The stage glittered with star power and wet paint as legends Stephen Tyler, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Einstein, courtesy of the flying brushes of David Garibaldi, joined the Farnham Unplugged at 40: Rock the Arts Halloween Bash.
Garibaldi, a splashing, smearing, smudging, music-infused performance painter, thrilled the packed house in the American Foundry on Saturday night as the featured artist for Farnham’s fundraiser. While the music of each artist rocked the rafters of the Foundry, Garibaldi danced, jumped, threw and skillfully massaged the paint onto black, oversized canvases into each likeness.
When Garibaldi took the stage he thanked Farnham for having him back and for the opportunity to help support them. Then he launched immediately into his artistic frenzy, resulting in three paintings. Each painting he created onstage became a fundraising tool for the organization, as they were either given to lucky raffle winners or handed out during the live auction at the end of the night.
Farnham Family Services Executive Director Jeanne Unger lauded all the efforts of the Farnham staff and acknowledged the continued commitment of the community to fighting the disease of addiction. “Back in 1971, 40 years ago, the understanding of alcohol and drugs was a lot different than it is now…One thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to this community to continue to provide the services that we do,” Unger said. “Prevention does work, treatment is effective and people do recover from this chronic treatable brain disease known as addiction.”
The event was emceed by the American Foundry’s Tom Ciappa. Musical artists including Vitamin X, Doc Apples, and The Love Volcanoes entertained the crowd as the costumed audience members made the silent bids on pieces of art donated by artisans from all over Oswego County. Framed photos, paintings, a guitar and a metal wine rack was sculptured to resemble grape vines and leaves were some of the items on display up for bid to bring extra money to the community organization.
Established in 1971, Farnham Family Services is a United Way agency that offers prevention services, school-based student assistance and treatment services to all residents of Oswego and surrounding counties. All services are licensed by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. Farnham's professionally certified staff is comprised of competent and skillful individuals who are continually updated with training through conferences and workshops.
Families or individuals interested in learning more about Farnham Family Services please call (315) 342-4489 or visit them online at www.farnhaminc.org.
