My name is Paul Lazes and, although I am from Long Island and have spent most of my life in Manhattan – where there are many strong women, I'm struck by how many strong, independent women live on Martha's Vineyard. I've lived here for 17 years.
This project is to honor some of these dynamic Vineyard women, each of whom possesses striking and unique qualities and all of whom share common traits: They are strong and independent, and they exude entrepreneurial spirit. This display of 50 life-size portraits will fill an entire hallway at Martha's Vineyard Hospital, which houses the largest collection of art on the Island. The Tough Chicks portraits will be part of the Hospital's Permanent Art Collection.
The Collection will be seen by thousands of people – staff, visitors, and patients, who hopefully might be cheered up and perhaps even inspired by these images of bright, strong women.
The hospital does not pay for its art. Artists donate their work and finance their own production and installation. My costs will be $6,000.
If we don't reach my goal of $6,000, I will continue my efforts to raise the money required to execute the work. If I exceed my goal, I will put the funds toward publication of a book of the images.
If you cannot afford to contribute to this campaign, please share this with anyone you know who might be interested in contributing.
Many thanks,
Paul Lazes