CELEBRATE THE COLORFUL CAREER
OF SEATTLE ARTIST BUDDY FOLEY
AT A FESTIVE FUNDRAISING EVENT
Thursday July 28 at CONWORKS
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For the better part of four decades, Buddy Foley has
maintained a colorful presence in Seattle's arts community.
A recent debilitating illness has left Foley in financial peril. His plight
was chronicled in the local media, which won him a temporary reprieve
from imminent eviction from his familiar Interbay studio, Foley now
faces daunting expenses related to back rent, utilities, and medical bills.
A group of Foley's friends has organized a benefit event to assist him on
Thursday, July 28 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
at Consolidated Works, 500 Boren Street
 


An accomplished visual artist, musician, designer and pop culture archivist, Foley
has maintained his Bohemian existence primarily by selling ladybugs and vintage
educational books from his roadside studio. His countless contributions to our
cultural environment include participation in major projects at the Seattle Art
Museum, Kirkland Art Center, CoCA among many others. His broad range of
experience and infectious enthusiasm has enabled him to facilitate an enormous
number of memorable artistic activities throughout the region. Foley frequently
acts behind the scenes without regard for personal or professional recognition.
Buddy Foley is deserving of the unequivocal support of the entire arts community.



The benefit event at Consolidated Works on July 28 which generously donated
use of their spacious facility - promises to be a lively tribute to Foley's many
contributions to our regions culture. For a modest contribution of $25 to the
Buddy Foley Fund at the door, patrons will view a display of the artists impressive
array of memorabilia, as well as his exquisite artworks. Entertaining videos by Foley
and Paul Dorpat will be screened, documenting artistic milestones from Seattle's past.
Musical entertainment will be provided, and proceeds from a no-host bar will benefit
the Foley Fund. Reservations are not required, and all ages are welcome.



Foley's predicament has spurred a group of local artists, patrons and activists to
examine the feasibility of forming a foundation with the goal of assisting artists
facing similar circumstances. With a demographic bulge of artists entering the
later phases of their careers - and a corresponding potential for financial and
health crises that may soon confront this population - an urgent need exists in
our region to provide emergency assistance for mid- and late-career artists.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that this issue may be particularly acute in
Seattle, where the dramatic increase in the cost of living over the past
decade leaves many working artists at risk. An organization such as
the one proposed would greatly benefit the health and welfare
of our cultural environment.
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