Philadelphia-Based Artist’s NFT Auction Benefits Ukrainian Refugees & Pays Homage to World’s Youngest Peace Ambassador
100% of Net Proceeds from Online Auction (April 15-29) to be Donated to Non-Profits
Philadelphia-based artist Dori Desautel Broudy, known for her mission-driven artwork, will delve into the NFT art world with an unprecedented two week online auction whose purpose is to raise funds for international humanitarian efforts to aid the victims of the Ukrainian crisis and to remember and honor her childhood friend who was the world’s youngest peace ambassador during the Cold War, between the U.S. and the former Soviet Union in the early 1980s.
“For Sam” – named for the late Samantha Smith, and Dori’s first ever collection in the Web3 space, premiers April 15th on OpenSea, a revolutionary, decentralized marketplace for buying and selling non-fungible tokens (NFTs). “I chose to introduce this new collection in NFT form because the Metaverse is, by all means, the future of art collecting. The paradigm has shifted to allow a level of engagement among artists and art lovers which was unprecedented until now, with an opportunity for community-building among like-minded individuals (who, in this instance, are seeking works which are beautiful in purpose as well as presentation).”
The portfolio consists of 17 unique pieces which are not only inspired by the people of Ukraine (with frequent use of the colors from the Ukrainian flag), but which demonstrate support for those under siege, and convey a message of hope for peace, love and unity to everyone affected by this crisis. “For me, it’s not only cathartic to draw, but as a mother I needed to do something to show my own children that I’m taking proactive steps to demonstrate support for the struggles the Ukrainian people are undergoing right now. It was important for me to create this collection as a mother and artist and as someone who really just wants to see peace in the world.”
100% of net proceeds from the auction sale will be donated to organizations supporting victims of the crisis in Ukraine, including World Central Kitchen, UNICEF, Rescue.org and Save the Children. Each piece from the collection — never before made available for purchase — is an entirely unique, hand-generated, one-of-a-kind NFT (a combination of original artwork infused with digital aspects); moreover, the collector of each NFT will receive a gallery-quality acrylic block version of the same creation, along with a personalized Artist Statement by Dori herself, as thanks for supporting efforts to extend hope, love and peace to others.
Dori’s inspiration for the name of the collection was her friend (the late) Samantha Smith who, at the age of ten, expressed her concerns about nuclear war to the former Soviet Premier, Yuri Andropov. Having written her letter at the height of the Cold War in 1982, she not only received a written response, but an invitation to visit the Soviet Union with her family. During and following her visit, Sam became the world’s youngest ambassador for peace; when she and her father died in a plane crash in 1985, her work was just beginning. Despite her passing, Dori continues to be inspired by Samantha’s bravery, authenticity and hope for peace. “She reminds us that no child chooses war, that kids everywhere ultimately hope for the same things-happiness, unity, with the expectation of safety. Sam also continues to demonstrate the incredible positive impact that even a child can have on the world in which we live.’”
Given that NFTs are still emerging as an art form, and the subject matter can be confusing to understand, Dori has not only educated herself, but is providing information and resources to prospective collectors through her website to eliminate any reservations about purchasing her work in Web3. For more, please visit: https://doridesautelbroudy.com/nft-faqs/.
About Dori Desautel Broudy
Dori is well known for her Gallery of Good®, founded in 2018 where social responsibility is a major focus. All aspects of the company, from design to production and business operations, are sourced in the United States (and almost entirely in Philadelphia); her illustrative work is unifying in nature; and all sales have a charitable component.
Dori Desautel Broudy is a Philadelphia-based artist (former attorney) whose portfolio embodies themes of joy, friendship, equality and unity. Dori’s other recent projects include commissioned works for the Four Seasons Hotel, CNN Hero Dr. Ala Stanford, Founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium and the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity in Philadelphia, as well as a collaboration with luxury accessories designer Jeffrey Levinson, which is scheduled for release later this spring. She also routinely collaborates with James Beard-nominated Second Daughter Baking Co. as well as Kalaya (also named “America’s Best New Restaurant” in 2020). Her work has been highlighted on HGTV, various affiliates of NBC, CBS and Fox, the “Grateful Living” Podcast, and in numerous publications including Forbes, Philadelphia Style Magazine, Bella Magazine and Thrive Global, among others.
Dori and her husband of nearly 15 years, Josh, live in Haverford with their three children and two Bernese mountain dogs. To learn more, please visit https://doridesautelbroudy.com.
