CANZA Charity Ball
Boccaccio Hall, Grand Hotel Bohemia, Prague, CZ (Australia/New Zealand)
December 2017

Picture
Thank you to the very generous auction winners of the evening, Darina and Martin Czakon.  The donation will go directly to the Pink Crocodile school.




#255 from the FLEET 3 series

Title: LAUNCH – inspired by beautiful Australia “launching” me into the Expat world of living abroad

Artist: April Popko

Location, Date: Prague 5, 2017

Medium: Acrylic painting on canvas

Dimensions: 30x80cm
Note from the artist:
I love to support groups that mean something special to me.  Living abroad (for the first time) landed me in Brisbane, Australia in 1998.  I got the travel bug ever since! It was one of the most educational, adventurous and wonderful times in my life.  For a season, I studied at the University of Queensland and spent as much time as possible traveling around “Oz”, surfing on the Gold Coast, SCUBA diving in the Great Barrier Reef, trekking the rainforests, observing amazing animals in the national parks such as Kakadu, Daintree, Cradle Mountain, Uluru (the outback), and Freycinet (Tasmania) among many others.  While “down under” I was fortunate to also spend time exploring New Zealand. There, I loved the underground honeycomb caving, skydiving above Lake Taupo, experiencing hot geysers, as well as mixing with the kiwis and learning about Maori culture in Rotorua.  It was incredible!  Needless to say, this unique experience will always be close to my heart and will lend me time for fun stories to tell forever.  I support CANZA’s goal in uniting the Australian and New Zealand communities, here in Prague, as well as giving to children in need for Pink Crocodile.  It is my absolute pleasure to help the efforts of Pink Crocodile!

West End Racing - Children's Community Sailing Club
Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA
Summer 2017

West End Racing - Children's Community Sailing Club
Provincetown West End Racing Club




#242

Title: Fresh Start

Artist: April Popko

Location, Date: Prague 5, 2017

Medium: Acrylic painting on canvas

Dimensions: 30x40cm
Note from the artist:
Provincetown's West End Racing Club is an incredibly special group close to my heart.  With skillful instructors and sailing peers, my kids learn how to sail, tie knots, cooperate, reach out to others, developing their skills in a fun and safe environment.  Our kids love this group because they can be by the water, sailing, swimming and enjoying Cape Cod (like me!).
There is really no better place to locate one of Popko's original paintings than the racing club.

It is my pleasure to give something to such generous people from the outer cape community--it is a non-profit organization that fund-raises and even allows kids to attend if they cannot afford to pay for the lessons.  As  a small token of my appreciation to Susan Avellar and Dan Hoeflinger's work, Fresh Start is now in their trusty possession. I hope to offer an even larger piece to them one day...if they can find room between all the life jackets and sails!

Truro Public Library
Truro, Massachusetts, USA
August 2017

Gifted to the Truro Public Library to recognize the people who organize the incredibly creative and engaging children's programs, regular art displays and exhibitions as well as maintaining such a welcoming community atmosphere. Thank you for inspiring so many community members!
http://trurolibrary.org/


#237

Title: Just the Beginning, 2017

Artist: April Popko

Location: Prague 5, CZ

Medium: Acrylic painting on canvas

Dimensions: 30x40cm
Note from the artist:
My entire family visits this library at least weekly, during the summer months.  We have been so lucky to attend many of the events and activities that the library organizes. From children’s book readings, to science experiments with professionals and marine life lessons, to art openings and/or craft projects, music performances, charity sales and more!  The library is a place for everyone and we love it there.  It is such a rich learning environment that encourages the community to gather, to share ideas, to display works of art and to include all groups and interests.  They always extend their help to people in need and so we want to show appreciation for all that they do.  They sure make us want to come back! We love Truro Library!

Outer Cape Health Services
Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA
August 2017

Gifted to the Outer Cape Health Services  to honor the deep care and professionalism of the doctors and nurses.
http://ptownchamber.com/2010/outer-cape-health-service-inc/


#237

Title: Top Speed, 2017

Artist: April Popko

Location: Prague 5, CZ

Medium: Acrylic painting on canvas

Dimensions: 50x20cm
Note from the artist:
Outer Cape Health has always been of incredible service to our family for health care, support and/or emergencies. They have served our family and the community of Provincetown with great dignity and professionalism.  The staff provides sincere care with a high level of privacy and sensitivity toward the patients’ individual needs. We appreciate these efforst beyond words – (especially when working with my children in the past and my father in his last weeks of life).  The staff of Outer Cape Health were gifted this painting, as a reminder of our infinite gratitude and in recognition of their amazing work.

MOTOL Hospital

Nemocnice Motol, Prague 5, CZ
December 2016

Created especially for Motol Hospital in honor of the good work done by the doctors, nurses and Red Nose Clowndoctors.
www.fnmotol.cz/en
www.rednoses.eu

#176

Title: Stardust, 2016

Artist: April Popko

Location: Prague 5, CZ

Medium: Acrylic painting on canvas

Dimensions: 60x60cm
We Are Stardust

Almost every element on Earth was formed at the heart of a star. All humans--children, parents, doctors, nurses, cleaning ladies and even red-nosed clowns --are made of the exact same things.  We are deeply connected, regardless of what country, lifestyle or background we exist in.  
Experiencing the incredible work the doctors and nurses who dedicate their lives to the children at Motol Hospital has made our family very grateful for the strength they possess.  They are SUPERSTARS!
The Red Noses Clowndoctors have also brought great light and positivity to our children.  Gracing the halls with warmth and love, they brought smiles to their faces.  All humans need love and hope to heal and grow.
Note from the artist:
Near to my heart is Motol hospital, where doctors and nurses saved my children from dangerous illnesses.  There was a year when my children were in great need of medical attention.  We were in and out of the hospital almost every day, for months.  The constant care and solid advice on how to get back on our feet will never be forgotten.  I was so inspired by their dedication and hardwork as well as the efforts of the Clown Doctors (who made my children smile in such difficult times) that I had an exhibition in the name of those who helped to support us.  It will always be dear to our family.

The 2016 AmCham Thanksgiving Ball on Žofín Island

Žofín Palace, Prague, CZ
November 2016

"Thanksgiving--Community is built on the backs of those individuals who combine rare talent with the desire to benefit not only themselves but others.  We give ourselves to those individuals in our community who have committed their time to making a better place for each of us to live and work.
This goes with the one world, many voices-- Active participation in our communities is not only beneficial for our society, but also helps to build trust among people, which is crucial for each democracy.  For this reason, the AmCham continues in its philanthropic program: One World, Many Voices.  From 2013, the program's aim has expanded from the support of communication in English to the support of school projects that benefits local communities and builds relationships with local governments." - as mentioned on the AmCham Thanksgiving Ball program.
Created especially for the charity work of the American Chamber of Commerce through the representation of Coca-Cola Czech Republic in the Silent Auction at the Žofín Palace Gala, November 2016.


#175

Title: Making It Happen, 2016

Artist: April Popko

Location: Prague, CZ

Medium: Acrylic painting on canvas

Dimensions: 160x100cm
American artist, April Popko, has lived and worked from her Prague 5 studio since 2003. She focuses on transferring strong energy through painting to bring positivity and light. Popko’s international debut solo exhibits were an immediate success in Prague (Color Flash, Spring 2016; Branching Out, Autumn 2016). Born in Massachusetts, Popko has also presented her work in group exhibitions at the renowned Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) in Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA, the country’s oldest art colony.


The American Chamber of Commerce, Prague organized the Silent Auction Gala to support One World Many Voices. AmCham's One World, Many Voices activities aim at improving how our communities cooperate to improve our country's quality of life.  AmCham initially provided language laboratories to elementary and middle schools throughout the country.  During the 2002 floods, they worked with local non-profits to provide industrial dryers to villages.  Since then, they have provided funding to local schools for student projects that increase community participation.  This year, AmCham has chosen two projects that fit two of our long-term priorities--a modern workforce an good government.  All money raised at the Gala was contributed to the projects.

Projects:
  • NFNZ - Nadační fond nezavislé žurnalistiky - NFNZ - The Endowment for Independent Journalism (www.nfnz.cz) and the www.VsechnyZakazky.cz Project, a public procurement initiative focused on transparency, are teaming together to establish a grant to support systematic media coverage of public procurement.  AmCham asks you to contribute to the grant that will help Czech reporters to highlight best practices in public procurement on local and municipal levels and devote their energies to serious issues in this area b way of investigative journalism.  AmCham financially supported the creation of the www.VsechnyZakazky.cz online database for government procurement.
  • Dejme Dětem Šanci - LET'S GIVE CHILDREN A CHANCE help prepare young people from children's homes for the start of their individual lives.  The aim of the scholarship program is to give these children an opportunity to carry on with their studies so that they can attain qualifications that increase their chances on the job market and at the same time to strengthen the development of their personalities.  We will also provide equipment some children may need to embark on their chosen careers.
http://www.amcham.cz/amcham-in-brief/
Note from the artist:
As an American, living in Prague, being part of American holiday festivities such as something as traditional as “Thanksgiving”—my favorite-- has been very special to me.  When I was asked to be part of this charity auction (through Coca Cola), I felt honored.  As an American artist, teacher and mother, supporting the needs of children with whom that the Chamber of Commerce is associated has been a great honor.

Mateřšká škola (school)
Smíchov, Prague 5, CZ
2016

Created especially for a pre-school and kindergarten in Prague 5, thanking the teachers and director for fostering creativity and security as a wonderful, first place to learn. Our children’s growth and development in the Czech system has been a fantastic experience, for our family and community.

#172

Title: Wild Flowers

Artist: April Popko

Location, Date: Smíchov, Prague 5, 2016

Medium: Acrylic painting on canvas

Dimensions: 120x50cm
Note from the artist:
As a mother and a teacher, school plays an important role in my life.  It is an extension of my home and workplace, teaching my children about how the world works and how people share ideas and experiences together.  A healthy environment where the children learn in a warm atmosphere that promotes a sense of safety and security is a great place to start the educational journey for so many children. Fostering creativity is an important factor in our children’s growth—especially at school.  To stimulate the imagination is to secure a better future for the entire community.  Everyone’s ideas are valuable, everyone’s talents are accepted and everyone’s participation is welcomed. 
Inspiration for this painting: When I first moved to Prague, I lived on top of a hill next to a national reserve park (Prokopske Udoli/Dalejske Udoli) where there were lots of trees in the forest, poppy flowers in the fields and open landscapes to feast my eyes on.  It was very inspirational and I felt drawn toward the school as a way to connect with people.  As I was very singular on the hill, as a foreigner, I needed to communicate that. Once my children started to attend school on that little “village” hill, I realized that every single child who attended that school was part of an entire future community.  They would one day be running the world!
As free as they were on the garden playground, and as colorful and beautiful as they were every day telling about their school adventures, art projects with drawing or ceramics, I knew how much value the school placed on creativity and how promising that was for the future of our city.  That freestyle, creative encouragement inspired me to paint something for the children and teachers, as a way of thanking them for all that they do every single day.  It is a piece called “Wild Flowers”, inspired by the poppies in the fields up on that hill.  For all singular flowers who stand together, can one day become an entire field.   Once the seed is planted, you never know how much it will grow…