Westfield Artist Sells Jersey Prints to Benefit Sandy Victims

When Westfield resident Michelle McGurn realized the extent of the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy, the artist and photographer felt compelled to do her part to help victims who are suffering in the storm's wake. 

Beginning Monday, Nov. 26, McGurn will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of her New Jersey-inspired works to help those in need. Any print purchased during the next two weeks will go directly to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund,

"I grew up in Westfield, vacationing and taking day trips to the New Jersey shore every summer," McGurn said. "A week without power was nothing compared to the devastation so many people suffered and the moment I realized how severe the destruction had been, I knew I wanted to help somehow."

McGurn, a Westfield High School class of 1992 graduate, moved back to her hometown with her husband, Kevin, to start their family. The couple has three children, Finn, 9, Ronan, 7, and Ruby, 6. 

"I love the state and it's heart breaking to see so many 'hometowns' struggling to pick up the pieces," McGurn said. "I know this will be a small contribution, but it means the world to me to give back to the state that inspired these photographs to begin with." 

Prices range from $35 for standard prints to $225 for aluminized prints, which are printed on a sheet of aluminum, giving them a unique and different look without the need for framing.

McGurn explained that the bulk of her business takes place online but she is in the process of selling her prints to local businesses for resale. 

"Right now I sell prints out of my home and online. The 'Sandy Relief' sale will take place on my website (which is) fully equipped with ecommerce," McGurn said.

To view the prints, for more information or to make a purchase, visit WWW.MICHELLEMCGURN.COM

For more information on the fund visit:https://sandynjrelieffund.org/index.html or email: info@sandynjrelieffund.org