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Montreal artist hopes to raise $4 million for AIDS kids

By John Austen The West Island Suburban Wednesday, June 25, 1997

Eric Waugh had just put his two young sons to bed when he began watching the CBS television special “Angelie’s Secret” back in June of 1995. The inspiring story chronicles the life of a young girl infected with AIDS, and the trouble she has revealing her secret to the community. She eventually finds support with the help of Camp Heartland, a summer camp devoted to children and their siblings who are affected, if not infected, by HIV and AIDS.

While his children are all healthy, the story touched Mr.Waugh in a profound way. He was determined to do something to help. The internationally acclaimed Montreal painter began what has become “The World’s Largest Painting Project.” He hopes to unveil the 80,000-square-foot work entitled “Hero” at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on June 20, 1998 - AIDS Compassion Day. “We’re hoping to raise more than $4 million for AIDS camps,” said Mr.Waugh, 34. “The plan is to have the world’s top musical talent there and fill the 75,000- seat arena. It will be a great celebration.” The money will also go to Camp Oasis, the Canadian equivalent of Camp Heartland. A representative of the Guinness Book of World Records from London, England will be there to verify the size of the immense project.

The painting will consist of 3,240 five-foot-square stretched canvas panels. It will be a replica of the fundraising poster that Waugh designed after visiting Camp Heartland and its founder Neil Willenson in August of 1995. “It was an unforgettable week meeting Neil and all the kids down there,” said Mr. Waugh. “That’s when I decided to create the special painting. There’s a significance to the number 80,000 square feet,” he continued. “By the year 2000, more than 80,000 children will be orphaned as a result of AIDS.” Waugh laid out 144 of the panels for members of the press last Thursday on the floor of the Roger Doucet Arena at the Dollard Civic Centre. “I wanted to make sure the pieces fit and that we’re on the right track,” said Mr. Waugh. “I’m very pleased so far.”

Mr. Waugh is one of the most sought after contemporary artists in North America. He has sold more than 5,000 original paintings and he is represented in every major North American city. Select paintings, such as Hero, are made into fine art posters and distributed worldwide by Top Art Inc., of Italy and San Diego, Ca. The mega project is being painted in Waugh’s St. Laurent studio where he completes 400-500 square feet a day using a paint sprayer. A one-inch square section of the poster translates to 100 square feet on the painting. Mr. Waugh hopes to complete the project by the beginning of November when it will be shipped to Los Angeles in five transport trucks. “This is not a publicity stunt,” said Roger Peace of Carosales Entertainment, the promoters of the event. “This is to raise needed money for kids with AIDS. Getting into the Guinness Book of Records will get so much recognition for the cause.” Currently, the world’s largest painting is of Elvis Presley and measures 76,726 square feet. It was made in April of 1995 by university students in Tybee Island, Ga.

“This painting is a lot of work but it will be worth it,” said Mr.Waugh. “I’m committed to help these kids - and the best way I know how is through my art.”



News Main Articles Television and Radio appearances	Montreal artist hopes to raise $4 million for AIDS kids By John Austen The West Island Suburban Wednesday, June 25, 1997 Eric Waugh had just put his two young sons to bed when he began watching the CBS television special “Angelie’s Secret” back in June of 1995. The inspiring story chronicles the life of a young girl infected with AIDS, and the trouble she has revealing her secret to the community. She eventually finds support with the help of Camp Heartland, a summer camp devoted to children and their siblings who are affected, if not infected, by HIV and AIDS. While his children are all healthy, the story touched Mr.Waugh in a profound way. He was determined to do something to help. The internationally acclaimed Montreal painter began what has become “The World’s Largest Painting Project.” He hopes to unveil the 80,000-square-foot work entitled “Hero” at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on June 20, 1998 - AIDS Compassion Day. “We’re hoping to raise more than $4 million for AIDS camps,” said Mr.Waugh, 34. “The plan is to have the world’s top musical talent there and fill the 75,000- seat arena. It will be a great celebration.” The money will also go to Camp Oasis, the Canadian equivalent of Camp Heartland. A representative of the Guinness Book of World Records from London, England will be there to verify the size of the immense project. The painting will consist of 3,240 five-foot-square stretched canvas panels. It will be a replica of the fundraising poster that Waugh designed after visiting Camp Heartland and its founder Neil Willenson in August of 1995. “It was an unforgettable week meeting Neil and all the kids down there,” said Mr. Waugh. “That’s when I decided to create the special painting. There’s a significance to the number 80,000 square feet,” he continued. “By the year 2000, more than 80,000 children will be orphaned as a result of AIDS.” Waugh laid out 144 of the panels for members of the press last Thursday on the floor of the Roger Doucet Arena at the Dollard Civic Centre. “I wanted to make sure the pieces fit and that we’re on the right track,” said Mr. Waugh. “I’m very pleased so far.” Mr. Waugh is one of the most sought after contemporary artists in North America. He has sold more than 5,000 original paintings and he is represented in every major North American city. Select paintings, such as Hero, are made into fine art posters and distributed worldwide by Top Art Inc., of Italy and San Diego, Ca. The mega project is being painted in Waugh’s St. Laurent studio where he completes 400-500 square feet a day using a paint sprayer. A one-inch square section of the poster translates to 100 square feet on the painting. Mr. Waugh hopes to complete the project by the beginning of November when it will be shipped to Los Angeles in five transport trucks. “This is not a publicity stunt,” said Roger Peace of Carosales Entertainment, the promoters of the event. “This is to raise needed money for kids with AIDS. Getting into the Guinness Book of Records will get so much recognition for the cause.” Currently, the world’s largest painting is of Elvis Presley and measures 76,726 square feet. It was made in April of 1995 by university students in Tybee Island, Ga. “This painting is a lot of work but it will be worth it,” said Mr.Waugh. “I’m committed to help these kids - and the best way I know how is through my art.”