Tamara Morrison stopped by Sutton Studios in February to do some touch-up work for us. Tamara owns Tamara Backdrops in Chicago and hand-paints all our backdrops. She came back a few weeks later and brought her friend Curly, a Miniature Pinscher.

Tamara and Curly

I had to have a picture of Tamara set off by her creation - her backdrops have been a part of “that Sutton Studios look” for over a decade. The backdrop we use most often measures fourteen feet across and seven yards long- you see most of it in this photo.

Tamara on Tamara

Don’t miss the May Flower Exhibition at the Avram Eisen Gallery at 5202 North Damen, Chicago. Opening reception Friday, May 1st, 5-9 p.m. Brunch on Sunday May 3rd from 10 - 3. The show runs through May and it’s an opportunity to see some print from David Sutton’s series, “Blossoms in Decline”.

Daisy Cascade, from Blossoms in Decline

Sutton Studios donates gift certificate packages to scores of charitable organizations each year. The groups use them to generate funds through silent auctions, raffles and fund-raising events. We, in turn, get to meet nice people who are passionate about helping others. This week we’re donating to the charities listed below.

If your organization has plans for a fund-raising event, please feel free to contact us about a donation.

DAWES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Dawes Elementary School invites everyone to join them for their annual “Sol Fest” Silent Auction on May 1st. Sol Fest raises funds to pay for field trips, artist-in-residence, after school clubs, and most importantly, scholarships. For additional information, please call Dawes Elementary School 847-859-8990.

CHICAGO HOUSE

On May 2nd & 3rd, Chicago House will host an entire weekend of Brunch & Fashion events for the whole family at the Harold Washington Library in the Winter Garden Room.  Get ready for Fanta-Sea Island Fashion Splash, a tropical getaway right here in Chicago!Since 1985, Chicago House has been a national leader in the provision of housing and supportive services to men, women and children affected by HIV and AIDS. For additional information please visit www.chicagohouse.org or call 773-248-5200.

DA VINCI ACADEMY

On Saturday, May 2nd the Da Vinci Academy will host their annual benefit auction, “A Community Affair - Explore Your Future” at the Q Center in St. Charles.  This is Da Vinci’s major fundraising event of the year, which helps with their commitment of providing the highest quality education. Their students come from a wide cross section from Naperville to McHenry, Wheaton to Sycamore. For additional information please visit www.dvacademy.org or call 847-841-7532.

LOYOLA ACADEMY

The 2009 Loyola Academy Rambler’s fundraiser will be Saturday, May 2nd and you are invited. Proceeds from this event provide tuition assistance to over 500 deserving students.  For more information please visit www.goramblers.org or call 847-920-2436.

MARILLAC SOCIAL CENTER

On May 2nd, Marillac Social Center will host the 5th Annual “A Day at the Races” at Arlington Park Racetrack. Marillac Social Center has been recognized locally and nationally for their early childhood programs, teen mentoring/after school prevention programming and community outreach.  For additional information please visit www.marillachouse.org or call 773-722-7440.

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY MEN’S SOCCER

During the past 5 years, Northwestern University Men’s Soccer has enjoyed a tremendous transformation into one of the nation’s top programs.  Fundraising from the Second Annual “NU Soccer Silent Auction” will help fund the program’s growing needs.  Please join the Northwestern University Men’s Soccer team for an enjoyable evening at the Firehouse Grill in Evanston on Saturday, May 2nd.

Sutton Studios donates gift certificate packages to scores of charitable organizations each year. The groups use them to generate funds through silent auctions, raffles and fund-raising events. We, in turn, get to meet nice people who are passionate about helping others. This week we’re donating to the charities listed below.

If your organization has plans for a fund-raising event, please feel free to contact us about a donation.

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

The Family Resource Center is having their 20th Annual Spring Gala Saturday, April 18th at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont. Since 1989, Family Resource Center has been an innovative leader in the field of adoptions,
finding permanent loving homes for children through adoption. Join them for their celebration dinner and silent auction.  For detail, please call Angela Bartle at 773-334-2300.

CHILDREN’S ONCOLOGY SERVICES

On Saturday evening, April 18th, at N9NE Steakhouse, 500 of Chicago’s most involved young professionals will gather to experience a twist on Summer Camp with added city flair. This memorable night will include unique cocktails, gourmet versions of campfire favorites, an awesome silent auction and great music. For additional information visit www.onestepcamp.org.

RAVENSWOOD ELEMENTARY  SCHOOL

Join them the evening of Saturday, April 18th from 7 to 11 pm, for “Spring Forward” at  Architectural Artifacts, 4325 North Ravenswood Avenue. The celebration benefits Ravenswood Elementary School and features good food, fabulous items in both the silent and live auctions and Carlos Ortega’s sultry Latin jazz combo, Casolando.  For additional information contact Kristin Lotane at 773-267-9655.

Sutton Studios donates gift certificate packages to scores of charitable organizations each year. The groups use them to generate funds through silent auctions, raffles and fund-raising events. We, in turn, get to meet nice people who are passionate about helping others. This week we’re donating to the charities listed below.

If your organization has plans for a fund-raising event, please feel free to contact us about a donation.

AS GOOD AS GOLD - GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS

Join the Golden Retriever Rescue of Northern Illinois on April 4th as they host “2009 A Golden Night at Brookfield Zoo”.  Proceeds from their dinner and auction go directly to care of rescued Golden Retrivers.  To date they have rescued more than 875 Golden or Golden mixes and provided them with excellent medical care as well as loving adoptive families. With your help, Golden Retriever Rescue of Northern Illinois  will continue to meet the needs of homeless Goldens in Northern Illinois. For more information please call 630-588-0115.

HARMONY HOUSE FOR CATS

Harmony House for Cats invites you to their SPRING DINNER AND AUCTION, Sunday, April 5th at Porretta’s Banquets.  The afternoon includes great food and an exciting silent auction.  please call 773-463-6667 for additional information.