Questions And Answers
	Q - What is the story behind the site? A - Two facts are responsible for the concept of GiveForArt.org. In our world there is great beauty and there is intense suffering. We live in a wonderful culture that has evolved to the level where we have hundreds of thousands of people involved with the creation of art in some fashion. On the other hand that same culture does not fully provide support for such vast amounts of fine art to the levels that are desired. This fact does not deter the legions of fine artists young and old that persist in producing beautifully expressive artworks. The other important reality that was instrumental in the conception of GiveForArt.org is that there are millions of people that are so preoccupied with their individual struggle for life that they are not physically capable of experiencing so much of the beauty that our world has to offer. So with these two realizations in mind GiveForArt.org was established to give a few artist an additional means of exhibiting their work while trying to direct visitor appreciation to some deserving charity thereby promoting goodwill. GiveForArt.org does not need to actually be a charity; it is totally self sufficient, operating 100% by volunteers. Why reinvent the wheel there are thousand of very good charities ready to receive donations right this minute. GiveForArt.org does not compete with any charity, it supports many. Q - What is the purpose of the site? A - Give to charity for the pleasure of art is not a new concept, it happens frequently around the world. The purpose is really very simple, GiveForArt.org strives to help the needy and simultaneously give self worth to the participants. It works. In order to provide a pleasurable viewing experience the look of the site was specially designed. You will notice that the site is simple, tasteful, easy to use and that it is not cluttered with advertising. The healthy and able people that visit the site should feel some responsibility to comply with the spirit of the site and donate to the less fortunate. Q - What inspired it to be created? A - How can anyone know where inspiration comes from. At the inception we were already busy putting it together. I can only speculate that it came from the observation of human suffering and the feelings of helplessness that followed. Q - Why is there a focus to touch the needs of children and ill people? A - To live among artists and art brings many pleasures and advantages. To witness the joy of living that radiates from these people is special. Their energy and passion for life is often intoxicating. They, at times, become icons of the wonders of life. The world is quite different for a child confined to a hospital bed being subjected to painful and frightening procedures that are essential to sustain life. The joy of living can become obscured for the child. There is a direct correlation between the artist and the bedridden. One is fighting for what the other glorifies. Some art has the ability to evoke joy. It is not the only art of value but it is the type GiveForArt.org is interested in. We also hope that some of the hospitalized will have access to GiveForArt.org via laptop and we hope that they can find some joy in the experience, escaping their condition for awhile. We have a special section for toddlers which we think is cool and unique. Q - Why is there a connection with Lewis? A - Three reasons, (1) demographics (2) the fact that Lewis University fosters philanthropy (3) there are many good people in the Lewis community. Q - I noticed many of the artists are students or alumni; do you have to be connected to Lewis in some way to participate with the site? A - Anyone that shares the values of GiveForArt.org and wants to participate is welcome to volunteer or donate to a charity. Q - How does the art charity process work? A - Art work and communication is sent by email. If the work is appropriate for the site it is posted. Artists can submit new works or can ask to have work removed. Q - How can one donate to a charity? A - Click on a charity link and follow the directions indicated on that respective charity site donation page Q - How were the charities listed on the site chosen? A - The charity links on the site were requested by participants. We add new charity links as requested if they have a high enough rating. Q - When was the site launched? A - GiveForArt.org is in its infancy. It was started in the summer of 2005 and has been growing ever since. GiveForArt.org gets thousands of visitor every month from many different countries. Since we started some hospitals have created there own locations to provide art for their patients. We have many plans for the future, you will need to visit the site to see what they are.