SeaHope Partners is an initiative of The Sewing Machine Project, a Madison-based, grassroots organization dedicated to â€œmending communitiesâ€.Â SeaHope was born of a desire to assist Gulf Coast communities affected by the devastating 2010 oil spill Â by creating a product to sell and offering the proceeds to community groups dedicated to helping Gulf Coast residents.

The SeaHope messenger bag is that product.

Created out of donated sails from Madison-area sailors, the messenger bags are functional and fun, while raising funds at the same time. Artists in Madison and around the country became interested in the project, offering to create one-of-a-kind bags to enhance the line. During the month of June, 2012, Absolutely Art at 2322 Atwood Ave. in Madison will be featuring these unique bags, designed mainly by local artists. Be sure to check out this show, opening Friday, June 1. Net proceeds from the sale of the bags will be donated to Bayou Grace, based in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana.

Local artists have been asked to take a bag and do whatever we want with it. My bag (above) is a doodles bag with magic markers, if the buyer wants they can color in the illustrations. The beautiful bags below were done by a local fabric artist.

Stop by the artist's reception, June 1st, 5-9 pm at Absolutely Art, 2322 Atwood Avenue here in Madison. I am sure there will be a lot of great bags. While you are there you can also see The Little Libraries and all the other cool stuff in the store. Cafe Zoma is right next door so you can grab a coffee too. Do drop by, we'd love to see you.