Artists/galleries come together to aid leukemia victim

Art Business News, Sept, 2005

VENICE, FL -- More than 75 creators of wildlife and Western American art have come together, donating paintings and sculptures for two benefit events in aid of fellow artist Paco Young, who is battling Leukemia. With 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Young family, artists Clyde Aspevig, Robert Bateman, John Banovich, Terry Issac, Bob Kuhn, Daniel Smith and John Seerey-Lester have contributed to the events.

"Paco, Toni and Graham (wife and son) are special people and are in need of our help," says John Seerey-Lester, coordinator of the events. "Paco has been a plein air painting buddy of mine for more than 15 years and I know through his and his family's strength and determination, he will be out there again painting up a storm very soon. In the meantime, he has to get through this, his hardest 'field trip,' and with everyone's help and the success of these benefits, their burden will be eased."

The first of the two events, took place at the Trailside Galleries, Jackson Hole, WY, with a show that ran through August. The second event will be a live auction at Gallery Jamel in Waldorf, MD, this month. Bids for the auction will also be accepted by phone and the Internet.

Kim Fletcher, director of Trailside Galleries, says, "Paco Young began showing with Trailside in 1991. Since that time, he has become one of our top-selling wildlife painters, but more importantly, he has become one of our closest friends. We have all been inspired by Paco's courage and Toni's strength in Paco's battle with Leukemia. It was an honor for us to host this fundraiser, which was a collective effort of so many that wish to have a positive effect on Paco's fight."

Helen Farmer, owner of Galleries Jamel, says, "This auction is truly a labor of love. Toni, Paco and Graham have been friends for a long time, and our hope is to put on an extraordinary event to help them get through this difficult time."

For more information, call 941-966-2163; visit www.GalleryJamel.com, www.Trailsidegalleries.com, www.Seerey-Lester.com or www.pacofriendsforlife.com.