Save the Date…Sunday, July 19, the c.nichols project hosts a fundraiser and art reception benefiting the Nepal earthquake survivors.

“Nepal really needs help on all fronts at this time,” said Santa Monica resident Michelle Page who was recently feared dead by many of her friends (including me) since she was MIA in the days after the earthquake hit in Nepal.

She continued, “Nepal will especially need shelter, as this is monsoon season. I don’t want people to forget Nepal. Aftershocks, landslides and deprivation continue to be a problem in the quake area. 2.5 million people are homeless.

With the help of Christine Nichols, Michelle and various friends are organizing the fundraiser with sincere hopes of raising much needed financial help for the Nepali people. 100% of the proceeds from the entrance fee ($20 suggested donation) and the silent auction will go to two 501(c) charities.

Local resident Susan Klos has known Page for over twenty years. “I’ve gone to Nepal three times with my dear friend, Michelle Page,” said Klos. “Her unwavering love and dedication to the people of Nepal can be appreciated in her “micro finance through art patronage” Danger Dog project, which employs many gifted sign artists and helps to preserve the folk art of this third world country. Her fascinating blogs share and promote her personal experiences and the wonderful culture of Nepal as her commissioned Danger Dog signs come to life. Nepal and its people are blessed to have Michelle as their benefactor.”

See image: Katmandu after the quake

Founder of Danger Dogs from Nepal, MIchelle Page travels to Kathmandu two times a year. She hires Nepali artists to create personal pet signs made to order (from a photo of her customer’s furry friend). She just happened to be there, meeting with some of her artists when the earthquake hit.

Michelle and Christine (gallery owner) first met through Danger Dogs. Michelle explained, “Christine ordered a portrait of her adorable Chihuahua, Matilda, from my Fair Trade art project, (the Danger Dogs from Nepal). When she heard of the quake she immediately offered her gallery for a fundraiser to help Nepal.”

Nichols said she was happy to host the event at her gallery.”I love Michele’s project of working with the sign-painters in Nepal, added Nichols. ” think she is amazingly kind, compassionate and fair with them. I had traveled to Nepal many years ago with a dear friend in the public health sector, and found the Nepalis loving and warm, but all of that was coupled with a terrific sense of humor. Our benefit and space is small, but Michele’s commitment to the land and it’s people is huge. She inspired me to open up our gallery, hearts and wallets to help her (Michele) help her dear friends and artists.”

See image: Artist Maharjan creating a Danger Dog

Two nonprofits have been chosen to benefit from the July 19 fundraiser, Portal Bikes and Waves for Water. “I chose Portal Bikes because before the earthquake their mission was to give jobs and employment to Nepalis, a cause dear to my heart,” said Michelle.  To date they have supplied over 3200 shelters and housed an estimated 11,000 people. You can watch the homes go up on Facebook.

Page added, “Christine is a big fan of Waves for Water and has had benefits for them in the past. They had already had a project planned to start in Nepal in June.”

The event will feature Danger Dogs for sale on the back patio, live music from Nepali musicians, a silent auctions featuring all sorts of merchandise from Nepal as well as cashmere blankets and perks from local retailers. Food and drink from local restaurants.

See image: Katmandu after the quake

100% of the proceeds from the entrance fee ($20 suggested donation) and the silent auction will go to these two 501(c) charities.

For more info about Danger Dogs of Nepal, visit the website at http://nepaldog.com/

What: Fundraiser/Art Party
Where: c.nichols projects, 12613 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
When: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Phone: (310) 915-1930
Website: http://www.cnicholsproject.com/