Combining My Two Passions — Art and Giving Back

When I first met actor Gary Sinise two years ago, he became my new hero. The Gary Sinise Foundation raises money to build smart homes for seriously injured returning war veterans. Ever since I met Mr. Sinise, I had this vision of raising tens of thousands of dollars for the Foundation. This would combine two things that I am passionate about — painting, and giving back. But when the task seemed impossible, I kept putting it out of my mind. but it never went away and kept gnawing at me. But on Memorial Day, I decided to finally take some action to make that dream a reality. It’s such a tiny baby step, but most dreams have humble beginnings, and we all have to start somewhere.

Gary Sinise and Debbie Viola
Gary Sinise and Debbie Viola
Patriotic Art by Debbie Viola to benefit the Gary Sinise Foundation
Patriotic Art by Debbie Viola to benefit the Gary Sinise Foundation

4X4 FLAGS & HEARTS TOP VIEW

4x4 Heart by Debbie Viola

Gallery of Flags & Hearts

Side View Collection

Stack of 4x12 Flags

Stack of Flags by Debbie Viola

Stack of Hearts

 

So I began painting abstract American flags on tiny canvases. Then I painted some red/white/blue hearts. Then I pulled out some rectangle canvases and made more American flags. I knew I scooped up all these canvases and stashed them away for a reason! I posted pictures on Facebook (http://facebook.com/ArtbyDebbieViola) and Instagram (@artbydebbieviola) and they’re being very well received! In fact, shortly after posting, I made my FIRST SALE!!!!

So here’s the deal — 50% of proceeds from the sale of my Patriotic Series will be donated to the Gary Sinise Foundation. Whether it’s a 4″x4″, or whether a corporation commissions me to create a 40′ x 40′ piece of Americana inspired art for thousands of dollars, half of it will be donated. I started by creating some tiny, affordable paintings, and will be adding more sizes and shapes. The first round are perfect for your desk, a gallery wall, teacher’s gift (add a “You’re My Hero” tag!!), Father’s Day Gift, hostess gift for your next BBQ, the ideas are endless. Special request? Just let me know.

The rectangle flag paintings are 4″ x 12″ with hints of gold or silver. The squares are 4″ x 4″, all with touches of gold and signed in gold. Eventually they will be up on my website, www.debbieviola.com, and my Instagram account, @artbydebbieviola, as well as my Business page, http://www.Facebook.com/ArtbyDebbieViola. Please send me a message (debbie@debbieviola.com) to let me know which ones you want. Let’s get this patriotic party started!! I will be adding on a regular basis.

To learn more about this wonderful Foundation:
https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/