As with many people, the life of GCC student and artist Susie Goliti was forever changed by the events of Sept. 11. Goliti, 37, said that her sister woke her up with the news of the Pentagon building being struck and she later witnessed the second tower of the World Trade Center collapse on TV.

“It was surreal,” Goliti said. She decided to donate $100 to a fund-raiser at her brother-in-law’s business, which would be tripled and donated towards a relief fund for the victims in New York. However, she felt that she could do so much more.

“There are so many great artists in the area,” Goliti said. “I knew that like myself, people felt that giving money was not really sufficient.” That was when she thought of Peaceful Intentions, a project that will bring together donated art pieces by artists to be placed in restaurants for silent auctions. Goliti’s goal is to collect 100 pieces from 100 artists to be placed 100 Los Angeles-area restaurants.
Goliti credits a leadership course that she is currently taking on campus for helping her come up with her idea. One of its requirements was to put together a project in order to hone in on students’ organization and leadership skills.

“It was through that course that I thought of Peaceful Intentions,” Goliti said. “I love art and I love seeing art pieces in restaurants. I thought that peace would somehow be promoted, if people would come to see the art and the companion piece next to it.”

Adjunct art instructor Bob Weaver has agreed to place a drawing of his in an accompanying piece, along with information about Peaceful Intentions, Goliti said. The information will outline the project and describe where the monies will be donated.

Goliti is also working in conjunction with Inner-City Arts, a non-profit organization aimed at giving economically disadvantaged youths access to art. She will collect pieces from youths involved in the program for the auction.

“This way, the kids won’t just be giving money, but will be creating and putting out the effort towards something,” Goliti said. “At the same time, they would get a chance to promote themselves.”
“There is such a huge amount of money going towards the victims of the tragedy, but no one really knows where it’s going,” Goliti said. “The proceeds from this project will be specifically earmarked between ICA and either one of the two relief funds.”

Goliti has already received commitments from several restaurants that she has contacted to participate in her project. Among them are CafÇ Stella and Millie’s on Sunset Boulevard, and Vermont on Vermont Boulevard.

“I would like to find a home for every piece,” Goliti said. She added that there really is no down side for the participating restaurants because all they need to do is provide the space and they are provided with art that will temporarily grace their walls. “Some restaurants are willing to take more than one, and the response has been really positive about the project.”

Participating artists have to turn in their pieces by Nov. 20. Interested students can contact art instructor Caryl St. Ama to find out where they can drop off their art. There will be a listing of participating restaurants once all pieces are placed, starting the first week of December. The auction will run until Jan. 31.
“The whole idea of Peaceful Intentions is to keep the idea of peace in our consciousness.how precious life is, and how we are all connected to each other in a profound way,” Goliti said. “People are given a say in creating peace and are made aware that they can also create their own happiness.