With all of the recent discussion regarding the budget cuts for the arts, it's difficult to imagine that the contributions of people like Juan Alonso, an artist, could ever be deemed as superfluous. Especially when you consider the traction they, as in artists, create around them when it comes to building the community and supporting causes- they are truly critical members of society. Every year, renowned Seattle artist Juan Alonso celebrates his birthday during the first Thursday art walk in his studio in Pioneer Square. He chooses a cause and asks friends to donate to it for his birthday present and also donates a percentage of the sales of his art as well. This year Juan chose Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest, to which he also donated 25  percent of his sales. The effort raised over $4,000. Alonso recieved The Mayor's Art Award in 2010 and PONCHO's Artist of the Year in 2007. Not only is he immensly talented, Juan is humble, generous and a deeply kind person. Providence O'Christmas Trees, which raises money for The Mount Saint Vincent Foundation on behalf of senior health services, invited Alonso to an event at Taste, where his work was on display, and he along with artist Stephanie Hargrave did not hestitate to offer a percentage of their sales to the cause. 

It has never been more important to remember that artists do not exist in a vacuum. They are an important part of the human tribe, the interpreters of culture. They are perhaps working overtime to fill the spiritual void within our consumerist society. Juan Alonso himself is clearly passionate about the community he is a part of and works as an educator and philanthropist. His artwork is a beautiful combination of classical forms in a gestalt with modern graphic concepts. The essence of his Cuban background can be strongly felt in the joyful melancholoy that the Latino culture so fluently embodies and expresses. If you find yourself out and about for first the Thursday Artwalk in Pioneer Square, stop by and check out his work. When you meet the artist, you will find a gentle and loving soul, a beautiful member of your tribe.