Save the Art, The Leo Hansberry Project
Donation protected
Hello supporters of the arts! Last week I got a call about an artist, Leo Francis Hansberry. He was a community icon on Folly Beach, South Carolina for over 45 years. Regrettably, I was informed that Leo had passed. This was sad news even though he had lived a full life.
Immediately, I reached out to the family. When I arrived on the scene, my fears became a reality.
I knew about Leo. I had met him at his house about eight years ago. Knowing he could use my help, his caring neighbor introduced us. I remember standing on his back porch in the sun, surrounded by his lively sculptures, being so impressed by his talent and intellect. Together we explored the idea of doing a show for him. But his attachment to his work made him unable to let go. It may have been a bit forward of me, but I told Leo then that he should have a plan in place (because of the immense amount of art), or his work may end up a dumpster.
Fortunately, we are not too late. With your help we can save the art, time is of the essence! Leo's house has fallen into disrepair over the years and the town may have to condemn it - his artwork included. And when I say artwork, there are countless pieces. We have already begun to save his art. We have recovered 5 full box trucks and filled 3 storage units with art, but we have barely scratched the surface. Every time we clear a portion of a room it reveals more artwork or a door that leads to another room full of art.
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be involved and to help Leo’s family handle this collection.
Help us to save Leo’s art! Below is an outline of our projects, needs and goals. Thank you for your support and time. If we can come together and make all this happen, there will be an exhibition you will never forget. All will be invited.
Warmly,
Joanna White
This project is a substantial undertaking. We have broken down how your contribution will be used.
Trucks & Hauling $3,000+
From what I can estimate we still have several truck loads. We will need to rent these trucks to store and haul the works until we find a proper space to store, organize, and database the art.
Storage $48,000 + (based on a two year project)
We need a significant amount of controlled storage due to the size of Leo’s collection. The body of work is so massive that it filled a house, three outer buildings and the porch. We will use this facility to sort, photograph, and restore the art.
Restoration $20,000+
When it comes to restoration, there are a number of pieces that need to be prepared in some way, including pieces that have foxing with minor damage. It is important to put these back to their original state. This is a crucial part of saving Leo’s art, and will require professionals. We estimate this could be in the thousands. But whatever is donated for this particular portion of the project will be used to save Leo's art (just put it this way - the more that we raise, the more that will be saved).
Website/Catalog Raisonné/Database $10,000+
A Catalog Raisonne is a comprehensive, annotated listing of all the known works of an artist. This will be a complete portfolio of Leos works including description, signatures, medium, date, dimensions/size. Information gained through this process will also be used for the development of a website, book, and a documentary on Leo’s life and art.
Documentary 50k+
From day one we have had our cameras rolling in order to record this fascinating story and the art recovery process to share with you. Leo was a talented and unique artist whose story should be told. We will continue to capture ongoing footage of the project and interview those he influenced. We feel like this is a large part of telling his story for years to come. Of course this can be costly, but we are very budget conscious. We would be so grateful to do this!
Please help us today. This is an urgent fund. We are saving Leo’s art today and for tomorrow.
Immediately, I reached out to the family. When I arrived on the scene, my fears became a reality.
I knew about Leo. I had met him at his house about eight years ago. Knowing he could use my help, his caring neighbor introduced us. I remember standing on his back porch in the sun, surrounded by his lively sculptures, being so impressed by his talent and intellect. Together we explored the idea of doing a show for him. But his attachment to his work made him unable to let go. It may have been a bit forward of me, but I told Leo then that he should have a plan in place (because of the immense amount of art), or his work may end up a dumpster.
Fortunately, we are not too late. With your help we can save the art, time is of the essence! Leo's house has fallen into disrepair over the years and the town may have to condemn it - his artwork included. And when I say artwork, there are countless pieces. We have already begun to save his art. We have recovered 5 full box trucks and filled 3 storage units with art, but we have barely scratched the surface. Every time we clear a portion of a room it reveals more artwork or a door that leads to another room full of art.
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be involved and to help Leo’s family handle this collection.
Help us to save Leo’s art! Below is an outline of our projects, needs and goals. Thank you for your support and time. If we can come together and make all this happen, there will be an exhibition you will never forget. All will be invited.
Warmly,
Joanna White
This project is a substantial undertaking. We have broken down how your contribution will be used.
Trucks & Hauling $3,000+
From what I can estimate we still have several truck loads. We will need to rent these trucks to store and haul the works until we find a proper space to store, organize, and database the art.
Storage $48,000 + (based on a two year project)
We need a significant amount of controlled storage due to the size of Leo’s collection. The body of work is so massive that it filled a house, three outer buildings and the porch. We will use this facility to sort, photograph, and restore the art.
Restoration $20,000+
When it comes to restoration, there are a number of pieces that need to be prepared in some way, including pieces that have foxing with minor damage. It is important to put these back to their original state. This is a crucial part of saving Leo’s art, and will require professionals. We estimate this could be in the thousands. But whatever is donated for this particular portion of the project will be used to save Leo's art (just put it this way - the more that we raise, the more that will be saved).
Website/Catalog Raisonné/Database $10,000+
A Catalog Raisonne is a comprehensive, annotated listing of all the known works of an artist. This will be a complete portfolio of Leos works including description, signatures, medium, date, dimensions/size. Information gained through this process will also be used for the development of a website, book, and a documentary on Leo’s life and art.
Documentary 50k+
From day one we have had our cameras rolling in order to record this fascinating story and the art recovery process to share with you. Leo was a talented and unique artist whose story should be told. We will continue to capture ongoing footage of the project and interview those he influenced. We feel like this is a large part of telling his story for years to come. Of course this can be costly, but we are very budget conscious. We would be so grateful to do this!
Please help us today. This is an urgent fund. We are saving Leo’s art today and for tomorrow.
Organizer
Joanna White
Organizer
Mt. Pleasant, SC