Coffee Art & Cards, a Gift that Keeps on Giving!

To purchase coffee art and cards click Here

 

My coffee art was inspired by a desire to give back to the coffee community, especially the families at the origin countries that are growing the coffee. After traveling to dozens of countries that produce the coffee beans and volunteering for Grounds for Health, my world view of agriculture and its social and economic community has been drastically altered. My husband, Dan Cox, his company, Coffee Enterprises and our many coffee friends, all along the coffee chain have been catalysts for positive change. Under every sip of coffee are important human stories.

Any sale of coffee art or cards will generate a donation to Grounds for Health, Food4Farmers and International Women's Coffee Alliance to help fund their valuable programs. Make life better for coffee families and feel good about drinking that wonderful cup of Coffee!

To learn about these not for profit organizations please go to their websites below:

Grounds For Health
International Women's Coffee Alliance
Food 4 Farmers

To purchase coffee art please go to:

Casey Blanchard Coffee Art Link

National Coffee Association, 102nd Conference held in San Francisco, California

                                                             National Coffee Association

       

So many wonderful memories, walking in the glorious Redwoods in the Mill Valley and visiting our friends, the Baldwin’s in Glen Ellen wine country (founder of Starbucks).  Yet, the highlight of the NCA convention for me was the International Women’s Coffee Alliance and guest speaker, Grace Hightower De Niro, ( yes, the wife of  Robert De Niro).

Grace told her compelling story about growing up on a farm in Missouri in the 50’s and 60’s and years later being in NYC at a fundraiser that lead her to the coffee lands of Rwanda. The connection and Grace’s desire to improve the quality of their lives, was powerful enough to evolve into her own brand of fair trade coffee that is currently sold at Whole Foods supermarkets. From actress, singer and Mother, to a successful coffee philanthropist!  Grace’s love and dedication to empowering women worldwide led her to launch Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda, with the mission of enhancing the lives of the Rwanda people by providing opportunities to market their unique products to the world.

Art & Healing go hand in hand!

              Gifts of Art

The University of Michigan Health Systems really walks the talk when it comes to the power of art to enlighten the healing process. I am pleased to be a part of the “Gifts of Art” exhibit being held now until June 10^th, at The University Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Gifts of Art brings the world of art and music to patients, visitors and staff at the University of Michigan Health System. One of the first of its kind nationwide, this comprehensive program has been developed to enhance the Health System’s commitment to providing an enriching and comforting environment to assist the healing process. If you happen to be in Ann Harbor, Michigan please take a moment to view my artwork, “Behind the Veil”, UH main corridor Floor 2. 

BEHIND THE VEIL: MONOPRINT & MIXED MEDIA

 Casey Blanchard is a monoprint and mixed media artist living in Vermont. During her travels, Blanchard considers no found object too grand or insignificant for expression in the printing medium. She finds the process of monoprinting to be engaging, fluid, unpredictable and fun. It is the mysteries behind the frayed veil, the torn edge and the unspoken word that intrigue her. Blanchard hopes to wake up the viewer’s perception, encouraging in them reflection, exploration and a connection to meaning. She uses organic materials in her artwork to help draw people to their natural, healthy and whole state. Blanchard has been involved in arts in healthcare both nationally and internationally. Online gallery here.

Gifts of Art Gallery – University Hospital Main Corridor, Floor 2

1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

On display April 15-June 10, 2013

Open Daily 8am-8pm

                                                  

 

Healing Communities Through Art!

      The 24th Annual International Conference for The Global Alliance for Arts & Health was held on April 11 and 12th at Washington D.C. in the National Museum of The American Indian. This was my first conference with this organization and it was filled with fascinating presenters from around the planet, as well as inspiring stories about art and healing.

Donna Glassford, Interim Director with Casey

Robert Gupta performs at the Founder Street Symphony!

         








The Conference provides a forum for hundreds of leaders in arts & health, including artist, creative art therapist, art directors, healthcare providers, architects, designers, educators and researchers, to present and discuss innovative developments in the use of arts and health to heal communities.

And who could resist the full bloom cherry blossoms
and the 92 degree weather!

One of our great hero's, Martin Luther King

Coffee, Coffee!!

Our own Green Mountain Coffee Roasters was the host sponsor this year at the 25th Annual Specialty Coffee Association of America Conference! Over 9,300 coffee professionals from around the world attended this convention. Many languages, cultures and a vibrant gathering with coffee on their minds! From education, training, barista competitions, to equipment and exhibitions, its a happening scene.
Joining my husband Dan, (Mr.Coffee to some) owner of Coffee Enterprise, I decided to test the market with my monoprint coffee note cards and had a lot of fun while receiving feedback. A great beginning!  Both Grounds for Health and Food4Farmers were there to receive the benefits of future card sales.

Left to Right: Suzanne Germain, Sarah Miles, August Burns, Jane Dale, Katherine Parcell, Casey Blanchard & Rebecca Singer

Casey & Bill Mares, author, educator & board member at Food 4 Farmers booth

Dan Cox, Casey Blanchard, Helen & Donald Schoenholt

What does this have to do with SCAA? A bed in the lobby of the Westin Seaport? We will never tell, write your own ending!