Artists
How to Participate
We are always striving to grow our artist network. If you are a portrait artist and would like to become involved, this page should answer most of your questions. Also, don’t hesitate to contact Christine Ilewski at director@facesnotforgotten.com.
Your artistic contribution is a meaningful way to make a difference to the families involved as well as to the cause to fight gun violence against children.
FAQs
What is the project all about?
The Faces project was started by artist, Christine Ilewski. She began painting portraits of children who have died from victims of gun violence in memory of Lorenzo Rosebaugh. It is her hope that by putting a face to these victims, we can raise awareness about gun violence in the USA.
This effort doesn’t happen without a large network of artists. When you join us – to do one portrait or more – you are doing something to relieve the suffering of the victim’s family as well as helping to raise gun violence awareness.
How can I help?
You will be mailed a photo of a child who has died as a result of gun violence and will be asked to make a representational portrait of that child. The portrait ( a representational head and shoulders, size 9″ x 11″) goes to the family as a gift. Send a .jpg file of your portrait for documentation and three digital copies of your original portrait to Christine to be made into a Face on a handkerchief. These will join our collection of “Faces” for traveling exhibits.
Can I use any medium?
The portrait given to the family should be two dimensional, representational, head and shoulders, 8.5″x11″ in the media of your choice (watercolor, acrylic, oil, pencil, pastel)
Can I keep the portrait?
No. You will be donating your original portrait to the victim’s family. The “copy” will become a Face on a Handkerchief and will join the traveling exhibition. You will be given credit for this portrait and listed as one of the exhibiting artists.
How long can I keep the photo and work on the portrait?
We ask that you complete the portrait within one month from receiving the photo of the victim.
Where do I send a high resolution .jpg of the finished artwork?
You will be sending a high-resolution .jpg of the finished portrait to:
Christine Ilewski –director@facesnotforgotten.com
Will I be reimbursed for paint, canvas, art supplies, and postage cost?
Because of our small operating budget, we are able to provide a $30 stipend for each portrait. We know this isn’t much and hope to increase this amount. We appreciate you taking the time, money and talent to do the portrait for the family and adding to our traveling quilts. Please know that you are doing something to relieve the suffering of the victim’s family as well as helping to raise gun violence awareness.
What happens to the portrait/face?
We will send your original portrait to the victim’s family. Then your portrait interpretation Face may be exhibited in a gallery as we intend to take this project nationally. We are currently expanding the project to other cities.
Do I have to frame the portrait?
Framing your portrait is not required, but you are free to do so if you want.
Can I meet the victim’s family?
Possibly. We exhibit our quilts in several states each year. We invite the artist and the victims’ families to the openings. Please include a business card or your contact information along with your portrait. We will pass your contact information on the victim’s family if you wish.
I know someone whose child was a victim of gun violence. Who do I contact to have their portrait done?
They can submit a portrait request here. We are asking that all children be under the age of 20 and that the families send a CLEAR photo of their loved one. Blurry images cannot be accepted.
Can I sell my portrait?
No. All portraits are donated to the victim’s family. We also strictly enforce that no profit is to be made from the sale of these portraits.
Can I post my portrait on social media?
Yes – definitely! Feel free to share your work on Facebook, Instagram, etc. This will help increase public awareness regarding gun violence in this country.