Kayak Art Proceeds Benefit Human Trafficking Organization
Muskegon, MI – Audrey Link, kayak sculpture artist of “Life on the Lakeshore”, announced her decision to donate all of the proceeds received from her life size kayak sculpture to the Lakeshore Human Trafficking Task Force.
Link went into the kayak sculpture project , which launched this summer, knowing she wanted her art to benefit a local non-profit. For Link, that non-profit was Lakeshore Human Trafficking Task Force, a local organization working to support survivors of trafficking. This is an organization that is close to Link’s heart.
“I chose Lakeshore Human Trafficking Task Force because it is an organization that can do a lot of good and this community needs it,” says Link. “Most people think human trafficking refers to just sex trafficking but there are many other forms like labor trafficking for example. My goal is to create more awareness in the community.”
Link, who is a graphic designer and owner of Max Graphics, worked on her kayak sculpture for well over 80 hours.
Hemisphere Design Works, formerly known as KL Outdoor, made the project possible by providing the nine kayaks for “invited” Michigan artists to create kayak sculptures. They also purchased Link’s kayak sculpture.
The organization knew they wanted to purchase one of the kayak sculptures going into the project. After an office poll, they chose Link’s kayak to purchase which is now displayed in their office on Terrace Point in Downtown Muskegon. The kayak sculpture project was one way the community is celebrating Hemisphere Design Works decision to locate their corporate headquarters in Muskegon.
The nine kayak sculptures were displayed at various locations along W. Western Avenue and Clay Street as part of Lakeshore Art Festival. Link’s kayak sculpture was located at 1st and Western by the Western Market Chalets.
“We are thankful that this kayak sculpture project brought art to our downtown as well as provided a significant benefit to a local non-profit,” says Carla Flanders, Executive Director of the Lakeshore Art Festival.
On Wednesday, Link along with members of the Lakeshore Human Trafficking Task Force and Hemisphere Design Works gathered for the removal and “hand-off” of the kayak. Tracy Lamper from Hemisphere Design Works on left; Audrey Link, Kayak Sculpture Artist on right
Link stated, “It was like Christmas coming downtown the day all the kayaks were getting installed. And now, I am so excited that my art is being put on display permanently at Hemisphere Design Works.”
The kayak proceeds were $1,600. The funds will go to a variety of things through the Lakeshore Human Trafficking Task Force including but not limited to survivors being able to attend a human trafficking conference, support for awareness events, and supplies.
If you are interested in learning more about the Lakeshore Human Trafficking Task Force, visit www.lhttf.org.
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About the Lakeshore Art Festival – The Lakeshore Art Festival is always the first Friday and Saturday in July and will take place July 5 and 6, 2019. The Lakeshore Art Festival features a unique blend of 350+ fine art and craft exhibitors, street performers, specialty food booths, interactive art stations, Children’s activities and so much more in beautiful Downtown Muskegon, Michigan. For more information visit lakeshoreartfestival.org.
CONTACT: CARLA FLANDERS
LAKESHORE ART FESTIVAL
231-724-3174
cflanders@www.muskegon.org