NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / February 23, 2021 / Teen art wunderkind, Evan Sharma, is launching the CovART Challenge, a fine art auction and challenge. The goal of the international auction is to donate 250,000 meals to children in Africa whose food supply and education have been devastated by COVID-19.
While Africa has had a lower incidence of COVID-19 than some developed nations, their food and lack of educational infrastructure is creating a "lost generation" of children. And with vaccines potentially needing cold-chain supply logistics, coordinated vaccination throughout Africa may take upwards of 2-3 years.
Sharma, who grew up hearing stories of the richness of Africa from two of his grandparents who were born there, decided to help. Having previously raised over $60,000 for various charities, he decided to roll up his sleeves and create the project.
"To me, helping other people is the most important thing someone can do. I am incredibly grateful for these world-class artists who have agreed to participate in the challenge. It is all about trying to make a difference in the lives of children who need our help," said the 17-year-old Sharma. "I am also thrilled to collaborate with Flying Kites and HATCH on this project."
Drive Carefully Me – a Paul Newman Portrait
The event will start with Sharma auctioning off Drive Carefully Me – a Paul Newman portrait, then challenging 20 other notable artists to do the same. The 2-week challenge will end with the release of Sharma's 46664 – a portrait of iconic South African leader, Nelson Mandela.
Sharma finishes 46664 – a portrait of Nelson Mandela
"Flying Kites is thrilled for the opportunity to partner with Evan and participate in his incredible vision of the CovART challenge," stated Leila De Bruyne, Executive Director of Flying Kites. "He's an example of the hope and optimism that embodies this new generation of global change-makers – and we are grateful to the team of artists he has assembled to positively impact the students we serve."
The Challenge will go live on February 23rd at noon EST and remain live for 2 weeks, ending on March 9th.
To learn more about the CovART Challenge, please visit: www.covartchallenge.com
About Evan Sharma
Evan Sharma is a fast-rising neo-expressionist artist who first received acclaim when, at 12, he was accepted into Canada's largest juried art fair. Evan's work explores solving global challenges from the perspective of both art and science and incorporates some of his experience as an award-winning environmental researcher. Evan's work is now being acquired by collectors from NYC, LA, Toronto and Dubai.
About the CovART Challenge
The CovART Challenge is a fine art auction started by teen artist Evan Sharma to raise funds for children in Africa affected by COVID-19. Partners include Flying Kites and the HATCH Experience. Funds raised for the challenge will help provide 250,000 meals for vulnerable children.
About Flying Kites
Flying Kites is a non-profit organization that believes that the path out of poverty is through education. Their core mission is to transform primary education in rural Kenya. Key initiatives include the creation of the Flying Kites Teacher Training Center and Academy and their School Network – a partnership with Kenya's Ministry of Education to assist under-resourced rural schools. A recent campaign from Flying Kites provided over 6.4 million meals to those in need.
Contact Information
Blake Wynn
info@covartchallenge.com
(613) 483-9353
SOURCE: CovART Challenge
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https://www.accesswire.com/630819/Teen-Art-Phenomenon-Launches-Fine-Art-Challenge-to-Help-Africans-Affected-by-COVID-19
