Lansing-area "starving artists" fought back against hunger this weekend, not just for themselves, but for others.
Young musicians and artists collaborated in the "Starving Artists Concert" Sunday night at The Temple Club, 500 E. Grand River Ave., in Lansing, to raise funds for the Greater Lansing Food Bank.
"I've been having small art parties at my house, and it got too crowded," said Kate Cosgrove, one of the featured artists and an event organizer. "So we decided to have a bigger venue and do something helpful in the community."
Four young artists and five musicians entertained about 60-some guests in the fully occupied Red Light Lounge.
The $5 cover charge to get into the concert went toward the Greater Lansing Food Bank, which funds area shelters and food pantries.
"We fund all the pantries in Ingham County, which is 18 to 24 at any given time," said Sharon Krinock, the executive director of the food bank. "Then we have 37 human services in the tri-county area, like soup kitchens and shelters."
Cosgrove said she was pleased with the turnout, even before the event started.
"Before the doors were open, people were lined up outside," she said, while smiling and looking around the lounge. "It's been an awesome event. I would love to do an annual thing."
One guest taught Cosgrove how to encompass art and community outreach.
"I teach classes about community involvement and the responsibility of (being) an artist," said Laura Cloud, an MSU art professor. "Artists who are really political and socially involved should take action within their community.
"She uses her paintings to raise money in what she's interested in."
Guests nibbled on cheese and bread donated by the Great Harvest Bread Co., while mingling with artists and making bids on their work.
It was one artist's first time displaying his work in a public venue.
"This is my first chance to get there and show people what I can do," Dave Schupbach said. "I hope for the same type of (event) next time, and even bigger yet."
Cosgrove said she's already discussing the possibility of another event, only this time for the benefit of the Salvation Army.
"This is very giving of (Cosgrove) and the other artists," said guest Hilda Mejia Abreu, director of admission for the College of Veterinary Medicine. "More people should do the same thing."
