Renowned sculptor John Sauvé is pleased to launch his latest body of work at Box Gallery, Pontiac opening May 2, 2019, from 6-9 p.m.
Made entirely of recycled manufacturing plastic waste, Die Mitschuldigen is a series of one-of-a-kind pieces in various size and expression. Hypnotic in nature, they not only captivate the viewer but also spark a deeper level of contemplation as it relates to the ongoing pollution and destruction to our environment from manufacturing waste.
Sauvécreated the works over the past four years through exclusive access to a local plant. This allowed him to capture and manipulate the otherwise useless residual plastic at the precise moment it is eliminated from the machines and prior to disposal in a landfill. The results are a collection that is both beautiful and telling of the current world trajectory.
“The impetus for this series was the continued erosion of our environment due to pollution and Global Warming,” said Sauvé. “Regardless of ideology, we have to acknowledge that pollution and excessive waste is wreaking havoc on our future. These pieces will hopefully give perspective to the magnitude of our manufacturing waste and spark further action.”
The artist and his Sauvé Foundation have partnered with multiple environmental organizations to further the mission of the series in inspiring conversation and ultimately change.
Known for his extensive public art series, Sauvé’s installations are thought-provoking landmarks. Some of his most acclaimed works include:
- Man in the City- The first public art installation on New York’s Highline, this iconic series now boasts more than 100 pieces across Detroit and the region. The series celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2019
- I am the Greatest- This Southwest Michigan tribute pays homage to legendary boxer Muhammad Ali
- Hemingway Sculpture Project-Celebrates the impact of Ernest Hemingway and literacy advocacy.
- Sauvé Foundation- Creates impactful arts education programs and fundraising partnerships.
Box Gallery will host a preview of Die Mitschuldigen on May 2, 2019, for dignitaries, collectors, and other VIPs. The exhibit will officially open to the public as part of the Pontiac Art Crawl on May 3, 2019. Pieces are available for sale at both events. Following the Art Crawl, private showings may be arranged by appointment.
To schedule an interview or attend the May 2, preview contact: Heidi Hedquist at 248.872.1022 or [email protected].
February 11, 2019– Why did you become the world’s most famous streaker? Why do you travel to the most remote jungles looking for snakes? Why did you domesticate a raccoon?
These questions and more are asked and answered on the new podcast Why? The Podcast. Focused on bringing people together one question at a time, Why? is a platform that gets to the bottom of why people have the zeal to embark into seemingly unusual hobbies and careers.
Hosted by Heidi Hedquist and Luke Poling, the show was hatched upon the co-hosts’ first meeting. Introduced following a screening of Poling’s film Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself, they struck up a conversation that quickly evolved to what would become podcast gold. Heading back to their respective homes in Detroit and Philadelphia they immediately went to work with the help of their “reluctant producers” John Sauve and Sandy Stone.
Airing weekly across all major podcast platforms, Why? takes a lighthearted approach to interviewing while still tackling difficult questions. “We wanted to create an entertaining experience for listeners to have a few laughs, but to also gain an understanding of the inspiration of people and why they love to do the things they do,” said Hedquist. “We find intrigue and great conversations in anything from an adventurer to a bikini waxer and have been amazed at how relatable our guests’ pursuits actually are.”
Poling added, “I’ve been surprised by some of the answers we have gotten to questions. Some of the best insights come from the people you’d least expect it; which makes it all the more enjoyable. Doing this show re-affirms my belief that everyone has a story worth sharing.”
The duo has interviewed a menagerie of fascinating subjects including Champion Competitive Eater Molly Schuyler, World’s Greatest Streaker Mark Roberts, Adventurer and Herper Monty Najar, Game Changing Filmmaker/ Paper Magazine 100 People Taking Over 2019 River Gallo and many others.
Since launching in December 2018, “Why?” steadily attracts listeners across the globe with new episodes releasing every Monday. Episodes can be found at whythepodcast.com, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and GooglePlay.
DETROIT, January 9, 2019 – The thought-provoking and highly-recognizable public art exhibit Man in the City is kicking off its 10-year anniversary celebration with a series of partnerships, events, and installations. The year-long narrative launches this month with a partnership with the world’s largest coatings manufacturer, Axalta.
This coming together of creativity and manufacturing will be celebrated at Axalta’s North American International Auto Show Charity Preview event, January 18, 2019, at Cobo Hall, Detroit.
Providing support to the Sauvé Art Foundation’s work with local arts education programming was a natural synergy for the company and future design and creative talent for the region. “I am continually impressed by the impact John Sauvé’s Man in the City art programs have made on children in Detroit. We are proud to work with him as he celebrates his 10-year milestone and look forward to supporting his efforts,” said John Wray, OEM Global Marketing Manager, Axalta.
Man in the City’s sculpture installation was the first public art displayed on the Highline in New York City, Subsequently, the elevated park has become the top destination in New York City. Following the New York Exhibit, Sauvé brought the Man in the City’s sculpture installation to Detroit and has since installed more than 100 sculptures across the skyline of Detroit. Each piece has created place in the City of Detroit and a must look-up opportunity to soak up the architecture of the city.
The Sauvé Art foundation partners with non-profits, schools and youth centers to create unique arts education opportunities that incorporate the Man in the City’s sculpture installation. In addition, the Man in the City truck is a traveling arts truck that provides pop-up art classes, exhibits, and programs. Most recently Sauvé has worked with: Center for Success, Neighborhood Service Organization, Cranbrook Schools, Hispanic Youth Center and Boll Family YMCA where he served as Artist in Residence and received the Volunteer of the Year Award.
“Public art and exposure to art are critical to society. To be able to share my work and experience with youth in our region and spark their creative spirit is invaluable,” said Sauvé. “Partnerships such as our relationship with Axalta provide me with the opportunity to reach more students.”
In addition to the NAIAS event, Axalta has housed a series of the Man in the City sculptures in their Detroit offices. The onsite installation has sparked interest and participation from staff and customers to support the Sauvé Art Foundation.
Both Axalta and the Sauvé Art Foundation have planned several partnership events throughout the year.
About Axalta: Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable solutions. From light OEM vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish applications to electric motors, buildings, and pipelines, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enable the materials we coat to last longer. With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, the 14,000 people of Axalta continue to find ways to serve our more than 100,000 customers in 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems, and technology. For more information visit axalta.com and follow us @Axalta on Twitter and on LinkedIn.
DETROIT- (January 4, 2019)— Project Beautiful – Inside and Out (Project Beautiful) is proud to announce it has been named the non-profit partner and beneficiary of this year’s legendary Middlecott Sketchbattle #15.
The epic event will be held on January 15, 2019, at St. Andrew’s Hall at 7:00 p.m. The evening showcases the best of the best in automotive design in a thrilling competition that draws automotive, art and party enthusiasts alike. Sketchbattle will donate all ticket sale proceeds to the local non-profit for the fourth year in a row.
In addition, this year will hold an additional fundraising opportunity for the organization. Four pedal cars customized by renowned artists will be onsite and offered up via silent auction. The artists include Jay Shuster, Pixar artist/production designer known for the film Cars, Camilo Pardo, automotive designer and fine artist, Sheefy McFly a local graffiti artist and Bob Soroka, airbrush artist.
Founded in 2015, Project Beautiful aims to bring smiles to people when they need it most — working with shelters and other service organizations to provide add-on initiatives. Proceeds received from Middlecott Sketchbattle events over the past three years have enabled Project Beautiful to grow their signature Mother’s Day Program. In 2018, Project Beautiful gifted $24,000 worth of donations to 4 Metro Detroit domestic violence shelters helping make Mother’s Day special for 100 women and their families at First Step in Wayne County, Haven in Oakland County, Interim House in Detroit, and Turning Point in Macomb County. Contributions consisted of a catered brunch for the women and their families, gift bags for the women, needs list items to each shelter (personal, beauty and baby care items, feminine hygiene items, bras, panties, PJ’s, cleaning products and more), and a donation of $1500 per shelter for a project of their choice.
The partnership between the organization and Sketchbattle brings a natural synergy and awareness for the important work Project Beautiful does. “We are honored to be the chosen beneficiary of this great event,” said Gilles. “The funds we’ve received each year have allowed us to directly and positively impact those in need and we are ecstatic to expand our partnership in 2019.”
Frank Schwartz, Advanced Automotive Consulting Services and Middlecott Sketchbattle, felt Project Beautiful was the natural recipient choice, “We look to choose local charities, not national because we want the Sketchbattle to give back in the communities that host us. We also want to support charities that utilize a large portion of their fundraising to the recipients, and not to the staff,” said Schwartz. Project Beautiful’s mission and work is definitive of the types of organizations we work with. Doris is a kindred spirit in all that she does. It is our pleasure to be able to raise awareness and funds for their efforts.”
Over the past few years, more than $16,000 has been provided from Sketchbattle events through ticket sales and auction items. This year, the addition of rare one-off art items like the pedal cars is sure to increase fundraising exponentially. “We are proud to support Project Beautiful and look forward to continuing to expand our fundraising efforts through the addition of elements such as this year’s one-of-a-kind art pieces,” said Banham.
Sketchbattle #15 is open to all to attend and is a must hit event of the auto show season. Tickets are a suggested donation of $20 and are available in advance here. A limited number of tickets are also available at the door.
ABOUT:
Project Beautiful – Inside and Out is dedicated to the following Mission: To build confidence and inspire hope as individuals and families – especially women in shelter and similar situations, in our community and beyond – rebuild their lives. We partner with other service organizations to create moments and experiences that bring smiles to people when they need it most. The organization’s vision is: A beautiful and comforting environment and community that strengthens and motivates displaced individuals as they advance their lives.
DETROIT-(January 4, 2019)— The designers are ready. This is the live car design sketching contest they’ve been training for all year. An epic Sketchbattle lies ahead. Who will be named Sketchmaster at Sketchbattle #15 taking home the coveted title belt and cash prize?
The legendary creative challenge and automotive design industry party blowout will take over St. Andrew’s Hall January 15, 2019. Sixteen professional and student designers will face-off in three 30-minute rounds with their own distinct themes. Everything is happening in real time and all the car design sketches are hand drawn. The high-intensity in the room is electric as spectators and competitors alike feed on the suspense, competitive spirit and vibe of the night. It is billed the Fight Club of Design, after all. The ultimate victor receives a $2500 cash prize and the coveted Sketchbattle Championship Belt designed by Mobsteel.
Event judges for this year’s event include the greatest names in automotive design. This year’s judges are: Chief Judge Helen Emsley, Executive Director of Design, Global Buick and GMC, General Motors Corporation, Jeff Hammoud, Vice President of Design, Rivian, Ryan Nagode, Chief Designer, Truck, Commercial and Performance Interiors, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Adam Rabinowitz, Chief Design- Exteriors/Toyota, Calty Design Research, Inc. Past Judges have included Ralph Gilles, Head of Design, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and other renowned executives from Ford, GM, Tesla, Kia and new manufacturers like SF Motors, ZOOX, and Karma. Other esteemed guests have included Magnus Walker, Tom Matano, CAMILO Pardo, and Daniel Simon, designer of Tron Legacy, Prometheus, and Oblivion to name a few. In an interview onsite at last year’s event, Gilles commented on the importance of design and the incredible exposure to the talent at this event. “People put design first of all… People react to the emotion of the product. Emotion wins the day,” said Gilles. “We see it as a very valuable skillset and it’s something we want to cultivate.”
Attendees will be immersed in a feast for their senses. Emcee and “ring announcer” Terry Ayrault, Chief Creative Officer of the JRT Agency/CG Detroit will lead the night’s activities and set the stage for each round. The competition heats up as Satori Circus is the “referee” and distraction for the competitors. DJ Emily Thornhill aka Thornstryker will keep the crowd dancing all night long spinning Detroit jams. In the famous basement The Shelter, there will be a charity auction and art show, the Shelter Art Show,from local artists across a multitude of media. Artists include Alyssa Baron-Klask, Chrissy Fehan, Kit Kat, Matthew Lisk, Shannon McKeon, Jason Reed, Rachael Robinson, Jessica Tierman, and Irina Zavatski . This is a must-attend for anyone who loves Detroit, art, design, cars and a great party.
The whole event is the brainchild of Brook and Judith Banham of Middlecott Design, who created the event back in 2012. Frank Schwartz of Advanced Automotive Consulting Services joined Brook and Judith as a partner one year later and has helped the event grow to new locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. As sketching is inherently competitive, whoever has the best sketch wins, in terms of getting the best job or their idea made, the Sketchbattle was conceived to celebrate and elevate design as a competitive skill and talent on par with athletics.This, married with a definitive Motor City experience of great music, ingenuity, an avant-garde spirit, and infectious energy seemed the perfect way to give a taste of why Detroit is so captivating to the world.
“What started as an idea to showcase Detroit’s leading design talents has escalated to a can’t miss event that epitomizes the innovation and swagger of our city,” said Brook Banham. “We’re excited to see this evolution continue as we expand the event nationally and internationally.” Frank Schwartz adds “For 2019 we are expecting further growth and currently planning our first international event. One day we expect the world’s greatest designers will travel to Detroit to really settle the argument who is the greatest.”
A suggested donation of $20 at the door is recommended. One hundred percent of the ticket price will benefit Project Beautiful- Inside & Out and is fully tax deductible. The foundation was formed by Doris Gilles and provides support and confidence for families and women in shelter situations in our community. The organization was formed to help provide daily support and necessities such as toiletries and baby needs.
This year, the fundraising opportunities will expand with the addition of a silent auction. Four pedal cars will be on display available to win. Each has been customized by a top designer or artist and all proceeds will benefit Project Beautiful Inside & Out. This year’s artists include Bob Soroka, airbrush artist, Camilo Pardo, designer, Jay Shuster, Pixar artist known for the film Cars and Sheefy McFly a local graffiti artist.
Additionally, onsite will be the Sauve Foundation arts education truck. Designed by Brook and unveiled at last year’s Sketchbattle. The truck serves as a vehicle for renowned artist John Sauve to provide first-hand art and film programs to students throughout the region. Sparking possibilities for the designers of the future.
The event provides a unique opportunity for designers to showcase their work and gain exposure to potential future employers, rub elbows with industry legends and key in how their fellow designers think. This is especially valuable for the students who participate. A select number of advance tickets are available. To secure advance tickets click here. For more information click here or #MSBEXP across major social media channels.
About:
MIDDLECOTT Design is an international design organization based in Detroit, Michigan. They provide a myriad range of services including Industrial Design including; Transport and Product Design, Graphic Design including; Logo, Branding, Books and Magazine, and Website Design. As Detroit’s premier design consultancy, MIDDLECOTT offers an award-winning formula of high-octane design for clients across industries.
AACS (Advanced Automotive Consulting Services, LLC) is a business development consultancy working in all aspects of the automotive industry. AACS specializes in helping automotive suppliers with their difficult objectives like introducing new technologies, expanding business onto new continents or breaking down walls to bring in new customers. Services include executive strategy, market research, business development, and advanced sales. AACS is a team of experts who specialize in customer engagement!
Every month of the year is designated awareness month for various important and worthy causes, yet the saturation and fact that there are only 12 months and an unending number of charities leads to clutter. Quite often, many important issues are dwarfed by any organization who has had the means, commitment, and years of marketing to really capture the majority of the attention.
So how do we cut through the clutter?
So, what do we do to cut through that clutter, be heard, capture new long-term supporters and become connected to those who need it most? As someone who spends my days in PR and marketing, it’s been my job to find the way to outmaneuver the competition for years in the non-profit space, and I’ll tell you it’s not as easy as hosting an event or campaign.
The key to truly have a lasting impact is to build an ongoing, year-long narrative that doesn’t have long periods of darkness and spikes. This strategy goes for us as individuals as much as it does for the charities and organizations we support. We may not realize it because we are already engaged – reading, writing, and absorbing everything we can about the causes that impact us- but for our friends, colleagues and loved ones they need a different level of engagement. We can’t reach out to our friends once a year and ask them to donate or volunteer and then never let them know how we’re doing or what new advancements are made thanks to the donations they gave a year ago. We need to make it a point to educate and let those who’ve helped us know about progress.
Create an initiative that’s easy, free, and fun
Additionally, most organizations have signature events they hold annually. These are wonderful and tried and true but let’s be honest, ultimately, they’re pretty much the same events with a different theme and most people will sign-up for whatever one fits in their schedule if they don’t have a direct connection to the cause. The more we can do to differentiate and create unique awareness and fundraising opportunities the more we can capture advocates. This doesn’t have to be on a national scale, even locally individuals can conceive ideas that are effective and impactful on the general population.
One such personal example is something I did as a volunteer for a different cause that is dear to me – autism. I was volunteering for Autism Speaks many years ago and came up with an awareness initiative called Michigan is Listening in support of the organization’s tagline It’s Time to Listen. All that was required was for Michiganders to hold their hand up to their ear as if they were listening and point to where they were from on their hand (the pointing on the hand is a classic Michigander move). From there they posted the photo online and tagged themselves. That was it. The program took off and led to many destinations across the state wanting to be designated as Michigan is Listening official and ultimately evolved to the first Autism Friendly performance of Sesame Street Live ever. It was all started by volunteers and captured people’s attention regardless of their connection because it was easy, it was free, and it was fun. We even had people on the Great Wall of China capturing their Michigan is Listening pose.
Good ideas and the power to keep the story going
There is nothing that says a movement like that can be sparked by some creative advocates for any cause. All it takes is a good idea and the power to keep the story going. We, as those who are directly impacted by a disease, need to keep our brains working and think of ways we can spread our mission. We can’t rely on the national organizations to mix it up. They are going to keep doing what they do well and that’s ok, but we can provide an added component that can raise the message to a whole new level.
What we’ll likely find is more people have direct connections than anyone even realizes and then we can establish a movement that builds and grows from something small to game-changing all around. There’s no such thing as an impossible task, as Audrey Hepburn said, “The word itself says I’m Possible.”
This blog post originally ran on Psoriatic-Arthritis.com
Many of us use our advocacy and ambassadorships in support of non-profits that raise money for research or awareness of our causes. One of the biggest areas that these organizations often look for is help in getting corporate sponsorships to help underwrite or provide much needed funds annually.
Getting companies involved in your cause
Getting companies involved with your cause can be a difficult task to navigate. The larger the business, the more community service initiatives employees are asking them to support. How do you set yourself apart and get them to participate in support of PsA? The key is, what’s in it for them? That’s not to say that corporations are heartless and only care about themselves. In most cases, that’s far from true, but again they need to figure out why they should choose your event or fundraiser over another. The only way to select is truly to determine who gives the best case that lives at the intersection of social consciousness and business intent.
When looking at asking a company for corporate dollars or participation there are a few questions you must answer before putting together your pitch.
- Do they have a known interest or connection to the cause already?
- What other causes are they involved with and what is their commitment?
- What is the company culture?
- What kind of marketing exposure can you give them?
- What kind of access can you provide to potential ‘customers’ for them?
- What year over year opportunity is there to build the relationship?
From here you can craft your ask smartly and speak directly to the needs of the company. For example, if they are a business who struggles to get exposure, a sponsorship opportunity that includes an interview with a media partner may be incredibly appealing. If they are an organization that is looking for ways to team build, don’t just ask them to form a walk team. Instead, put together a competitive opportunity for employees to fundraise with a great pay-off. Maybe it’s as simple as winning fundraiser gets an extra day off or the boss has to go in a dunk tank. The ideas can be simple and fun, but they are often things companies haven’t had time to think of so give them the tools up front.
Keeping companies interested
Once you have them on-board show them the love! Pay attention to them at the event. Get lots of pictures, tag them and thank them on social media, give them a fun thank-you souvenir, bring bagels to the office for the staff. There’s any number of things you can do to show your appreciation beyond a standard note or certificate.
Don’t forget about them the rest of the year. Keep in touch, tell them what their support has done for the cause. Plan a mid-year get together ice cream social to connect and begin plans for the following year. Invite a key player to serve on a committee or board, when appropriate. Show them that their knowledge is valued. You would be amazed what this can do.
Remember what they do for a living – if they offer a service or product that could be of service of someone you know, make the introduction. Neglecting sponsors is one of the worst things that can happen for an organization. Just as we are out courting new companies to join our crusade, other entities are pitching our existing sponsors hoping to bring them over to theirs. The honeymoon can never be over with sponsors. They need to always remain top of mind.
Navigating corporate sponsorship can be tricky, but it can be so beneficial for everyone – especially the companies! So put together some ideas, get creative and go in for the ask. The Human Resource Directors will be beyond grateful, and you’ll likely not only capture the support of the business, but if done right, each employee will become personal ambassadors as well.
J.P.- The Voice of Detroit Nominated for Regional Emmy Award
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (May 16, 2017) — The JRT Agency is proud to announce its own Jamie McCarthy’s film J.P.- The Voice of Detroit is nominated for an Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Regional Emmy® Award.
The film, made in partnership with Detroit Public Television, takes viewers on a journey into the iconic career of broadcaster J.P. McCarthy, Jamie’s father. Comprised of personal interviews and anecdotes from fellow media legends, it highlights J.P.’s unmatched approach to the airwaves and the indelible mark he left on listeners.
“When we set out to make the film, I had two goals in mind. First and foremost, to create a tribute that truly captured my father’s professional spirit for both those who tuned in every morning and those who never had the opportunity to experience his magic,” said Jamie, JRT Chief Creative Officer- Innovation. “The second was to inspire fellow independent filmmakers and, of course, capture the attention of the Academy. I’m excited to say we have achieved both.”
Nominated in the Documentary- Cultural category, Jamie shares the nomination with fellow producers DPTV’s Fred Nahhat, Oliver Thornton and Matthew Stinson.
The partnership between Jamie and DPTV was a natural alliance for bringing history to life. “When Jamie came to us it was a no brainer. We knew we had to make this piece,” said Nahhat. “Taking this journey together combined with the outpouring of support and participation from the best in the business to share J.P.’s story was incredible.”
Already an accomplished filmmaker and lauded advertising executive, Jamie’s background matched with that of the renowned, talented DPTV team brought to life a documentary that is highly impactful. JRT Agency CEO Mark Bellissimo sees Jamie’s talent in action daily, “This nomination isn’t a surprise to us,” he said. “Jamie brings a powerful degree of storytelling and passion to all our work here at the agency. We are extremely proud of him and what he’s created.”
Viewers watching J.P.- The Voice of Detroit are transported back to where they woke up daily with J.P.’s, “Good Morning World,” greeting. Footage of the wall to wall St. Patrick’s Day parties packed to the gills, his philanthropic rallying cries for such charities as March of Dimes and beloved tributes from family and colleagues round out the hour.
The documentary originally aired on DPTV in 2016 and was shown again on St. Patrick’s Day 2017. The film can currently be streamed online via DPTV Passport or ordered through the website here.
The Regional Emmy® awards will be presented on June 10th at MotorCity Casino Sound Board. Interview opportunities with Jamie are available. For more information please contact Heidi Hedquist at 248.872.1022 or [email protected].
About Jamie McCarthy
Jamie McCarthy has made a career out of zigging when the rest of the world is zagging. His approach to all art, whether it be film, music, interactive media or brand advertising has always been inside out, upside down: Make the problem the solution and do it like no one has ever done it before.
It should come as no surprise that he has won awards for his creativity across multiple industries, from branded entertainment and technology applications at Cannes to Best Original Song at the Detroit Music Awards. all the way to creating a 2017 Regional Emmy® nominated documentary.
McCarthy feels most comfortable when he is putting himself in new and unfamiliar spaces to stretch his creative reach. He’s produced and directed work for some of the bigger names in the advertising world including: Nike, McDonalds, Samsung, Allstate, Chevrolet, Nintendo, MTV, Jeep, Dodge, Intel, Frito Lay and The California Milk Association.
He lives to challenge his contemporaries by remaining a true student of innovation and loves to be the first to jump into the creative unknown.
About the JRT Agency
The JRT Agency is a marketing communications firm that is pioneering an industry revolution as Creative Scientists. Driven by the power of everyday invention, this unique group of talented individuals is known for its strategic, cost-effective solutions to tough client challenges. JRT’s client base ranges across multiple verticals encompassing both B2B and B2C communications. These include, but are not limited to: automotive, energy, food and beverage, historical organizations, and consumer goods. For more information visit: www.thejrtagency.com.
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