On August 3rd 2016, in partnership with RxArt, a new work by artist José Parlá was unveiled at the Incarnation Children’s Center (ICC), New York City’s only skilled nursing facility providing specialized care for children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS. The event also marked the kicking-off Kiehl’s charitable motorcycle ride.
Kiehl’s Since 1851, the New York-based skin and hair care brand, continues its enduring tradition of supporting HIV/AIDS charities, with its seventh annual Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR, this year in collaboration with contemporary artist José Parlá, in partnership with RxArt.
Parlá, known for his vibrant and engaging work and large-scale public installations, created wall coverings for some of ICC’s most-used living spaces: the dining room, the main residence hallway and multipurpose room. He also worked directly on a brick wall of the outdoor roof deck, bringing it to life with waves of color and calligraphy. The artist’s transformation was created to bring joy to ICC’s young residents
“This world needs more people coming together and collaborating with a purpose to make the world better, healthier and safer. Our collaboration between RxArt, Kiehl’s, and myself is coming from the heart and it is filled with love. Our purpose is to spread that feeling and share in creating a new, good, bright and colorful space for the young folks and staff at Incarnation,” said Parlá.
Following the unveiling, the motorcycle riders, led by Chris Salgardo with Kevin Robert Frost, and including actors Gilles Marini, Scott Patterson, and Teddy Sears, embarked on the charity ride to benefit amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. Inspired by a Kiehl’s icon – the motorcycle – a spirit of adventure and philanthropic heritage, the seventh annual LifeRide continues the brand’s mission to heighten awareness and raise funds for amfAR. Beginning in New York, and ending in Philadelphia, this 11-day, multi-state charity ride will take place August 3-13, 2016. Rallying with the public at nine stops along the route, the company will donate a total of $150,000 over the course of the ride. At the conclusion of this year’s ride, Kiehl’s will have raised $1.6 million for amfAR, since 2010, funding eight cure-related research projects.