Giving Back
Eric Waugh is committed to making a difference...
The Following is a list of just a few of the charitable organizations that Eric has helped through his art over the past 17 years.
Camp Heartland | Starlight Children's Foundation | The Boy Scouts of Brooklyn | The Multiple Sclorosis Society | Meals on Wheels | Camp Oasis | The Just For Kids Foundation | Crons Foundation | The American Cancer Society | Project Angel Heart | Emunah Women of Montreal | Miriam Foundation | Alliance of AIDS Services | Montreal Jewish General Hospital | Montreal Children's Hospital | The Kids Help Phone Organization | Montreal Hope and Cope | Prevent Blindness Georgia | Mercy Foundation | Cosumnes River College Foundation | Elk Grove Community Services | Wood's Home Foundation Calgary | Reach for the Rainbow Foundation | The McGill University AIDS Center | and numerous local charities in his community.
Overwhelmed by his increasing popularity and the consistently growing appreciation of his artwork, Eric has always felt the need to give something back. As a father of three sons, “Alex” fourteen, “Andrew” twelve and eight year old “Matthew”, Eric chooses to contribute to causes that are close to his heart: children.
Eric Started his fine art carrer in 1988 but it was not untill the middle of 1995 when he felt that his art could make a difference to those in need.
It was June of 1995, Waugh had seen a documentary on CBS television called “Angelie's Secret”. This inspiring story was of a young girl infected with AIDS who found the courage to reveal her secret to the community in which she lived. She was able to make this difficult step with the help of “Camp Heartland”. Founded by a then 22 year old, Neil Willenson in 1993.
Camp Heartland is a summer camp solely devoted to children and their siblings who are affected if not infected by HIV and AIDS. Waugh was so impressed by Willenson's efforts that he decided to support Camp Heartland in any way he could.
The next day, Waugh contacted Top Art Inc. to discuss the possibility of publishing a special work of art into a fine art poster with all of the proceeds going to Camp Heartland. Top Art was behind the idea 100%.
On August 26, 1995 Waugh visited Camp Heartland in Wisconsin to meet Neil and his supporters and of course the children. Eric presented Neil with a check and an original painting dedicated to Neil’s efforts and to establish the beginning of a hopefully long relationship between Camp Heartland and Eric Waugh.
When Waugh returned to his studio after an unforgettable weekend at the camp, he proceeded to create a special painting titled “Hero”. This unique embracing image was published in Italy and was launched in March of 1996 in New York City at the Top Art and Progressive Editions booth at the New York Art Expo. It was being distributed throughout the World by Top Art Inc. but has since been discontinued.
In April of 1996 Waugh had an idea to create “The World’s Largest Painting” to bring attention to the “Hero” poster. After working on the 41,400 sq. ft. painting for five years, Eric unveild the Massive work of art on World AIDS day Dec 1st, 2001 at the North Carolina Museum of Art.
Since that inspiring night back in June of 1995, Eric has donated his time or art to dozens of other childrens charities including: Reach for the Rainbow Foundation, Camp Oasis, The Just for Kids Foundation, The McGill University AIDS Center and numerous local charities in his community.
Recently Eric was honered by the state of new york with a proclomation. The citys of Brookln as well as New York City also presented Eric with a declaration.
Waugh is committed to supporting and making a difference to each of the organizations he has chosen in the best way he knows how...through his art.
