Jenny Tiner’s Bright Olive Art Lab has transformed into the “Xander Gallery” for the next 30 days. The transformation came about after the tragic loss of Xander Vento. Xander saved a 3 1/2 year old girl from drowning and has been hailed all over the world as the “4 year old hero.” This gallery change is in honor of him and to serve as an outlet for purchasing art, of which proceeds of up to 100 % will be given, to benefit the Vento family forever dealing with the loss.
He continues to be a hero by way of organ donation. Before Xander’s passing Misty and Cris Vento decided to give the gift of life to others by way of Xander. To me it is his soul and his bravery that is changing all of our lives. There will be papers to take to for you, me or anyone who decides to take a look at reading about and signing up to be an organ donor.
Jenny Tiner has set up, with the support of over 15 artists and over 300 pieces of work, a virtual gallery on Facebook, for those who are far away but closer to the Vento family in proximity, to take part in this benefit by way of social media. For those in the Chicagoland area, or more specifically, Oak Park the Xander Gallery will have an artist reception and opening this Friday September 21st from 6-10 p.m. Join us! There will be art everywhere you turn, food and drinks and green balloons capping the ceiling. Green was Xander’s favorite color, the color of his Mom’s eyes she once wrote. So green is what we have tried to get for artwork, green is the gallery logo color and the green balloons are for anyone who chooses to write a message to Xander and send off to the heavens, for him to see, when they leave the gallery.
The Xander Gallery, a.k.a. Bright Olive Art Lab is at 27 Harrison St, Oak Park, IL, 60304. My inability to physically be in Texas to support Misty in any way drove me to support her, her family, which includes two very sweet young girls, in the only way I could from afar and that is having this benefit in this amazing boys honor. Misty is so strong though and my hope is that this only adds to the super human strength that she as a mother is exhibiting, I can see where he got his strength/heroic nature from! Bet Cris had something to do with that too! Amazing parents…
I stand by my assertion that Xander DID NOT HESITATE to save a life and we as adults can learn a lot from that. His instinct was to protect and help another and I believe with this gallery we have an opportunity to do the same without hesitation. Even the artists did not hesitate to give! It’s my assumption that we as a community, a whole world of community, will end up doing the same. We can be hero’s in the form of purchasing art to support a family and honor a hero. What a reminder to have in your home or to have to wear, art that reminds you daily of what a hero is and what a life we all should strive to live in likeness to…
To purchase, to donate or for any questions contact Jenny Tiner at brightoliveartlab@gmail.com or visit 27 Harrison St, the Xander Gallery.
List of contributing artists: Bryan Northup, Lisa Nordstrom, Liz Gaylord, Faith Humphrey Hill, Tassa Briel Greif, Ken Reif, Steve Smith, Olivia Tiner, Jenny Tiner, Jackie Lakely, Chris Neumer, Noa Baron, Jean Clarke, Susan Clarke and Richard Clarke…
Jenny Tiner 