Seven years in and Storm Design/Brand DNA’s ‘Art With Heart’ continues to go from strength to strength. With the theme of ‘Nourish’, this year’s collection of artwork was some of the strongest yet. Running as a silent auction, the ‘Art With Heart’ proceeds are donated to a different charity each year; this year, the lucky recipient was St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The format is simple yet effective. Storm Design/Brand DNA open their offices as an art gallery for the evening. This year, 95 pieces were on display and up for grabs including work from the Storm Design/Brand DNA staff as well as outside contributors such as Ben Cunningham from 27DC and celebrities Tottie Goldsmith and Dylan Lewis. With reserves beginning as low as $50, it meant that even those on the tightest budget could afford to put in a bid and know that their money was going to a worthy cause. People can choose their desired pieces, place their highest bid and then wait for the phone call to let them know what they’ve won.

Dave Ansett, Director of Storm Design/Brand DNA mentioned that the event had grown to such a size that some artwork even had to be turned away. Having said that, they’re always keen to hear from anyone who would like to contribute and can contact Emma if they would like to be involved in future events.

Sophy Angelopoulos, Artisan Consultant, enjoyed her first ‘Art With Heart’. “Coming from a background of running galleries and exhibitions, I was very impressed with the level and volume of the art. However, I couldn’t help feeling that there was a ‘bird’ theme running through some of the pieces, although this could have been pure coincidence. Unfortunately I was outbid on this occasion on David’s ‘Kiss The Sky’. Being an avid Hendrix fan, I was a little disappointed and may have entered into a ‘bid off’ had it not been a silent auction. Nonetheless, I think the ‘silent auction’ process suited the night as it was more of a chance to get together for a good cause. Congrats to the guys at Storm Design/Brand DNA for putting on a great event and welcoming us into their home.”

Lawrence Akers, Artisan Manager, said that “’Art With Heart’ has become one of those evenings that all the Artisan team look forward to attending each year. "We’re like vultures on the invites; once they’ve arrived, we’ve RSVP’d within minutes, because we know it’s all about supporting worthy causes. That, and because it’s a fantastic evening filled with fine art, old and new faces, and a lot of laughter and fun. My hat goes off to Storm every year for all the hard work they put into the event. To manage that amount of art and to get such an amazing turn out year after year speaks volumes about both Storm and ‘Art With Heart’.”

For more information on Art With Heart, please check the website and for more information on Storm Design/Brand DNA, you can click here.

Update - a thank you note from the guys at Storm Design/Brand DNA:

Dear Lawrence and the crew at Artisan,

How can we thank you enough for the outstanding support you have given us this year with your wonderful Xpose article - 'Art with Heart' on your website.

Our goal for Art with Heart is to bring together a community that channels our combined creative energy to raise money for good people who do good things for those in need, thank you for being part of and extending this community.

You have done this in the true spirit of Art with Heart.

Emma and the team at Storm Design and Brand DNA x