Local Artist Partners with Children’s Healing Art Project & Ecliptic Brewing to Raise Funds

Portland art icon Mike Bennett is mobilizing his huge fan base – including 1.5 million followers on TikTok – to support the local nonprofit, Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP). In January 2021, Mike brought the solar system to North Portland by placing painted planets throughout the Mississippi neighborhood. He called it his Planetary Promenade. Each planet will be auctioned off between May 12th and May 19th in an online auction benefiting CHAP.

The online auction of all 10 planets begins May 12 and ends May 19, with an outdoor celebration at Ecliptic Brewing where Mike will also create a live piece of art for the auction. Go here to place bids. 10% of all food and drink sold at Ecliptic Brewing on May 19 will be donated to CHAP. Masks are required at the event, except when eating or drinking.

Mike Bennett has been entertaining families with his fantastic art creations for the past few years and especially throughout the pandemic with the goal of giving people a reason to get out, to see art, to smile, and to experience something special. The pivot this past year brought his love for art and education alive. The visual artist has a passion for bringing cartoons into the real world with reclaimed wood and old house paint. Mike has created over 3000 wooden cutouts based on pop culture, internet memes, and family-friendly educational content. Mike spent most of 2020 creating massive, interactive art displays in a similar style to bring fun and education to families in his neighborhood. He has picked up a large following with 1.5 million followers on TikTok and earned the title “Public Joy Creator”. More info: www.instagram.com/mikebennettart

CHAP brings the healing power of art to children and families facing medical challenges. At CHAP, children are known for their creativity and ingenuity — not by their disease, diagnosis or disability. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, CHAP has been visiting hospitals weekly to provide healing art experiences for children and families. Since 2006, over 75,000 children have enjoyed healing art experiences through CHAP. Like many nonprofits, CHAP is experiencing the strain of the pandemic. When CHAP’s 15 weekly art-making sessions for children and families in Portland area hospitals were suspended in 2020 (at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center, Shriners Hospital for Children, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, and more), CHAP quickly pivoted to deliver their mission in new ways through virtual programming and free art supplies. More info: www.chappdx.org

“We can’t think of a better way to raise funds and raise awareness about CHAP than to partner with a fun, creative artist like Mike Bennett,” adds Barb McDowell, Executive Director of CHAP. “I invite everyone to come out to Ecliptic Brewing on May 19th to see Mike’s planets one more time, place their final bids, and enjoy a good time together for a great cause.”

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