Artist Erik Wahl Raises over $1.5 Million for Charity

Artist and WWSG keynote speaker Erik Wahl foregoes selling his artwork on the commercial market so that it may benefit charitable organizations, raising $1.5 million to date.

By: Staff, Yahoo News

Erik Wahl, graffiti artist and social philanthropist, announced this week he has rasied over $1,500,000 for charitable foundations and associations around the world through the auctioning of his artwork.

Wahl does not sell any of his artwork on the commercial market to ensure he is able to escalate the value for charitable organizations.  He recently performed at an Xprize Gala event in San Francisco and his live performance painting of Steve Jobs was auctioned for $27,500 for the Xprize foundation.

“I know it sounds crazy, but I have never wanted to sell or commoditize my art. The payout has never been about dollars but about making an impact on the world. I am delighted that the art has raised good money for great causes," says Wahl.

Wahl also subscribes to an "Art for All" philosophy, and with his latest project “Art Drops,” he is geo-caching his own artistic collection around the world through online treasure hunts. Wahl leaves one of his original works of art hidden somewhere in a city, and then offers online clues about where it can be located. Fans have found paintings in cities around the world, including Barcelona, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago.

In addition to his artwork, he is an author and keynote speaker who inspires organizations to achieve superior levels of performance on the corporate lecture circuit. Erik has shared his presentation at TED, guest lectured at the London School of Business and performed for Organizations all over the world.