Supporting Artists and Eco Art
Through Community Workshops, Projects, Financial Support to Artists, and Scholarships to emerging artists.
“Tess is Love” Benches
The TSR Art & Earth Fund purchased a bench for nationally known artist, Vanessa German’s community Art House in Homewood. As an inspired thank you, Vanessa put a quote from Tess’s mother in the mosaic steps to the Art House that are next to where the bench was installed. We were happy to support the work Vanessa was doing and grateful for her remembrance of Tess.
When we participated in PARKing Day 2017 at the University of Pittsburgh we brought an interactive Tess is Love Bench to our parking space. Participants inscribed on recycled cloth strips what love is to them & then tied their strip on to the last, intertwining them on the bench. It was touching and funny at times!
Our third Tess is Love Bench was installed by a bus stop in Tess’s hometown of Sewickley, Pennsylvania. People, especially those who use public transportation, deserve a place to rest.
We look forward to finding just the right spot for our next “Tess is Love Bench” soon!
Why We Are
Tess Senay Raynovich
Tess believed her future as an artist was to express herself while considering and promoting respect for our natural resources. Before she could achieve this, Tess left us suddenly on October 28th 2012. While the trails of Hurricane Sandy reached Western Pennsylvania Tess died suddenly on her way to work that morning. Tess was 20 years old, an artist and a human of extraordinary love for her acquaintances, friends and family.
Because Tess was a kind, honest, empathetic and open hearted person there was a large community of friends and family who wanted to remember her in a way that would keep her dreams and spirit with us.
In January 2013 the Tess Senay Raynovich Art and Earth Fund was created. Over the years we have provided artists, art organizations funding to create eco art and have encouraged emerging artists with scholarships. You can see examples of the work we have done on “The Work We Do” page.
We are so grateful to our supporters wha give us the ability to inspire others to care for our natural resources through art. For all of us who knew and loved Tess the gift of keeping her spirit reaching out into our world is greater than words can convey.
Tess’s mother was asked by artist Vanessa German to tell her about Tess. Tess’s mother replied “Tess is Love.” We send our love to all of you .
We know there are so many needs and requests that come your way. When you make a donation to Tess’s Fund you are trusting us to make the most of your valuable resources. Your trust could not be more justified.
Our stewardship of this fund is taken on with the care and love that Tess’s memory deserves. We hope that you will consider continuing to support Tess’s Fund in any way that you can.
The Tess Senay Raynovich Art and Earth Fund is a registered 501c3 nonprofit.