HERO – A Heart-Warming Speed Painting Performance Depicting a Firefighter’s Sacrifice to Save His Own Daughter

HERO – A Heart-Warming Speed Painting Performance Depicting a Firefighter’s Sacrifice to Save His Own Daughter

Hero —the most endearing speed painting performance portrays a young firefighter who risks his life to save a child after being told by his chief, “Get Out! Save yourself, the building is collapsing.” Facing the flames and thinking he might not make it out alive, it becomes apparent when he reaches the child she is his very own 4-yr old daughter. Read the full story below.

Don’t miss the end! Goosebumps, cheers, smiles, and tears! This work has helped with many important causes and produced by Wolfgang Films. HERO explores commitment to an ideal. It asks the question: What endeavor would you undertake knowing full well that the odds are you will fail? What would you give your all to knowing you will likely be severely injured or even die trying? What is the greatest possible reward, and in that thought, what is the most valuable and priceless thing on earth? Paul and Chrissie are a young couple in their twenties, and have started a new family. The story as told by Chrissie I’ll never forget that day…It plays like a movie in my mind, over and over. My Husband, Paul, didn’t even eat breakfast that day. He was so excited he wanted to get to the fire station early. It was his first week on the job. Paul headed for the door but realized he had forgotten something important to him…

Jessie, our adorable three-year-old. She came running across the floor and jumped up in his arms…when Paul told her that he loved her, Jessie’s face lit up with a big smile, and in her tiny voice, she said, ” Daddy, will you play with me when you get home?” Paul smiled and said, “Of Course, Jessie… you are why I do what I do!” And then Jessie said, ” Daddy, you’re my big HERO…be careful, Daddy.” I hated that we both had to work, but I was glad Jessie could go to Gayle’s apartment to play with her daughter, Jen. When we got there, Jessie and Jen started playing with dolls right away and chattering about one thing and then another, and I heard Jen say that her Dad worked up in the clouds in the tallest office building. Then on my way out the door, I heard Jessie tell Jen that her Daddy is a Fireman. She sounded so proud. I left feeling happy and proud of both Jessie and Paul. I didn’t know that day would change my life….forever! Gayle told me that Jessie got up to go to the bathroom. Right after she closed the door, there was a massive explosion. Gayle said the apartment was filled with smoke. Without even thinking, she grabbed Jen and ran out. She said she frantically found the Fire Chief and told him that another little girl was trapped in the bathroom, up in her apartment. She told me she didn’t know what to do as the Chief told her there was no way that he could send any more men into that collapsing, old building as it was too far gone. They had also lost two Firefighters in the blaze. Then, Gayle heard Paul’s voice on the radio, saying he was on the second floor. The Chief told Paul to “GET OUT! He had his own family to think about.” … read the rest at http://michaelisrael.com/2012/videos/…

Virtual Art Auction and Live Show by Michael Israel for Museum of Discovery and Science

Virtual Art Auction and Live Show by Michael Israel for Museum of Discovery and Science

Michael Israel Art Studios produced a fantastic virtual event for the Museum of Discovery and Science with programming from the museum and a live show and art auction!

Let’s paint the town red, blue, pink, green and yellow too! Picture a vibrant evening of colorful science, delectable snacks, and an original LIVE Art performance as world-renowned speed painter Michael Israel creates art before your eyes from the comfort of your couch.

JAFCO GALA A CAPITAL SUCCESS!

JAFCO GALA A CAPITAL SUCCESS!

At the JAFCO Gala, a night that will be remembered for its overwhelming success, Michael Israel’s performance contributed to an unforgettable evening. The event was so extraordinary that it exceeded the organization’s capital funding goals, with donations pouring in, extending the night far beyond its scheduled end. Michael’s art auction alone raised an astounding $75,000, cementing the evening as a milestone in JAFCO’s fundraising history.

Michael Israel, the original “Speed Painter” since 1974, has been performing long before the media coined the term “Speed Painting.” Over the years, his work has raised millions of dollars for countless charities, with his heart especially dedicated to causes helping children. Organizations like JAFCO, the Outreach Center, and HomeSafe have all benefited from his unparalleled talent and generosity, with $75,000 raised for JAFCO in one show, $250,000 across several events for the Outreach Center, and more than $250,000 raised over years of working with HomeSafe.

Michael’s talent has captured the admiration of high-profile collectors, including Warren Buffett, Kevin Costner, Jay Leno, Kevin Bacon, Brooks and Dunn, Fortune 500 CEOs, and United States Presidents. His breathtaking performances have fetched up to $100,000 from the world’s leading companies, with his signed originals priced at $35,000 and up, some selling for as much as $250,000. Yet, through his Works4Charity™ grant program, Michael ensures that even the most resource-limited charities can access his exceptional talents at zero cost.

This year, the Works4Charity™ grant program has introduced exciting updates, making it even more impactful. In addition to a free performance, professional crew, travel and production handling, and donating $10,000 to $100,000+ to the charity, the program now guarantees $10,000 in proceeds to ensure no charity is left covering expenses. If sales fall short, Michael personally makes up the difference any show related expenses —a promise that, so far, has never been needed. 

Beyond his role as an entertainer, Michael becomes a true champion for every cause he supports. He often travels a month in advance of events to assist with press conferences, interviews, and special community engagements, such as painting with children at shelters or hospitals. His pre-show meet-and-greet sessions with VIPs and sponsors elevate every event, while his decades of experience ensure a turnkey program that relieves event producers of much of the burden.

Michael’s fame and following are powerful assets for the charities he partners with, helping boost sponsorship dollars, ticket sales, and marketing opportunities. He even invites his top collectors to the auctions, many of whom have become the highest bidders, sometimes purchasing all the available artwork in one go.