Welcome to the Women's Philanthropic Investment Group (WPIG) Blog.

10.31.2011

Happy Halloween!

WPIG got in the Halloween spirit last week when we volunteered at Ryther.  Ryther is the local organization that our upcoming auction will benefit.  It meant so much to us to spend time with the children and staff that YOU will help us support at the WPIG auction on Friday.   


We hosted some Halloween crafts for the kids and got to meet with some of their faithful volunteers. 

BOO!
Sugar highs - the staff at Ryther love us ;)

creepy crawlers

Every time we go to Ryther, we leave feeling even more passionate about supporting this organization.  We can't wait to see you on Friday at our auction!  Hope you have a safe and spooky Halloween!

10.30.2011

Auction Sneak Peek #30 - And there's more!

Seattle Weekly has donated 2 tickets to any show at the 5th Avenue Theatre this upcoming year.  The 2011-2012 season includes: Les Miserables, Saving Aimee, Cinderella, First Date, Oklahoma, Damn Yankees and Rent. 
 YK Trading, a wholesale pearl distributor/designer, has donated a gorgeous pearl necklace.   If you are wondering if she will like this... the answer is YES!


12-13mm freshwater baroque style cultured pearl necklace
18” with sterling silver clasp
FMV – $600


2 hand illustrated 18” square throw pillows printed on 100% organic cotton canvas. Pink polka dots. Custom designed by Libby Anderson.


FMV for the two - $180.00

10.29.2011

Auction Sneak Peek #29 - Glassybaby


We are honored to share with you the inspiring story behind the Seattle-based company, glassybaby. 

When the first glassybaby was created in 1998, Lee Rhodes, glassybaby creator and founder, was raising her three small children and fighting what would become a 7-year battle with a rare form of lung cancer. She had endured surgery, countless rounds of chemotherapy, and was searching for a few moments of serenity to escape the fear that encompassed her life. Inspired by the beauty of these elegant vessels, Lee filled them with tea lights and scattered them throughout her home. She found great hope and healing in their color, light and love.
safe
FMV $40

pearl
FMV $40
To honor those who have walked down her same path, Lee established glassybaby goodwill, which remains the company's foundation and mission. During her cancer treatment, Lee met many other patients who could not afford even daily needs such as bus fare, childcare, or groceries. Today, much of the money donated by glassybaby goes directly toward meeting those basic needs. Each year, the company spreads hope by supporting charities dedicated to health, healing, and quality of life.

Thank you to glassybaby for the positive work that you are doing in our community, and for supporting wpig. 

10.28.2011

Auction Sneak Peek #28 - Rocket Dog, woof!

We figured that this post would be more meaningful coming from those who know this donor, Rocket Dog, best.  So, this was submitted by two of the dogs of WPIG: Stella and Finnbar, and their friend Kai.  Our first guestpost! 

Rocket Dog LLC is donating 2 overnight stays and 1 daycare day.  Lucky lucky dogs!

Finnbar Farragher - "I love to go to stay with Holly and Boone at Rocket Dog when my parents, Meghan and Sean, are gone.  I'm kind of a shy guy at first, but they make me feel right at home, like I'm part of the family.  In fact, I think I am part of the family- just look where I got to sleep!  Hospitality at it's finest!" 


Kai Cipolla-Rysavy - "Holly and Boone at Rocket Dog really get me.  I mean, just look at the report card they gave me!  They are totally right, it's all about the chase.  I wasn't even posing for those photos, I'm just kind of an athlete... no big deal."


Stella Patchin Lacy - Weeeeeee look at me run with my pack!  I love my days with Rocket Dog!  Wait, haven't I already told you about this?  If I can't be with my parents, I want to be with the Rocket Dog pack at the park!  We love you Holly and Boone!!!

Auction Sneak Peak #27 - Teri Foehl

WPIG recently accepted 9(!) new(!) members(!)  That's right, 9!  We promise to tell you all about them soon.  But for now, we just want to introduce you to one of them: the very talented Teri Foehl. 


Teri is a graduate from the University of New Hampshire with a BFA. She did her graduate work at Savannah College of Art & Design. She currently works as an Interior Architect for a firm in Bellevue.  She donated this piece to our auction:

40”x40” metal and black squares on canvas.


We also have to give Teri a big shout out for this...

She did a great job designing our event postcard! 
Please see more of Teri's work here

Auction Sneak Peek #26 - Portland GetAway!

Are you ready for a weekend away with that someone special or a good girlfriend? Now is your chance to make the I-5 voyage to Portland and indulge yourself in the city of food!


This package includes a King Feature Guestroom and Valet Parking at the Hotel deLuxe, dinner at Trader Vics, massage/acupuncture* for two at Hands on Health, 4 passes to thePortland Art Museum and a few other Oregon treats!


FMV - $800.00

*the lucky bidder can choose a combo of massage and acupuncture or just one or the other.

10.27.2011

Auction Sneak Peek #25

For local artist Mark Banaag, the biggest influences in life comes from one's surroundings.  Influences of nature, city life, and urban culture are what he takes and transfers in two ways: canvas work and photography.


Weekend Block Pool
2010, 20” x 20”
Spray Paint and Acrylic on Canvas

Stairway Light
2010, 12x16” Frame, 8x12” Print
Chicago, IL

"A city is not just defined by what it looks from the outside, but through feelings, emotions, and occurrences from within.. I try to spotlight on something that one might pass everyday in their life without realizing its impact." -Mark Banaag

Please see more of Mark's work here

10.26.2011

Sneak Peek #24 - Modrock Design

Modrock Concrete Design is a Seattle based company providing exceptional concrete products. Modrock’s creator John Hoar has refined the craft of concrete to give a distinctive look to an age-old material. This nearly limitless material gives the freedom to own custom pieces that are as individually distinct as our clients. Modrock Concrete Design thrives on innovation to produce pieces of the highest quality and lasting integrity. Explore the possibilities Modrock Concrete Designs pieces offer for the home, business and more.


Modrock has donated this modern cement stool by the ever-so-talented owner of modrock, John Hoar!  Thank you to John and Modrock for supporting our auction! 
FMV - $385
See more from Modrock!

10.25.2011

Auction Sneak Peek #23 - Something for Everyone!

Regardless of your style or your budget, the WPIG auction is sure to have beautiful choices for everyone! 

Lubberland hillside. By P. Tolle
37 inch height, width 49 inch. Including frame.
FMV - $3500.00

  
Stephen Bogardus - Black and White framed original photos of Paris; 11"x14" photos in 16"x20" frames (antique white double matting, black frames.) 
FMV - $200 for set. 


Flowing by Byron Dill is an ink drawing on card stock measuring 8in x 8in. Each individual shape was drawn organically with the purpose of working harmoniously to create one whole.
FMV - $50



The Tree of Me by Diane Dacanay
Mixed Paper on Poster Board
48in x 36in
FMV - $20

10.24.2011

Auction Sneak Peek #22 - Anthony Kee

A second generation Navajo silversmith, Anthony Kee celebrates a new and lively era of jewelry designers. Reared in Scottsdale, Arizona; Anthony follows a traditional family line of noted craftsmen, in a not so traditional vein.


For Kee, a clean and simplistic approach is the essence of his designing art. From earrings to necklaces, each incorporate bold yet sophisticated detail. Each piece is handcrafted with the highest degree of quality and dedication. Anthony's primary medium is sterling silver, yet gold is being utilized more into his latest handmade designs.

Currently, Anthony is working to establish his jewelry website and producing an initial line of high quality production fashion jewelry.

Please see more of Anthony's beautiful jewelry here

Auction Sneak Peek #21 - Burick Wellness


Let's stick to the point here - a great massage without the frills!  One WPIG member Nicole personally recommends Burrick Wellness to those looking for a no frills, relaxing, massage, guaranteed to kneed all those kinks out!  The folks at Burrick have donated one 50 minute therapeutic massage. 
http://www.burickwellness.com/

10.20.2011

Auction Sneak Peek #20 - Hope

Drift away to a peaceful space as you enjoy this original “Hope” by Jessica Oldwyn. The chalkboard backdrop and turquoise circular strokes will surely enhance and calm any space. Her art is as raw and positive as she is but you don’t have to take my word for it, just read hers - http://www.jessicaoldwyn.blogspot.com/
 
36”x18” canvas

10.18.2011

Auction Sneak Peek #19 - Mumsy!


Mumsy jewelry is handcrafted by owner Morgan Neal-Tape in Seattle, WA.  The Mumsy line is inspired by natural elements and designed as everyday wear that makes a statement. The original line of mum earrings and hairpins are named after 20 different women who are very important to Morgan.  How wpig-esque of her!  As a young company, Mumsy is rapidly growing and will be adding new accessory lines soon, we can't wait! 

One lucky WPIG supporter will be able to walk away from our auction with this gift basket full of Mumsy earrings in various colors! 
FMV $129.50

Please see Mumsy's webite for more information and to find out where you can buy Mumsy products in stores! 

10.17.2011

Auction Sneak Peek#18 - Michael Walmsley Photography

We would like to introduce you to a WPIG supporter extraordinaire, Michael Walmsley of Michael Walmsley Photography.  Not only did he donate to our auction last year and attend said auction, he is also our biggest donor through Celebrated Chefs!  But that's not all, Michael has also contributed this gorgeous framed photograph to our auction this year, lucky WPIG. 



Framed photograph (46X35) of the Pantheon in Paris, printed on watercolor paper.
FMV - $1,200

Please view more of Michael's work on his website

10.10.2011

Auction Sneak Peek #17 - Do you know SAM?



If not, this is your opportunity!  The Seattle Art Museum has donated a great package including:
-2 VIP Passes to SAM which will cover the Gauguin exhibit opening in February.
-$50 to TASTE Restaurant and Cafe at the Seattle Art Museum
-A bottle of TASTE’S Masterpiece Red Wine


This would make a perfect gift for friends or a romantic Seattle date.  Get your tickets for November 4th so you don't miss this!

10.07.2011

Auction Sneak Peek #16 - Sparkle and Shine

We have two more jewelry artists to introduce you to who will ensure that you will sparkle and shine in the upcoming holiday season! 

First, Allison Rennemo of Ida Estelle Designs, Inc. has donated a multiple wraps, her hand-designed bracelets! 


At Ida Estelle, it's all about what makes you feel good. Allison loves discovering new materials that inspire her to create.  The goal at Ida Estelle is to offer a stellar and quality product to each customer, and to do it with a virtual smile.



See more of Allison's wraps on her website or facebook page

Second, Karin Finley uses various enamel techniques and incorporates copper, silver, gold, semi-precious, and precious gems to execute her one-of-a-kind jewelry. Layering the classic with the contemporary, Karin’s handcrafted designs reflect a sense of depth and history.  She has donated this beautiful necklace to our auction. 


Karin lives in Portland, Oregon, where she grew up. She has always been fascinated by art and creating art, closely followed by art history. She worked as a burn nurse before embarking on the second career of creating jewelry. She now designs and executes one-of-a-kind pieces using artistry and patience.  Please see her website to view more of her work! 

10.06.2011

Auction Sneak Peek #15 - Margaret Terrall

Pacific Northwest artist Margaret Terrall has donated 2 giclee prints that go together as a dyptich, framed. My Summer Flowers 1 and My Summer Flowers 2. Each is 11” x 14”.

Example of her work: 

About Margaret:
I have lived in Portland, Oregon my entire life. My inspiration for my paintings comes from my garden and studio, the beauty of Oregon, the Pacific Northwest and from my travels locally and abroad. Subject matter ranges from the still life, landscapes, cityscapes or people and I combine watercolor with oil pastel, ink and colored pencil. I use acrylic paint with techniques such as scumbling, scraping, stamping and stenciling. I love rich and bold color, relationships and contrasts of shapes, lines, colors and textures. To add more texture or interest to a painting, I glue down assorted papers and other collage materials to the canvas or masonite board with acrylic gloss gels. I love laying down color upon color with a dry brush technique and seeing the combination of several colors show through each other.

 http://www.margaretterrall.com/#artists-statement
FMV - $500

10.05.2011

Shout out to Georgetown Brewing Company!


Thank you for your generous donation to the WPIG auction, we can't wait to serve your local brews to our guests! 

http://www.georgetownbeer.com/

Auction Sneak Peek #14 - Whimsical and Fancy Free

These two WPIG artists know how to have fun and produce pieces to make you smile :) 

Jenise Moats donated 12 one-of-a-kind vintage button rings valued at $10 apiece.  These gems would make a wonderful addition to any accessory tree or wonderful stalking stuffers for the holidays!


Next up, Meghan Malone Farragher (hmm Farragher...why does that name sound familiar?) will keep you or your mom friends happy and spit-up-free with her handmade burp rags in fun fabrics. 


Meghan is also our WPIG President!  Oink!

10.04.2011

Auction Sneak Peek #13

Transport yourself to the Irish coast everyday with this beautiful piece by artist Sean Farragher. 

"Donegal by Night"

9x12 inch Acrylic on Canvas.