Just got this cool press release from LB-based Southern California Special Olympics—a neat way to raise money. Becoming a dot doesn’t cost anything, and it’s a great project to get involved with. Click www.dotdrawing.com to participate!
“One dot = one person” is the theme for acclaimed celebrity artist David Ilan, who is creating a pointillism drawing to celebrate Special Olympics Southern California’s 40th anniversary. Celebrities, athletes and supporters are already contributing to the “bigger picture” by allowing Ilan to represent them as a single dot that will soon reveal a life-like portrait of a victorious Special Olympics athlete. Ilan’s portrait will be completed at the Special Olympics Summer Games, June 13-14 at California State University, Long Beach. Once completed, prints will be available for sale as a fundraiser for Special Olympics Southern California. Everyone is welcome to visit www.DotDrawing.com to register for a free dot in the drawing.
Pointillism is a technique that uses small dots to reveal a larger picture. “Every dot is similar to the ones around it, but the grouping of the dots is what creates the images in our minds,” Ilan said. Many celebrities are offering their support and are already represented as a dot in the portrait, including Scarlett Johansson, David Beckham, Vanessa Williams, Danny DeVito, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Carl Reiner, Shawne Merriman, Joe Mantegna, Kristy Swanson, Adam West, and John Ratzenberger.
Ilan has worked with many celebrities, including the cast of Seinfeld, as well as other charitable organizations; however, the Special Olympics Southern California 40th anniversary project is particularly meaningful to him. “All dots are created equal and all people are created equal. The dots do not pay attention to a person’s abilities or a person’s challenges,” Ilan said. “The dots are all the same size and each one is vital to the finished portrait. Each dot individually tells a story of one person, but when the dots work together, that is when the drawing is formed and a purpose is achieved.”
In 2009, Special Olympics Southern California celebrates 40 years of changing lives through the power of sport. Special Olympics offers opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and competition. Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with other athletes, their families and the community. For more information about how to compete, volunteer, coach or donate to Special Olympics Southern California, visit www.sosc.org.