Over 3 million people have collected art from Park West, a family-oriented and operated business that has been involved in charitable causes since its inception in 1969.
In the company’s early years, auctions for charity allowed it to give back, and through the years, many charitable donations followed. Park West has contributed to the ocean conservation nonprofit Guy Harvey Foundation, as well as schools, Disabled American Veterans, hospitals, and other organizations.
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A major charitable focus for Park West has been youth in need. During Park West’s early years, founder Albert Scaglione and his wife, Mitsie, learned about the challenges of the state’s foster care system. They wanted to provide more than just donations, so the couple decided to develop the Park West Foundation in 2006.
The foundation offered services for Michigan children and families in foster care, with a focus on kids aging out of the system. Youth in this program are empowered through vocational training, access to healthcare, and support for graduating high school and getting jobs. For example, “Blue Babies” became the name for children who graduated from high school with the help of the Park West Foundation’s program.
The painting “Wings of Hope” by Michael Godard.
Image source: Danielle Rosen
Contributions from Park West’s artists
Albert and Mitsie continued to form partnerships and develop programs to help youth in the U.S. and internationally. Romero Britto, one of Park West’s featured artists, connected the United Kingdom’s King Charles Trust International with The Park West Foundation. With Park West as one of its major contributors, Trust International assists disadvantaged youth in finding jobs.
Park West Foundation has also developed programs with other partner artists. Renowned New York-based pop artist Peter Max and Scaglione have enjoyed a close partnership from the early years of their respective careers.Max, one of Park West’s most famous artists, has work displayed at every auction on over 100 cruise ships.
He has had an epic career, which includes his integral role in raising $350 million to rebuild the Statue of Liberty from 1982-1986, a project commissioned by President Ronald Reagan. Additionally, Max dedicated six months after 9/11 to paint portraits of 356 first responders who had died. He wrapped the portraits in American flags to give to the loved ones’ families.
Tragedy on a personal level occurred for Max in 2019. Sadly, his wife, Mary, committed suicide. Max and the Park West Foundation raised $250,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which promotes awareness and funds scientific research to benefit those affected by suicide.
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Park West Foundation offers other artists opportunities to raise funds for charitable causes on cruise ships. Michael Godard, a widely regarded rockstar of the art world, was commissioned by Park West to paint “The Wings of Hope.” This work depicts two hummingbirds that form the shape of a heart. Featuring beautiful pastels, the colors of the birds’ wings involved the creation of a new printing method.
Proceeds from “Wings of Hope” will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Godard’s 16-year-old daughter, who passed away from leukemia.
Making art accessible to everyone
Since its inception, Park West Foundation has also helped coordinate art exhibitions. In 2016, these efforts were formalized through a program called “Museum Spotlight.” It promotes art education by funding exhibitions at art museums globally.
Visit Park West’s website to learn more about charitable donations and how the organization is involved in giving back.
