This weekend, Mack, Jack & McConaughey (MJ&M) returns to Austin for its fifth annual fundraising event where artwork from one of Lake Travis’ own — resident Kelly Brynteson of Kelly J Studios — will be auctioned off at the fashion show at JW Marriott on Friday, April 13.
If the names Mack, Jack & McConaughey sound familiar to you, they should. And yes, it is that McConaughey.
MJ&M is a fantastic fundraising effort that began in 2013. Started by three Texas legends — Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, ACM Award-winning recording artist Jack Ingram, and ESPN analyst and Texas coaching legend Mack Brown — and dedicated to empowering children through education, health, and wellness.
Over the years, the nonprofit has given nearly 7.5 million dollars to charitable organizations. The funds raised through MJ&M 2018 will support CureDuchenne, Dell Children’s Medical Center, HeartGift, Just Keep Livin Foundation and The Rise School of Austin.
When event organizers reached out to Kelly to participate, she was honored.
“It’s one of those unexpected moments in your life that just feels right,” explains Kelly. “I’m passionate about my art and sharing it with others, so they too can draw inspiration from it. Plus, I’m not just an artist, I’m a mom who’s madly in love with my children, so MJ&M’s mission is near and dear to my heart.”
Kelly has always loved painting, a talent taught to her by her father who passed away two years ago. After his passing, Kelly found renewed inspiration to paint professionally and launched her studio in 2016.
Since the official launch of Kelly J. Studios, Kelly has been commissioned to create original artwork for clients throughout the Texas Hill Country and beyond. Last year, she participated in the 2017 Rough Hollow Parade of Homes with many other local female entrepreneurs, and she works with West Elm LOCAL, a program launched by West Elm to showcase local artisans.
“When I found out that my painting would be auctioned off at the fashion show chaired by Camila Alves, that was another moment when the stars aligned. I know Camila’s brand, Yummy Spoonfuls because I’m also a strong believer in clean living, holistic medicine and organic foods for my children,” says Kelly. “Trying to keep your family healthy with fresh, organic foods can get very expensive, so I love the fact that Camila made it part of her mantra to keep her products affordable.”
Kelly’s inspiration for her MJ&M artwork came from the fashion show’s featured designer this year, Alice + Olivia, a fashion label started by designer Stacey Bendet Eisner in 2002. “I wanted to capture Alice + Olivia’s spring line on canvas with bright, fun colors that match their playfulness and girly-girl vibe,” says Kelly.
Kelly named her painting La Belle Charité l which means “beautiful charity” in French. Next year, Kelly will donate another painting (part two of the series), and it will be called La Belle Charité ll.
In addition to auctioning off her painting, the event’s 500 attendees will find a mini paper print of it in their swag bag. Kelly will be posting pics from MJ&M on Instagram.
If you could have a beer with one of the MJ&M founders, which one would it be? Mack, Jack or McConaughey? Let us know in the comments section on our Facebook page.
Photo credit: Melissa Childers
