Philanthropy

It is easy to see in his stirring images of city streets, rural settings, and the special scenes commissioned in North Carolina and abroad— William Mangum’s love for North Carolina binds him to his collectors and readers. What they may not know about Bill is his deep interest in Christianity, and how meeting a mentally ill man charged his work and life. These important aspects of Bill’s world bring a much deeper purpose to his art. Bill’s friendship with this troubled man gave him a direct and unique understanding of important spiritual truths. Five years later, his experiences with Michael Saavedra led him to paint a highly successful image for Greensboro Urban Ministries' annual Honor Card program. The image was entitled, "Michael's Gift."

"An artist has the opportunity to be very close to God in that we recreate what he has created. We take it apart, and we dissect it," Bill once told a newspaper reporter. In the same fashion, Bill is inclined to take apart and examine his spiritual life. Like many, he struggles against all the trappings of modern life that can ensnare the living soul. He says it this way:

"I constantly ask myself, recognizing how overwhelmingly blessed I am: what sets me apart from so many other tremendously talented folks? What does God really want me to do with this gift? Anybody can learn to paint; but honestly, deep inside me there's a higher purpose and a calling." In the company of both friends and strangers, Bill seeks the answer to this question in his best effort to live a grateful and authentic life.

The Honor Card –
Quite often there is one charity that tugs more at one’s heart. Now in his 20th year doing so, Bill annually creates a painting to raise awareness of the needs of the homeless in North Carolina. This painting also raises funds for helping meet these needs. Nearly three million dollars have been raised through this effort.

Friends House Ministry, Greensboro –
Each Wednesday morning you will find Bill beside friends and students as this army of volunteers provide a hearty breakfast to those less fortunate. Coupled with this outstanding breakfast to warm the body is a message to feed the soul. Words of hope, freedom and grace are provided through God’s word.

Scholastic Art Awards –
For nearly ten years, Bill took an active roll in celebrating the virtues of art with middle and high school students. For four years William Mangum Fine Art was the sponsor for the Scholastic Art Awards held in NC. Annually more than 3,000 students participated.

United Way –
On more than one occasion, Bill’s artistic gifts have been called upon to help agencies in the middle of a crisis. After 9/11 many non-profit organizations experienced devastating setbacks due to under-funding. In 2001 American Pride was created raising nearly a half a million dollars for Greensboro’s United Way.

Hospice –
Hospice is a wonderful organization clearly meeting the needs of family and friends in life’s most challenging time. This worthy group was the recipient of a painting Bill created to compliment a national stamp release designed to raised awareness of the program.

Each year William Mangum is honored to be asked for help by organizations large and small raise toward raising awareness for their worthwhile cause. Carla Bilger handles charitable requests for Bill. She may be reached at 336.379.9200 or .