February's post is short and sweet, basically a follow-up on January's, in which I asked for advice for donating 1) a percentage of my 2023 art earnings to an environmental group and 2) all earnings in 2024 from my "Minds of Their Own" print to a group working to improve American democracy. Thanks for the suggestions! After much research and contemplation, I chose the following:
1) Cornell Lab of Ornithology got a percentage of my earnings from last year because I love their Merlin app. I use it all the time, and it has helped me learn so much about birds in my area. It's free and easy to use. Check it out here: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/
I firmly believe that the more humans get to know about other species and their lives, the more they will care about them. As Cornell Lab says, "We explore the origins of biodiversity and how organisms function in nature. Our scientists and engineers apply innovative technologies to record and interpret sounds of wildlife. We partner with local communities and organizations around the world to tell compelling stories about pressing conservation issues." Doesn't that sound like something worth supporting? I think so.
2) Represent Us will receive all proceeds from my "Minds of Their Own" print in 2024. I completely agree with their assessment of our broken, corrupt political system and their approach to fixing it. As a former teacher, I find their videos well-made and powerful because they're so good at breaking down complex concepts. Don't just take my word for it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfQij4aQq1k&t=715s
I've got two versions of "Minds of Their Own" at my own website: https://thimbleberrystudios.com/products/minds-of-their-own-handmade-print
and at my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThimbleberryArt
Version 1:
Version 2:
Thanks for reading this far. I appreciate you being here. Here's to better days!
Darby