National Association of the Deaf

Breakfast for 2 with WFD Leaders

Support World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in promoting human and sign language rights worldwide and be the first to hear about the visions and goals of the WFD directly from newly-elected WFD officers. Share your thoughts, too! The winning bidder will join WFD President Colin Allen of Australia and WFD Vice President Wilma Newhoudt-Druchen of South Africa for breakfast and an enlightening chat on Saturday morning, July 7, 2012 at one of the main NAD Conference hotel restaurants (standard breakfast for two people, not including alcohol).

Unity Through Global Signs

Oil Painting on Canvas
30” x 40”

Generously Donated By Nancy Rourke, Deaf Artist

Nancy Rourke was Born Deaf and raised in San Diego, CA. Her parents didn't know she was Deaf until the age of 6. Soon after, at the age of seven, she began painting and the rest is history. In college, she pursued Art at NTID/RIT in Rochester, NY, building a solid foundation for her career. For twenty years after putting down the books, Nancy worked in the corporate world as a graphic designer. In 2010 she switched gears, becoming a full-time artist. A leader in the Deaf artist community, she started Deaf Art and discovered her passion for art rooted in Deaf culture. She was the recipient of 
a grant to study Deafhood, Deaf culture, Audism, Deaf history, Deaf politics, bicultural and bilingualism through painting. Nancy Rourke is strongly influenced by three art movements: Neo-Expressionism, De Stijl Movement and the Cubism Movement. Her painting style incorporates primary colours with black and white pigments in painting, and her work is influenced by the De’VIA Movement.

Nancy's statement about the painting: "In celebration of a historic event -- the presence of the WFD Board at the NAD Conference."

Falling Leaves

Framed Oil Painting
22” x 16”

Generously Donated By Linda Bove

Chuck Baird, Deaf Artist

Chuck Baird was born Deaf to a family of artists in 1947. His parents could hear, but three of his four siblings were also Deaf. Chuck attended the Kansas School for the Deaf where he got his early instruction in the Arts. He attended Gallaudet College and went on to get his BFA degree in Fine Arts at the Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute for the Deaf in 1974. Chuck Baird lived most of his life as a nomadic artist, committed to the upliftment of Deaf people and ASL through Art. Some highlights of his career include his long tenure with the National Theatre of the Deaf as an actor and a set designer; his residency with more than 35 schools, colleges, and universities; his well known animal and blossom series; a much celebrated and sought after publication entitled Chuck Baird, 35 Plates; and his vibrant murals and instillation work that can be found all over the world. Chuck Baird was also one of the founding members of “Spectrum” in Austin, Texas, which was the birth place of DE’via. Deaf View Image Art, a genre of art expressing the Deaf experience. Chuck Baird’s legacy continues with the work of the Chuck Baird Foundation, which is committed to supporting young Deaf artists.

“Falling Leaves” was a gift to friend, as was many of his artworks. This  22” x 16” 1982 framed painting is special as it is done in oil, which was a media that was used rarely by Baird. This painting generously donated by Linda Bove, will be the first sale of an original work by Chuck Baird since his passing in February of this year. 

Social Gathering

Watercolor with pen and ink
32” x 14”

Primordial Sculpture

"Feminine Mystique"

14” x 18”

Generously Donated By Claire Bergman, Deaf Artist

Claire was born deaf in New York City and grew up in Larchmont, New York. She attended Wright Oral School. Her family then moved  back to New York City in Manhattan, where she attended the Washington Irving High School. There, she won an art scholarship to New York University and received a congratulatory letter from the White House for her accomplishments.

Claire’s love of art was first awakened by her mother, who was culturally savvy and exposed her daughter to masterpieces and invaluable experiences, including visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris and museums across Italy.  Her mother, who was also a painter, also frequently took her to art museums in New York, especially the Metropolitan, Guggenheim, and Museum of Modern Art. This exposure to culture and art provided Claire with stimuli and inspiration for her art career. Her father, the head of a textile printing company, developed artistic print patterns which influenced her imagination as well.

Claire attended the Art League on 57th Street in Manhattan and later the famous Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. In 1972 Claire received the NAD Achievement Award for Excellence in Cultural Achievement for a drawing that she did with a single unbroken line when she was in high school. She also won awards at numerous Deaf congresses and a variety of Deaf cultural affairs. Her preferred media are oil, watercolor with pen and ink. The emphasis is on portraits as character studies. Claire still goes to an Art League class in Virginia, because that is the only place where she can find models easily. This also accounts for the abundance of women in her paintings, since most of the live models there are female. If Claire were asked to provide a personal statement for public view, she would say that art is to life what color is to the world.

Flowers in Abstract

Textured Acrylic Painting
11” x 14”

Generously Donated By Janna Dahl, Deaf Artist

Janna Dahl was born and raised in the town of Tolyatti, Russia which is southeast of Moscow. She lost her hearing at the age of four, and, within a world of silence, she saw everything in bold color and brilliant images. Her father was also an artist but she never observed him working. When she was around seven years old, she asked him if he could buy her painting supplies and without asking for lessons, she taught herself how to paint. With the encouragement of her family, she expressed her artistic ability on canvas throughout her childhood.

Calling her work "soul-inspired," Janna continued her art studies and graduated from Leningrad Rehabilitative Center in St. Peterburg with a degree in that respective field, initially specializing in oil painting and batik methods. Around that time, her artwork began to sell locally but she still needed to earn a living which made it more difficult for her to do artwork on a full-time basis.

Janna believes that everything happens for a reason, and when a friend invited her to visit Flagstaff, AZ in 2004 she knew she had to go. She fell in love with the Southwest and her future husband. Along the way, she learned the English language and is now  U.S. citizen. Janna resides in Flagstaff with her husband and Russian son. Specializing in acrylic, she continues to produce various art pieces, some of which are already on display in local venues. She recently opened her own art studio. Check out her website, www.dahlspiritualart.com for more information.

Deaf American Gothic 

giclee on print 1/100
 

Generously Donated By Mary Rappazzo, Deaf Artist

Mary A. Rappazzo is a Los Angeles native, a Fine Arts Painter, Digital Artist, and Graphic Designer.  Art has always been an important part of her life while growing up in Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley. Mary began painting at age 10, with her grandmother‚ as encouragement, later discovering her recognizable, one-eyed signature style in her early twenties, which she expresses in bold statements using a broad palette of colors, figurative and representational images in idealized forms. She chooses provocative themes from everyday life: personal and emotional issues, social injustice, political policies, and people in the public eye. The figurative images that Mary created are often without a sensory organ or two, and yet they are completely engaged in the world around them. Mary's paintings have been shown at several galleries in California, New York, and Japan. Recently, her retrospective exhibition of 32 paintings were exhibited at RIT/NTID’s Dyer Arts Center in Rochester, New York. Her work has garnered national awards and has been featured in several publications including the book ‚”Deaf Artists in America: Colonial to Contemporary,” by Deborah Blumenson (formerly Sonnenstrahl). Mary was selected as a honorary member of The Pearls Collection: 20 deaf women from across the U.S. whose work has transcended and shaped their fields.

Currently working as a freelancing artist, Mary also creates digital art and graphic design for her clients, and loves her creative job. In her extra time, she does her own paintings, and commissioned art projects for her clients. Additionally, Mary has contributed to fundraising efforts in the deaf community through donation of her art. She supports organizations such as GLAD (Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness), the California State University's at Northridge National Center on Deafness, KODAWest, Hearing Loss Association of Los Angeles, and the Deaf Seniors Foundation of Palm Springs.  She has taught computer graphic design to the deaf high school students at Marlton School for the Deaf in Los Angeles. To contact Mary about an exhibition or a commissioned piece for private or corporate use, visit her website, www.mar1eye.com.

Mary's statement about the painting: "Deaf American Gothic playfully redefines the quintessential American marriage. Why not imagine the typical American marriage as a different kind of couple?”

Motorcycle Ride for 2

Live to Ride and Ride to Live! Enjoy the breeze and wind across your face. A one and half hour ride from 2:00 to 3:30 pm on Saturday, July 7th with experienced and licensed trike enthusiasts, leaving from and returning to the Hyatt Hotel coasting throughout the countryside of Lousville outskirts on a lone backroad country. You will have an opportunity to see the skyline and countryside, even the Kentucky bluegrass with horses gazing across a meadow. Helmets provided, if desired. If Frank and Marlene Turk could do it, so can you!

A Walk in Lincoln Land through ‘’Deaf Eyes”  (for  2)

With Hosts Tom and Paula Chance, US Presidential History buffs and Illinois School for the Deaf retirees, visit the Land of Lincoln, the home of our beloved 16th President who, as an Illinois House Representative, pushed/voted for the establishment of the Illinois School for the Deaf (Illinois Asylum for Deaf Mutes) in 1839 and a quarter of a century later, when occupying the office of the US Presidency, signed into law the erection of Gallaudet University (Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb) in 1864.
Sites, all in Springfield, Illinois, to visit:

• New Salem Park (15 miles NW of Springfield) where Honest Abe earned his nickname when minding a store
• Lincoln Home, the first and only house he and wife Mary Todd Lincoln owned.
• Herndon & Lincoln Law Offices where Lincoln practiced as Circuit Trial Lawyer
• Old State Capitol when Lincoln was a House Representative
• Lincoln Railroad Depot where he made his Farewell speech before boarding for Washington, D.C.
• The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, opened in 2006
• The Lincoln Tomb where a quote about him is forever enshrined: He belongs to the Ages
• An added option: a tour of the Illinois School for the Deaf Museum, Jacksonville, 35 miles west of Springfield.

Dates to be decided by both the hosts and the party of a couple or two individuals. Tickets to attractions inclusive. Interpreter provided at certain sites. Upon preference of party, lodging at local hotel at (party’s expenses) or the Chance Residence (inclusive) in Jacksonville.

Length of Visit through Lincoln Land: Two days

Bonus: A framed photo of Abraham Lincoln depicting milestones in his life.

Los Cabos

Oil Painting
18” x 24”

Generously Donated By Suzanne Smith, Deaf Artist

Suzanne Geneva Smith was born in Sierra Vista, Arizona and raised in Tombstone, Arizona. While growing up, Suzanne attended the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind in Tucson. On weekends at home from school, she studied under the famous American Landscape artist, Marjorie Reed. During this time, she discovered a love for painting her favorite childhood muse: horses.

Suzanne continued her studies in Art at Gallaudet University but chose to receive a degree in Biology. She is currently a science teacher at ASDB, the same school she attended as a child. During her free time, she paints mainly landscape scenery. Now busy with two adorable toddlers, Suzanne is continually expanding her horizons and finding new subjects and muses.

A native Arizonian, she finds her inner muse through painting.

Three Days in Flagstaff, Arizona (for up to 6) 

Part of the West’s most beautiful country surrounds Flagstaff, from the Coconino National Forest (right in the backyard) and the San Francisco Peaks to the Red Rocks of Sedona and the Grand Canyon National Park within driving distance. Enjoy the historic charm of Downtown Flagstaff and Route 66.  For more information, click on http://www.flagstaff.az.gov

The Goodstein vacation house makes an ideal base as you explore the town and make side trips.  The house has three bedrooms and two full baths.  The kitchen is fully equipped. It can accommodate up to six people (two doubles and one queen). Check with Harvey and Astrid for available dates between April-October 2013. 

Blue King

Handmade quilt
Approximately 8 square feet

Generously Donated By Phyllis Frelich, Deaf Actress/Quilter

Phyllis Frelich has been a professional actress for 45 years, done dozens of plays and TV guest appearances along with a handful of films. She is especially proud of having won a Tony award for CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD.

A little bit of information about each quilt, from Phyllis herself:

"I have been a quilter for 50 years. Each of my quilts is one of a kind. When I'm not acting - my latest acting work was as Mrs. Grissom on CSI - I enjoy being a homemaker which includes taking care of my grandchildren, gardening, and sewing for family, friends and charities. All of my quilts are pieced together by machine with all cotton fabric and are machine quilted. The batting I use is mostly lightweight polyester that can be machine washed in cold water and dried in a dryer set on cool for some minutes or it can be hung up for drying. With great pleasure I donate this quilt to NAD for its auction fundraiser. They are signed and dated on a back corner."

Garden of ASL Thrives

Earthen ware tiles with mirror
14” x 14”

Generously Donated By Ellen Mansfield, Deaf Artist

Ellen Mansfield was born Deaf in Manhattan, New York but grew up in New Jersey for 7 years, where she attended public school without sign language and interpreters. She spent all  of her Summers in Goldens Bridge countyside, north of New York City. In spite of learning poorly in school due to lack of communication tools, she graduated from high school and went on to earn a BFA in illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

Ellen has led a life filled with art and experiences with a background in drawing, painting, batik, ceramics, and many other mediums that have brought her onto her current journey. When she moved to Maryland, she began to recognize just how much her Deaf identity had been part of her artwork. Life was starting to blossom as she was surrounded by Deaf culture and sign language, which developed increasingly colorful images including watercolors, oil paintings and tile paintings in her artwork. After bearing witness to the historical signing of the Deaf View Image Art (De’VIA) charter at Deaf Way Festival, Ellen states that she strongly believes in showing Deaf Experiences through her artwork. "The mirror is the ideal tool for reflections upon Deafhood and De’VIA.  My  tile work reflects a passion of experiences of Deafhood that have inspired and created me.”

She works in a variety of aesthetic and technical styles including sculpted relief, carved plaster blocks, tile presses and mosaic tiles. All the tiles are finished in a wide palate of earthenware and stoneware glazes. Learn more about Ellen’s work by going to her official Facebook page: Ellen’s Tilestroke Studio. 

Three Nights and Four Days at a Cedar Cabin - Lake Tahoe (for up to 10)

Spend a tranquil three nights and four days in Lake Tahoe, California! Located on the Tahoe Donner Resort in California, the cedar cabin owned by Ed and Jeannie Leighton, has three bedrooms and two bathrooms and sleeps up to ten people. The value of the cabin per night is $300 and up. The winning bidder may pay $150 per night for up to three additional nights and $100 a night beyond that--a great savings.  Deposit for cleaning fees is included in the price.The cabin location can’t be beat: a mere 15 minutes away from Lake Tahoe and only three miles from the famous old, western Truckee town. The blackout dates are the holidays and from November 10, 2012 through May 15, 2013. Check for available dates (excluding the blackout dates) until October, 2013.  

ASL-guided Sonoma Wine Country Experience (for 2)

Join your guide, Taya Levine, for an unforgettable experience of wine, food and the beauty of Northern California’s premier grape growing areas. Package includes one-day ASL Wine Tour for two, luxury transportation (for tour only), gourmet picnic lunch, Redwoods walking (weather permitting), all tasting room fees and one night lodging at Calderwood Inn in Healdsburg and more!

Mid-week only. www.sonomawineandsign.com

Deaf history comes to life when you visit the statue of Alice Cogswell, sites of the “old ASD”, burial grounds of many famous figures in Deaf Education including Laurent Clerc, the Gallaudet family, and Mason F. Cogswell. Your tour guides will be Dr. Harvey J. Corson , Retired Educator and Jeffrey Bravin, ASD Director of Special Projects, who will narrate many “never-heard-before” stories about the Deaf Heritage Trail! Enjoy appetizers at Dr. Harvey and Mary Ann Corson’s residence after conclusion of the tour. Appetizers will be served by Mrs. Mary Ann Corson, retired Home Economics Teacher at the Corson’s Residence after the Tour. You are encouraged to visit the American School for the Deaf (ASD) and its Museum sometime before or after the Tour.  Tour to be arranged during the Fall of 2012 or 2013 or,Spring of 2013 or 2014.  Dates to be worked out with the Corsons.

Places/Sites to Visit:

• Statue of Alice Cogswell
• Sites of “old ASD”
• Burial grounds of Dr. Mason F. Cogswell & Family, Dr. Thomas H. Gallaudet & Family, Laurent Clerc & Family, Dr. Edward M. Gallaudet & Family, and Elizabeth Peet & Family located at the Old North Cemetery, the Spring Grove Cemetery, and the Cedar Hill Cemetery
• Other historical sites passing through Hartford

The Jackson Gore Inn is reminiscent of a Vermont Country Inn that surrounds you with warmth and elegance. This area boasts an incredible amount of amenities and things to do on your next vacation! During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, golfing or water sports. Each condominium offers all of the luxurious features of a first class hotel. Heated indoor/outdoor pools are available, and there is a state-of-the-art fitness center- along with massage services and a sauna! This timeshare, owned by Judith and Phil Bravin of Chester, VT, is divisible into two individual spaces, or can be shared jointly by eight people. For more information, visit www.okemo.com and look for the Jackson Gore Inn. Two weeks are available- book this trip for the week of May 31 - June 7, 2013 or the week of July 26 - August 2, 2013.

One Week at a Mountain Cabin in Washington State (for up to 9)

Get away from it all and enjoy your stay at a picturesque nature retreat in the Pacific Northwest for a week! The home, owned by John and Kathy Evans, sits on Lake Kayak with a path to the lakefront, a rowboat and two kayaks. for your recreation. Fishing equipment is included. The cabin has two bedrooms, two full baths, den, large kitchen, great room and large porch and can accommodate up to 9.  Retreat includes fireplace on lakefront and access to private community park. Lake Kayak is approximately 40 minutes from the Seattle/Tacoma airport. The area has many recreational opportunities (depending on season) such as skiing, fishing, boating, hiking and countless other tourist activities, all within short driving distance. Location is 15 minutes from downtown Duvall and shopping, less than an hour out of Seattle and the beautiful Puget Sound recreational centers. Check for available week between August 2012- December 2013.

• Alaska Land & Cruise July 14, 2012
• Alaska Cruise Only July 20, 2012
• Transatlantic Cruise August 31, 2012
• DSA 2013 Canada & New England Cruise October 4, 2012
• Sandals All Inclusive Vacation December 1-8, 2012
• South America February 12, 2013
• Tulip Time River Cruise April 2, 2013
• Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong April 2, 2013
• Transpacific Cruise April 25, 2013
• Scotland & Ireland June 13, 2013
• Transatlantic Cruise August 31, 2013
• Portugal - Spain River Cruise October 26, 2013
• Australia to Hawaii April 18, 2014