Grotesk & Inglorious Basterds for Haiti

Back in June of last year, gosince01 interviewed the Swiss graphic artist Grotesk. He spoke about his creative influences & shared advice for GOTO's young aspiring artists.

This week, Grotesk & a team of artists linked up with Quentin Tarantino to help raise money for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Each artist was asked to create their own poster art based off their interpretation of Tarantino's film "Inglorious Basterds."

Only six of each print were created, and each was numbered and signed by Tarantino. On February 18th, patrons previewed and purchased the “Lost Art of Inglorious Basterds” at The Upper Playground Art Gallery in Downtown L.A. All proceeds from this program were donated to The American Red Cross to help the victims of the Haiti Earthquake.

Grotesk's (pretty awesome) submission is seen above. To check out all of the artwork, click here.

5 Questions for GOTO's Fashion Correspondent: Militini

Militini is a born and bred Georgia Peach spending her twenty-something year-old days moonlighting as a "New Yorker" amidst the bright lights in this big city. She’s also GOTO’s resident Fashion Correspondent.

After Rock the Boat Basin, she’ll be weighing in on the best dressed men and women of the night. But for now, here are 5 Questions for Militini ...

1. Young professionals in New York City have so many social options to choose between every night of the week. What can a fundraising party offer to stand out here?

A fundraising party that chooses a creative venue (like the Boat Basin - anywhere outdoors when the weather is nice is always appealing) and brings together young professionals interested in meeting new people in the name of a worthy cause, is a winner in my book.

2. Why do you think there are so many fundraisers in New York City? Is it like that in Atlanta as well?

I think there are so many fundraisers in NYC because this is a city filled with go-getters, many of whom are out to change the world for the better. Combine this notion with the fact that our city is a melting pot of diverse interests, cultures and backgrounds, and you get a plethora of unique organizations seeking to make a difference in the community.

Atlanta, like New York, is also a very social city so there are a lot of fundraising events. But most of these events are for the same handful of philanthropic organizations. I lived in Charlotte for awhile as well where there are also a lot of fundraisers, but again, you don't have the options to choose from when selecting an organization to be involved with like you do in NYC.

3. What are the greatest differences between NYC fundraisers & Southern fundraisers?

A) The Southern fundraisers serve sweet tea and Chick-fil-A chicken nugget platters, whereas NYC is deprived of both of these things, and B) You are less likely to meet new people at fundraising events in the South because, chances are, you're probably related to most of the people there anyway. Kidding! (I can joke about silly southern stereotypes because I'm from there, right?)

In all seriousness, I would say that there aren't too many differences between fundraisers north and south of the Mason Dixon. In both places, people are there with intentions to raise money for a good cause, while having a good time in the process.

4. You offer some solid fashion tips on your blog. If a guy wants to make a good impression at our party, what should he be wearing?

If you are a guy attending the upcoming party at the Boat Basin, its best to go with casual attire that is comfortable, yet polished at the same time.


From my southern girl perspective, you can't go wrong with a pair of seersucker shorts and a crisp polo shirt. If that's not your style, wear whatever makes you feel on top of your game (hint, hint--a crumpled up t-shirt with a hole in it and those khaki pants you've had since senior year of high school don't typically indicate "top of game-ness"...just saying).

If you're coming from the office, come as you are, but maybe leave the tie behind.

5. And what would you not be caught dead wearing to our party?

Me personally? I wouldn't be caught dead wearing a Duke Basketball jersey to your party...or ever. (disclaimer: I have personal reasons for this, my comment is not intended as an offense to Duke or anyone who went there).

To learn more about Militini – and to follow her awesome blog – click here.

5 Questions for a GOTO Kid: Joseph Gordon '02

1. What did you like most about Appel Farm Arts & Music summer camp?

The thing I liked the most was the family-like environment that was created. Everyone was accountable for everyone and there was very little conflict. Everyone got along and it was easy to make friends.

2. What were your majors?

My majors were always music (either concentration in piano or saxophone).

3. What are you up to now?

Right now I'm attending Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. I'm majoring in Business and Minoring in Music (concentration in Piano).

4. What are your plans for this summer?

My plans for summer is to be playing at different churches, participate in a few sporting competitions in football, baseball and track. Also, learning to drive a stick shift.

5. Who’s your favorite artist or musician?

I don't really have a favorite musician or artist.

Bonus 1. What do you want to be doing ten years from now?

I should be working and have my PhD in Music and Masters in Accounting and working up the corporate ladder to Chief Financial Officer and starting a music school/studio.

Bonus 2. What’s your favorite activity that does not include arts or music?

Playing baseball, football, soccer and any sport that keeps my interest.

5 Questions for a GOTO Alum: Dana Deluce

1. How did you first hear about GOTO?
I learned of GOTO through Cameron Snaith, Founder. We had met through mutual friends in high school and college in Canada and then reconnected in New York City in 2001 when we had both moved there after graduation.

Cam shared his plans for GOTO and I was anxious to get involved with a young organization focused on enhancing the creative lives of New York city kids.

2. What were your roles while you were a GOTO volunteer?
I served on the Board for five years. I focused on managing the volunteers, filling roles, outlining job descriptions and general planning for New York expansion.

3. What have you been up to since joining GOTO’s alumni?
While in New York, I attended some of the events as a guest. I moved back to Toronto in the Fall 2008 and have remained in contact with GOTO Members and follow their progress and successes through their frequent communications. I've also turned many of my New York friends into loyal event attendees in my absence.

4. What was your favorite GOTO moment?
As I volunteer, my favorite moments were the scholarship recipient events when we awarded our grateful kids their camp scholarships. The excitement generated and the resulting personal growth we saw over the years after they attended camp was the highlight of my time as a volunteer.

And of course the rate at which GOTO has grown. From the first small scale event in 2001 to the huge gala events now held, it has been amazing to see where the organization has gone and how many volunteers and children have benefited from being involved.

5. Where do you see GOTO twenty years from now?
I see GOTO expanding to many more cities (hopefully Toronto where I now reside). Now more than ever, young people are looking for ways to give back. The mission of GOTO will remain relevant as young people continue to seek out ways to get involved, help out and join a like-minded philanthropic community of awesome people. Hopefully some of the scholarship recipients in 15 years will circle back and get involved knowing firsthand how GOTO has shaped their lives as creative individuals.

Bonus 1. If GOTO sent you to Arts & Music Summer Camp, what would be your major?
I would love to do drums because I love percussion and would also love to reconnect with my childhood love for dance - specifically ballet or tap dancing!

5 Questions for Grotesk

Grotesk (aka Kimou Meyer) is a Swiss- born artist who moved to New York City in 1999. He studied at the art school Le Cambre in Brussels, has worked with fashion guru Marc Ecko and is the Creative Director at Zoo York. He also designed the iconic cover art for The Cool Kids' 2008 album, The Bake Sale.

Grotesk recently agreed to a short interview with gosince01 and has some words of wisdom for GOTO's kids as well ...

1. How were you inspired to take up street art?

I think I am not doing street art. I am doing illustration inspired by the street. I am not trying to put my artwork in the street just to make it "street" I walk all day long to take photos that inspired me for illustration/projects.

2. How has living in New York City influenced your art?

New York inspired me for many thing. The first is the energy. You have to hustle every day in order to stay on the top of your game. There is so many talented people in New York that you have good visibility in the creative mass.

This pushes you always to come up with an evolution in your work, new challenges. You can't just sleep on one thing you did once. New York also inspires my work for color, themes, exhibition, food, friends, fashion, drama,etc...

Not one week happens in New York without some crazy shit going on.

3. Who are your major creative influences today?

Children's books, eastern Europe vintage posters, Mexican art, New York streets, 90's hip hop, my friends and kids.

4. What advice would you give GOTO's young artists who want a career in art or design?

Work as hard as your body can take it for few years, be patient and aware that a "style" comes with many year of practice and that first of all when you're a designer you need to learn how to communicate the same way the baker learn how to make bread.

Study the history of art and design to be aware of the culture and what has been already made. Also avoid to design straight in the computer until your ideas are as strong as a rock on a nice sketch book.

5. If GOTO could send you to arts & music summer camp anywhere in the world, where would you go & what would you study?

I would probably go to a beautiful place like Cuba and go in la Habana to study silk screen with old Cuban masters of posters and then study salsa percussion at night.

5 Questions for a GOTO Kid: Aleksandr Akulov ‘02

1. What did you like most about Appel Farm Arts & Music summer camp?
The atmosphere at Appel Farm was the best attraction for me. Everybody had to have had a great time. Some loved to play in rock concerts, others loved to play tennis, and the rest loved to play spin the bottle. I liked that there was a balance between the arts and the free time. Most of all, I appreciated the relationships that formed and the camaraderie that was shared among friends.

2. What were your majors?
My major was music. My concentration was the piano. My minor was glassblowing and yoga. I played in a band called "Alex's Eight Balls." This was the biggest band that year and it was made up of 2 girls and 4 guys. I remember performing "Watermelon Man" with the band and it was a lot of fun!

3. What are you up to now?
Right now, I attend the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College; double majoring in Economics and Political Science. I occasionally fool around with my guitar at the dorm and fool around with the piano when ever I find one nearby.

4. What are your plans for this summer?
I'm going to be working for the College Now Program here at Hunter and taking a Political Science class. I also recently got an internship at an investment banking firm and most probably will take that up as well. Most importantly, I'm going to relax. Of course, I will keep up with my arts as they keep me sane. Hopefully, I'll be able to squeeze a few trips to the beach with my girlfriend.

5. Who’s your favorite artist or musician?
My favorite composer is Craig Armstrong. My favorite artists are Mark Shagal and Jackson Pollock. My favorite pieces of art, however, are Dogs Playing Poker by C.M Coolidge and The Son of Man by Rene Magritte.

Bonus 1. What do you want to be doing ten years from now?
I can safely say that I have no idea.

Bonus 2. What’s your favorite activity that doesn’t include arts or music?
I like to go bowling and shooting pool with friends. I'm also very into the British car show: Top Gear.

5 Questions for a GOTO Kid: Raven Page '03

1. What did you like most about Appel Farm Arts & Music Summer camp?
The abundance of great raw talent everywhere. Every part of that camp had interesting, talented kids and counselors that I could learn from and grow with, no matter what the craft.

It felt really good to experience a place out of the city, where for one month, I lived with people from all over who shared the same interest of Arts and Music like I did. But most importantly, I enjoyed the wonderful life long friendships I've built there.

2. What were your majors?
I was in a band all three years. My First Year was jazz band. We didn't have a name though. Second and Third Year it was "Raven and the Flip-flops" and "Raven and the Trojan Men". Since most of the members were the same and I was the only girl and lead singer, we decided to use my name in our title both years. We Rocked! I couldn't had better band members or picked a better major!

3. What are your plans for this summer?
To start, I'll be at Brown University taking a Digital Video film production Pre- College Program, because among all the things I want to accomplish in my life, I also aspire to be a Director.

Then after Brown, I come back to New York to attend Columbia University's College Prep Program, to support my plans to attend Yale. Then I'll be in the United Nations young leadership conference program. Once these programs are complete, I'll continue my volunteer duties at the Red Cross and YMCA. That just about sums up my summer, and I can't wait to get started.

4. Who’s your favorite artist or musician?
I love all Music. But it's a three way tie for my all time favorite musicians which are: Jason Mraz, John Mayer, & Ray LaMontagne.

5. What do you want to be doing ten years from now?
Pursuing to my life long goal of helping the world. And still being apart of the GOTO family.

Bonus 1. What’s your favorite activity that doesn’t include arts or music?
It would have to be between helping people and learning. Both of which are life long and things I love to do. To know that I helped someone or learned something new means a lot to me.

5 Questions for a GOTO Alum: Danny Salmon

1. How did you first hear about GOTO?
From my high school and college classmate, Cameron Snaith, GOTO's founder.

2. What were your roles while you were a GOTO volunteer?
I began on the marketing committee and joined the Board when it was first created. I also oversaw the Events committee in 2002-03.

3. What have you been up to since joining GOTO’s Alumni?
I left to focus on a new work opportunity, so that has been keeping me pretty busy. I still live in New York, attend the fundraisers and stay in touch through the volunteers I know.

4. What was your favorite GOTO moment?
Visiting Appel Farm for the first time and overseeing GOTO's first casino night fundraiser before I retired stick out as highlights.

5. Where do you see GOTO twenty years from now?
In 20 cities!

Bonus 1. If GOTO sent you to Arts & Music Summer Camp, what would be your major?
Music, specifically percussion and "beat-making."

Bonus 2. What piece of artwork (song, album, book, movie etc.) best defines you?
The motion picture Die Hard. Like the film's hero, John McLane, I too aim to rid the world of evil with little to no appreciation. John fought international terrorists; I do battle with a messy apartment, which is sort of the same thing.