Darien artist donates 20 original paintings to auction to benefit Corbin Cares
DARIEN — Many residents and organizations are stepping up in creative and thoughtful ways to help others during the coronavirus crisis. Beloved Darien artist Nobu Miki is no exception. In partnership with
Miki has put up 20 of her paintings for online auction to benefit seniors and food insecure families in Darien. All of the proceeds will go toward the provision of healthy, restaurant-prepared meals via The Darien Foundation and Corbin Cares.
“I watch TV every day and see healthcare providers battling the coronavirus. I felt so helpless and wondered if there was anything I could do. Around then,
Editor Susan Shultz asked me if I might consider painting something to help the community,” Miki said.
Miki explained that Shultz’s idea prompted her to paint the centerpiece of her collection, entitled “Hope.” She was so inspired by this initiative that she decided to donate 100 percent of the proceeds for that painting, as well as nearly her entire collection, for the cause.
“I thought, this is a moment I could give back to community and decided to donate 20 paintings, which are all I have at my studio right now,” she said. “Artists can’t save lives, but we can inspire people through art.”
Sarah Woodberry, executive director of the Darien Foundation, said, “We were awestruck by the profound generosity displayed by Nobu.
“This time has brought out so much caring, creativity and compassion in our community. We are thankful to Nobu, and we know that her painting will bring so much joy to the winning bidders.”
David Genovese of Baywater Properties praised her generosity.
“We have known Nobu for many years and worked with her in creating Art on the Plaza, the annual art show featuring local artists on Grove Street Plaza. Her art so beautifully reflects the community of Darien, both physically and spiritually. We are grateful for Nobu’s contributions to the cause of Corbin Cares,” said Genovese.
Residents can bid on any of Miki’s modern folk-art paintings through 11 a.m. Sunday, April 26. All winning bids and donations are tax-deductible and will come with a tax-acknowledgment receipt.
The Corbin Cares initiative launched on Monday,
March 30, and provides about 40 healthy, ready-toeat lunches prepared by local restaurants each day for seniors, as well as substantial dinners for 75 families suffering from food insecurity due to economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
To visit the online auction, see and bid on paintings, visit: bit.ly/CCAuctionNobu
Originally from Tokyo, self-taught artist Nobu Miki also teaches classes at the senior center. Miki’s signature modern folk-art style is characterized by a “primitive style and bright colors.” For more information on Nobu Miki, visit: www.artbynobu.com/about
The Darien Foundation is an independent, community-based, 501(c)(3) public charity. Since 1998, it has funded $4.5 million in grants for technology and capital initiatives, which create opportunity for Darien’s youth, support the town’s safety and security services, and enhance the overall quality of life in Darien. For more information about The Darien Foundation, visit darienfoundation.org
Corbin Cares, with the support of the community, will work with The Darien Foundation, The Community Fund of Darien, The Darien Lions Club, Food Rescue US and several local restaurants to have healthy, ready-to-eat meals delivered to those in the community who are food insecure and to our hospital and healthcare workers during this battle with Covid-19.
So far, Corbin Cares has provided 788 meals within Darien. Next week, the total will be over 1,000 meals.
For more info, visit www.thecorbindistrict.com /corbin-cares/