August 05, 2006
Baxton Benefit Auction
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and ICE AGE art director Brian McEntee writes to let me know of a good cause that's bringing the animation community together. Martha Baxton, the longtime secretary of the CalArts Character Animation program, has been going through difficult times following a stroke that her husband Larry suffered. Former students are rallying together and holding a benefit auction next month to raise funds for her husband's hospital bills. Martha is fondly remembered by CalArts grads, who call her the "backbone" and "heart and soul" of the animation program, and describe her as "the den mother" to the animation students.
The auction website has details about how to contribute artwork for the event. Here's a bit more about the auction from the website:
There really are people in this world who give & give, never asking for anything in return. Martha Baxton is one of those people, and she has helped countless character animators start their careers. Martha did not give us art instructions, but what she gave us all was maybe more important: love, support and friendship. For countless students, there is simply no way we could have made it through CalArts without her.Now, after doing so much for us, our friend needs help. Through our auction we hope to raise funds to help her pay off her husband's mounting hospital bills. Be prepared to dig into your wallets to give what you can. It's payback time for Larry & Martha!
(Auction poster above by Elizabeth Ito and Pen Ward)