/24-7PressRelease/ - SANTA MONICA, CA, February 03, 2008 - M. Hanks Gallery, specializing in African American Art, celebrated a milestone 20-year anniversary and honored the Martin Luther King holiday with its annual fundraiser on January 12, 2008. This year's event raised an impressive $16,000 to benefit the HeArt Project, a local non-profit organization.
By creatively linking overlooked teenagers in alternative high schools with professional artists, cultural centers and communities, the HeArt Project encourages its youth and their mentors to imagine, produce and present new work. By helping underserved young people in their quest to develop their artistic talents, the project supports M. Hanks Gallery's mission to demystify and increase awareness and understanding of art, and of African American Art in particular.
Each year, prior to the exhibit's public opening, the gallery holds a private "Masterpieces of African American Art" pre-reception to benefit a different charitable organization. On January 12th, in honor of its 20th anniversary, M. Hanks Gallery went all out in its annual philanthropic endeavor, and the HeArt Project was the recipient of this celebratory milestone event.
The aim of the exhibit isn't solely to raise money for a good cause, however. It is also hoped that African Americans who take pride in their heritage will spread the word about the fundraising event and, in so doing, help increase awareness of it. "This was the sixth year we had an event of this nature to raise money for a great cause," said Eric Hanks, M. Hanks Gallery founder. "100% of the ticket sales went directly to The HeArt Project, and we reached a significant milestone this year by raising $16,000 for this exceptional organization. I look forward to next year's event where we will pick a different organization that holds near and dear to my heart."
"I am truly grateful for the gallery's support of The HeArt Project," said Alberto Sanchez, a HeArt Project student. "I can honestly say that without them, I don't know where I would be as an artist. Each new lesson The HeArt Project helps me obtain is a mended feather on the wings of my artistic self."
To learn more about M. Hanks Gallery's passion for art, and African American art in particular, visit the art house online at http://www.mhanksgallery.com. Interested media may arrange a meeting with gallery executives by calling (772) 633-8337.
About M. Hanks Gallery
Founded by Eric Hanks, M. Hanks Gallery boasts a 20-year reputation for providing premium-quality fine art, superior service and solid integrity. Born of a desire to demystify art as a whole and to increase awareness and understanding of African American art in particular, the gallery annually runs a "Masterpieces of African American Art" exhibition to benefit various charitable organizations.
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