For such a small state, New Jersey seems to provide fodder for a many television shows among them The Sopranos, Jerseylicious, Cake Boss, “Real “Housewives of NJ,Boardwalk Empire (although not shot in the Garden State) and of course my personal “favorite,” The Jersey Shore (which unfortunately is)....
if there must be a “Reality” Television show about women from New Jersey, it should include inspiring people like my friend Laura Brunetti. I have known Laura since we attended High School together in Northern New Jersey. Laura and her husband, John, now call Monmouth County and the Miami area, home.
Laura has founded a program called Caring Canvas where she and a group of dedicated volunteers organize cultural events to give local artists a venue in which to market themselves while benefitting selected charities from the sale of their work.
Caring Canvas events are held in a variety of open spaces in Monmouth County where Laura creates an inviting and welcoming presentation down to the smallest detail with lighting and music to showcase the art in the best possible manner.
According to Susan Belfer, Communications and Public Relations Director for the Caring Canvas, “These events are open to the public…but collectors such as financiers, socialites, politicos, corporate executives real-estate moguls and celebrities (there have been half a dozen so far) frequent Brunetti’s events…and thus the shows garner media attention, drawing together the community for a good cause.”
Asbury Park Mayor Ed Johnson standing under "Tree of Life"
The Caring Canvas also helps those in need by visiting local hospitals and organizing special events and summer camps for at-risk youth like a recent occasion in Newark, New Jersey where 100 autistic children, age five through nine, were taught to paint.
A recent event in Asbury Park featured Cuban-born Contemporary Painter, Josignacio, presenting his 8 X 9 original triptych titled Tree of Life. This extraordinary work, with an estimated value of $180,000, was dedicated by its creator to the children of this Jersey Shore city during a formal ceremony held earlier this month.http://www.prlog.org/11722296-miami-artist-josignacios-tree-of-life-stands-tall-in-asbury-park-nj.html
“[The events] inspire others to give,” notes Belfer, further adding, “It helps them to recognize that people need help. We’ve seen that the shows have a pay-it-forward type of message.”
On her own time, Laura is often found mentoring children in Miami and New Jersey, volunteering with Alzheimer’s patients at the Jersey Shore Genesis Center and has donated artwork to the Center in Asbury, a facility that provides housing for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Laura mentoring some young friends
I thank Laura and Susan for all the great things they do for others. I would love to be able to partner up with them for a publishing or art project sometime in the future! Happy Thanksgiving...
Susan Belfer and Laura Brunetti at a recent book signing
To learn more about Laura and the scope of her work please visithttp://www.lestrellastudio.com
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