Philanthropy
It is easy to see in his stirring images of city streets, rural settings, and special commissions — William Mangum’s love for North Carolina. It binds him to his collectors and readers. What they may not know about Bill is his deep belief 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.
"An artist has the opportunity to be very close to God in that we "re-create" 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
The Honor Card program is an annual campaign to raise awareness and funds to meet the needs of the homeless. During the holiday season, Honor Cards are available for a minimum donation of $5 each. Individuals who purchase Honor Cards send them to friends and family, indicating that they have been honored by a donation to a local outreach agency. All proceeds go directly to each participating agency.
Personally touched by the needs of the homeless and affordable housing, Bill has been an advocate, donating his artistic skills and publishing gifts to make The Honor Card program one of the most well run and leveraged charitable programs in the country. Within each beautiful painting is the subtle image and story of the needy. As The Honor Card program celebrates its 37th anniversary, nearly $11,000,000 has been raised to support homeless and low-income families across North Carolina.
To learn more about the latest Honor Card, visit: