Charitable Gift Giving

Until Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11, I’ll be focusing on great gifts for Mom. Check back every two days for another fantastic gift.

NOVICA is a great company that is affiliated with National Geographic Society. They identify artists all over the world, many in impoverished and developing countries, and give them a marketplace for their art, which in many cases rivals or surpasses fine art you’ll find in any museum or high-end jewelry or collectible shop.

The paintings you see here are called “Elephant Paintings”, from an artist named “Jojo”. I was perplexed at first. The paintings look nothing at all like an elephant.

After a while it dawned on me. These paintings are not paintings of elephants. They are paintings BY elephants! Jojo in particular is a 15 year-old elephant who not only paints, but also plays harmonica and xylophone.

The paintings picture here are one-of-a-kind paintings. Get them before they’re gone!

Breath of Orange Roses Elephant Painting

Early Lights Elephant Painting

The Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Northern Thailand is the brains behind this amazing concept of having elephants create art. Asian elephants are on the endangered species list because of years of deforestation, logging, poaching, and neglect. Men and women in southeast Asia are using these and other creative ways to bring awareness to their plight, and to raise funds (the proceeds of these paintings will go towards this important cause).

Some of Jojo’s work, in fact, have been auctioned for thousands of dollars. These particular paintings were originally over $600, but they are on sale now for less than half that, so get it before it’s gone!

If these two particular paintings are taken by the time you read this, check back on NOVICA for others.