September 2003 :: Richard Elfman Film Director and Sonya Paz Fundraiser

PRESS RELEASE

September 5, 2003
Online Art Auction To Benefit Children
Fans of Richard Elfman Productions and collectors of Sonya Paz’s bold and colorful art can now own an original piece created with a fundraising passion.
NEW AUCTION PAINTING – “Disorderly Conduct”
Richard Elfman’s Website

Sonya Paz and Richard Elfman

SAN JOSE, Calif., September 5, 2003 — Fans of Richard Elfman Productions and collectors of Sonya Paz’s bold and colorful art can now own an original piece created with a fundraising passion. These two artists have been working together to establish a month long online art auction, beginning September 6, where proceeds will benefit the Citizens Commission of Human Rights (CCHR), a nonprofit organization.

By joining forces and hosting an online auction to support CCHR, the two artists hope to educate fellow art collectors and aficionados on this widespread issue.

“The abuses of psychiatry and big drug business are of particular concern to me,” said Hollywood Film Director, Richard Elfman. “Parents have been forced by schools to put their children on cocaine related drugs such as Ritalin.”

“It is wonderful that Sonya has chosen to support this group with her art,” says Elfman. “And her art is truly wonderful! I love it!”

The CCHR has many well known celebrities speaking out on this issue in Washington. In fact, last September, Lisa Marie Presley testified before the House of Representatives Government Reform Committee in support of federal protections against coerced child drugging. Kirstie Alley and Kelly Preston have also given outspoken support for a federal bill to safeguard parents and their children.

“My choice to participate in this auction and support this was an easy one,” said artist Sonya Paz. “This organization is actively working to stop unnecessary over medicating, including minimizing the amount of stimulant-related drugs prescribed to children. Hands-on experience with this issue led me to translate my emotions onto canvas.”

Paz, the single parent of two teenagers has been down the tough road of making a choice for her son. “It’s frustrating that children are diagnosed with having every disorder under the sun — all leading to a prescription for some type of medication.” “When filling that prescription you aren’t too sure what you are in for. Parents needs to become more educated and consider long-term alternatives.”

The painting designated for this auction is entitled “Disorderly Conduct,” a vibrant piece that is abstract and incorporates an emotional, bright colored edgy feel with a twist of pop art style cubism. The title of this piece is play on words or translation of how these medical conditions might be described. It seems to be an appropriate representation of the endless series of disorders that physicians and drug companies often claim.

The original signed and dated painting will go on auction Saturday, September 6. A dedication letter from Richard Elfman will also accompany this artwork. Proceeds from the online auction will be donated to the CCHR. Auction details and progress will be available online at http://www.spazart.com.

The online auction schedule is as follows:
Start: Saturday, September 6, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. PDT (1:00 p.m. EDT)
End: October 5, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. PST (10:00 p.m. EDT)