Good Morning,

I am a Guatemalan Artist in Canada. I am wondering if your space would want to be part of a project I've been Working on.

This is my largest painting to date. It spans roughly four feet by five feet. I want to give it away in a raffle to anyone that shares a smile.

This year being in a position of comfort, it pained me greatly to see everyone around me struggling with the rising costs of everything. Being from Guatemala I have a deep knowledge of plants and how to cultivate them. I volunteered my time at a giant garden in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, operated by the local food bank. I realized that I was focusing on the wrong things, while it was great to feed people, as a painter I couldn't stand by and not feed their souls. Given that fine Art is mostly out of reach from the working class, I decided that I would rather "sell" my painting for smiles. I want to provide people struggling for survival, to have some kind of hope.

In our politicized world it is hard to be kind to others and not guarded. What we need is community and unity. I feel like this project gets at the core of what future artists will provide the world. If you would like I can provide files for ready-to-print media including a poster with a QR code and printable raffle tickets from anyone that does not have a 'smart' telephone. As well as the poem about the painting.

I will be in the Bay Area during Nov.8th-Nov.23rd promoting my Art and the seven works of writing I completed during COVID lockdowns in Canada, while also working on my stand-up comedy and music at any open mics I can get into.

I would be happy to give a brief Artists talk outlining the project and the future role of Artists as we fight to stay relevant in a world where AI threatens all our livelihoods.

Attached are some media provided to me from the Saskatoon food bank while my painting was in their space.

 It's not required, but as a working Artist I would greatly appreciate any honorarium (if your organization can afford it) to help me with my travel expenses and shipping cost for the painting.

Let me know your thoughts,

Sincerely,

Jared Armando Sofoifa

ps I'm the one in the pink hat. Also attached some additional paintings of mine.