Ellen sent a message to Abigail Johnson – President and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Investments and Chairman of Fidelity Worldwide Investment email address that said:
Hello Abigail, My name is Ellen Rolli and I am a contemporary abstract painter who maintains a full time studio in Boston's South End SoWa Arts District. Nearly 12 years ago I took a leap of faith to rent a studio at 450 Harrison Ave, never dreaming I would still be there years later. Between some teaching and some sales, I have made it work. It has been a dream realized to have a studio outside of my home. A graduate of Mass College of Art in 1978, art has always been an important part of my life. As you know, being a woman means wearing many hats. A daughter, wife, mother and caretaker for many years, my art also defines who I am. It has since I was a chid. At 61, I feel I am creating strong and authentic work. The struggle for many artists is finding collectors and patrons in order to keep doing what they love, what they need to do as creative people. Last fall I noticed a Harrison Ave building being refurbished and contacted the builder to see if there might be a need for art in his building down the line. To my delight, he came for a studio visit, loved my work and commissioned me to do a large scale piece for the lobby of his building. I thought if only I could connect with similar "patrons" who may need original art for corporate or residential spaces, I could truly support my art career. Aside from my own art career, I am very interested in bringing attention to women artists. The presence of art by women in major art institutions is sadly lacking, and it would be wonderful to see a shift in that. I was thrilled to see the Denver Art Museum curate an exhibition titled, "Women of Abstract Expressionism". It is the first exhibit of its kind, "A ground breaking exhibition which celebrates the often unknown female artists of this mid-twentieth-century art movement". Many of the women artists in this exhibit are my heroes, and I hope to catch the exhibition when it comes to North Carolina this fall. My hope in connecting with you is that perhaps we could work together in some way involving my art, the art of fellow women artists, etc. Perhaps you know of corporations who might be interested in my art. Maybe sponsoring an exhibit where a percentage of sales can be donated to a cause. I donate a painting or two every year to an auction, fundraiser, etc. I too believe, in my own small way, it is important to give back. There is nothing more rewarding for me then having my work bring joy and pleasure to others. I hope that this email reaches you, and I would be very pleased to hear back. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Best regards, Ellen
