Fundraising | jazzjamm.org

If you were lucky enough to see them, best friends, James McFarland and Julian Van Dyke, often painted next to the main stage at the East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival. Crowds would gather to listen to the tremendous music, while watching the two men compose their colorful images.

Tragically, James passed away in 2017 from a sudden illness, leaving a space that can never be filled, for those who knew and loved him. Julian, a locally known artist of paintings and murals, has agreed upon a special work to be offered this year, as a symbol of their many collaborations.

Not only will Julian will be painting on a stage in the Albert Street parking lot (behind the Peanut Barrel), but a piece he and James did together in 2011, entitled “Joint Effort,” will be up for auction near that stage. This piece has been graciously donated by James’ daughters, Michelle Humes and Jessica Graham.

You will be able to bid at the event, if you wish. All proceeds go toward the festival itself.

“Joint Effort”, shown here, is 66 inches square. It is unframed and on canvas, and painted and signed by both artists.

Apart from his interest and work with water for healing, he was a studied artist and a musician in his own right. He was also a great fan of jazz music and The Jazz Alliance of Mid-Michigan. His family, who took over his Lansing based Hotwater Works, gave proceeds from some of his paintings to JAMM earlier this year, during a memorial birthday event held at the store in Lansing.

The festival staff and volunteers are so very grateful to the family for contributing this wonderful creation and beautiful memory of a unique friendship.

We all know the pain of losing someone very special. The jazz community in this area still feels this loss, especially at events like Summer Solstice, held just blocks from where James lived in East Lansing. He was always there, bringing his usual joyful presence and creativity.

Despite our sadness, we are grateful that his daughters Michelle and Jessica, and their spouses and children, are now part of our wonderful jazz family.

James daughter Michelle Humes, left, gives check to JAMM Secretary Candice Wilmore

On March 24, 2018 a tribute to the Founder of Hotwater Works, Inc., James McFarland, was held on what would have been his 70th birthday and 40 years in business! He died suddenly last year, and it has been a very difficult time for so many, most of all his children.

His daughters, Michelle and Jessica, and their spouses, who have taken over the business, organized and presented this wonderful event. There was live music and a great hot tub sale.

James was a brilliant artist, in many mediums, but especially as a painter. He studied art at Michigan State University. When he died, so many JAMM members lost not only a great supporter, but more importantly, an irreplaceable, dear friend.

On the day of this tribute, his family decided to hold a Silent Art Auction of some of his works. During that sale, they raised $525, all designated as a donation to JAMM.

Since there were a few pieces not sold that day, the family will keep them at the store for a few weeks so that anyone interested can come in, look around and if desired, purchase a painting, with the proceeds also going to JAMM. Shown below here are the pieces still available.

The store is located at 2116 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI. Phone is 517-364-8827. You are most welcome to stop in during business hours or call first to make an appointment or ask about details on pieces shown below.

JAMM’s Board of Directors and other members who knew James are deeply touched and grateful for this donation. James’ presence is so sorely missed, but his family is keeping his dreams and work alive in wonderful ways.

We all miss him greatly, and we thank Michelle, Jessica and their families for this fantastic support of JAMM.

(Pieces still available as of 4/14/18)