Local Artist Earmarks Painting Sales To Northport Promise

Northport artist Helen Sica is donating the proceeds from the sale of her paintings on exhibit at This & That, 118 Main Street in Northport to the fundraising efforts of the Northport Promise.

Sica, a permanent resident of Northport since retiring 12 years ago, began painting shortly before retiring. After relocating permanently she began taking watercolor classes from artist Charles Murphy. Today, watercolor remains her preferred medium, although she works in many mediums. Sica, the grandmother of two Northport students, is best known for her landscapes, but also loves experimenting with various styles and recently began working on abstracts. During the off season she paints with the Tuesday morning group at the Old Art Building in Leland.

The idea to donate the money from her work started about two years ago. When the Northport Promise was announced she decided it would be her first choice for charitable donations from the sale of her work. Says Sica, “I love Northport and I wanted to do what I could to help Northport and the school grow and thrive.”

That’s a sentiment shared by This & That shop owner Denise Branch. “I’ve always loved art and I approached some local artists about putting their work in my shop. I was so excited when Helen told me where the proceeds from her sales should go.” Branch, who is also the newly elected Northport School Board President, adds “I love the school – it’s very important to the community and I’ve been so excited about the Northport Promise. It’s really great to be able to help the fundraising effort in this way.”

This & That is open Monday-Saturday. For more information about the shop contact Branch at 386-9170. For more information about Sica’s painting, contact her at 386-5513.

The Northport Promise program is modeled after the successful Kalamazoo Promise announced in 2005. To learn more about the program, visit the Northport Promise Web site at www.northportpromise.com. Donations to the Northport Promise are being accepted by the Leelanau Township Community Foundation. Direct contributions may be made payable to the foundation and sent to: Leelanau Township Community Foundation, P.O. Box 818, Northport, MI 49670. Please specify that the donation is for the Northport Promise.

Volunteers who would like to become involved in the Northport Promise effort should contact Sally Viskochil at 218.7485 or 386.5529 or Ruth Steele Walker at 386.5674 or 233.2113.