“Acquire Art to Support Those Impacted by the Wildfires in Los Angeles”

### The Palisades Fire: A Crisis Met with Creativity

On January 7, one of the most catastrophic firestorms in California’s history ignited, wreaking havoc across Los Angeles. The Palisades Fire has ravaged nearly 24,000 acres in the Pacific Palisades, compelling over 100,000 residents to flee with fear. In the midst of the sorrow brought by ruined homes and uprooted families, the artistic community has risen with unwavering determination, harnessing creativity to funnel funds and optimism into wildfire relief efforts.

This inventive and empathetic response underscores the special role that creativity and teamwork hold during times of crisis. From art galleries to solo artists, many are utilizing their creations to gather significant contributions for relief efforts, sending proceeds to local aid organizations, individual recovery initiatives, and even wildlife rescue missions.

### Artists Unite for a Cause

Following the wildfires, artists of varying backgrounds—emerging creators and well-known figures alike—have discovered ways to assist in relief efforts. Their contributions include prints, posters, raffles, and merchandise, all aimed at helping those most impacted by the relentless fires.

#### **Ed Ruscha and the Wattis Institute**
The Wattis Institute at the California College of the Arts is leading an initiative featuring renowned West Coast artist **Ed Ruscha**. Ruscha’s prints are available for purchase, with all January proceeds benefiting **LA Art World Fire Relief**, which supports artists and art workers facing recovery challenges due to fire damage. This initiative emphasizes the Institute’s commitment not just to the arts, but also to empowering community resilience.

#### **Kei Meguro’s Ikebana Series**
Artist **Kei Meguro**, based in Brooklyn and Tokyo, is aiding wildfire relief by selling prints from his **Ikebana series**, dedicated to Japanese floral art. Impressively, 100% of the sales are being donated to the **Pasadena Humane Society**, which provides aid to animals displaced by the fires, offering medical assistance, shelter, or re-homing services. Meguro’s efforts illustrate how artists globally are coming together to provide support.

### Galleries Boost Their Contributions

Art galleries, essential pillars of the creative network, have also risen to the challenge to assist in firefighting and recovery.

#### **Treat Gallery’s Nationwide Generosity**
**Treat Gallery** in New York has declared that 40% of all art sales will be directed to the **California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund**, showcasing the interconnected nature of artistic communities across the nation. This fund is dedicated to immediate response needs as well as long-term recovery initiatives.

#### **Hashimoto Contemporary’s Raffle**
The San Francisco- and New York-based gallery **Hashimoto Contemporary** is organizing a highly anticipated raffle, showcasing more than 30 donated artworks from artists including Devra Fox and Carlos Rodriguez. The proceeds will contribute to wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles, ensuring that every purchase amplifies its impact.

### Individual Artists Step Up

Numerous notable artists and designers have initiated their own creative fundraising efforts.

#### **Shepard Fairey’s Limited-Edition Prints**
Renowned contemporary artist **Shepard Fairey**, famous for designing Obama’s *HOPE* poster, has introduced a limited-edition piece titled *Re-Build/Re-Think*. Featuring a sparrow soaring above flames as a symbol of hope and resilience, all proceeds from poster sales go to reputable organizations such as the **American Red Cross**, making each piece a testament to philanthropy.

#### **Alec Egan’s Motivation Amid Loss**
Artist **Alec Egan** has been especially affected by the wildfires, which have obliterated his home, studio, and an entire collection of artworks destined for an upcoming exhibit. The **Anat Egbi Gallery** is currently hosting a fundraiser, selling prints aimed at directly supporting Egan’s recovery and facilitating the artist’s return to his creative endeavors.

#### **Kingsland Editions and George Townley**
**Kingsland Editions**, a screen-printing studio in Brooklyn, is offering a t-shirt that symbolizes the heartfelt connection between New York and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, artist **George Townley**, in partnership with **Spoke Art Gallery**, is providing an exclusive print to generate funds for **World Central Kitchen**, a nonprofit organization delivering meals to disaster-affected individuals.

### The Broader Impact of the Art Community

The ongoing wildfire relief efforts highlight the adaptability and influence of art as a means of assistance. By uniting, artists, galleries, and collectors serve as conduits between creativity and civic involvement, raising awareness and mobilizing resources for those in need.

#### **Women of Type Sticker Campaign**
The initiative **Women of Type**, advocating for typography artists, collaborated with Sticker Giant to create stickers, with sales benefiting the **Pasadena Humane Society**. This project exemplifies how even small purchases can contribute to significant change.

#### **Brendan George Ko’s Butterfly Prints**
Nature photographer **Brendan George Ko** connects art and conservation through his poignant butterfly prints. All proceeds from his works are allocated to the **Mutual Aid LA Network**, aiding those in vulnerable positions.