like Dr. Mark Hyman!

For over thirty-five years I have dedicated my art practice to creative engagement – making art, music and performance work internationally, while supporting the work of other artists along the way.

Presenting interactive creative work like Walk Unafraid, Seeing Red, Terra Temporalis, Art + Ice Cream and Invisibility Lab to audiences around the world continues to be a driving passion. It transforms lives and lights people up, sparking joy and connection.

Activities in 2019 included:
> Presenting over 43 free performances, rogue happenings, and creative engagement projects
> Providing free art-making experiences to 139 participants (including free ice cream for 100 people!)
helping to produce three projects by other US artists
> Reaching thousands of people in real life (in New York City, Miami Beach, Scranton, Burlington, Montreal, Maine, Connecticut and Massachusetts) and tens of thousands on social media
> Actualizing my dream of creating a nonprofit entity to support these visions: The Walk Unafraid Foundation was finally incorporated last week!

Gabrielle Senza collecting stories at Art Basel Miami Beach, 2019

This work is supported by people like you, with donations large and small. Your tax-deductible contribution to the Walk Unafraid Foundation will truly make a difference. $25,000 is my year-end goal to reach by midnight tonight, and I’m more than half-way there! Can you help me make it over the finish line?

I would LOVE it if you would make a year-end donation today to Walk Unafraid and support the vital role art plays in transforming lives. We have less than 10 hours to go. Please hurry and make your donation right now.

You can make an online contribution here on GoFundMe, or send a check made out Walk Unafraid Foundation and mail to:
Walk Unafraid Foundation, Inc.
11 Railroad Street
Great Barrington, MA 01230

As an extra bonus, any donors who contribute $250 or more will receive a small work of art straight from my studio* – for believing in the power of art and helping to bring more creativity, connection and change into the world in 2020.

Your support makes all the difference.
I'm so looking forward to creatively engaging with you throughout the new decade!
Wishing you a beautiful new year full of goodness and delight.


With gratitude in my heart,

Gabrielle



Gabrielle Senza, Founder
Walk Unafraid Foundation, Inc.
11 Railroad Street
Great Barrington, MA 01230

 
 *Please be sure to include your shipping address!