Project CASK Launches Ultra RARE Art to Cure an Ultra Rare Disease

United by a fierce love for their children, a group of determined parents have formed a non-profit foundation, Project CASK, to take on an ultra-rare neurological disease affecting their kids called a CASK gene disorder. To raise awareness and funding, the foundation is turning its biggest weakness into a strength with a unique online art auction, the Ultra Rare Collection from November 30th through December 10th. 

“There are less than 300 documented cases of the CASK gene disorder worldwide, so there’s no pot of gold at the end of the R&D rainbow,” said Kevin Kearse, president of Project CASK. “But with the incredible momentum and innovation in gene and non-gene therapies and drug repurposing, today, it is possible to develop a treatment for our kids,” said Hitomi Kubo, Project CASK’s co-founder. The Ultra Rare Collection’s inaugural auction gives families the opportunity to raise awareness and money to push research and drug development forward. 

The auction will feature one-of-a-kind toys and child appropriate works of art inspired by Project CASK’s motto, 'Rare As Unicorns, Strong As Lions', and their mascot/spirit animal the Liocorn. Project CASK is collaborating with 27 artists, including renowned illustrators, like recent Cannes Lion winners, Cachete Jack;  Emmy nominated puppet maker, Laura Manns; fine artists, soft and metal sculptors, fashion designers, disabled artists living with rare disorders, Ryan Hudson-Peralta and Jess Oddi; and even Rollie Krewson, the Master Puppet Designer and Builder at The Jim Henson Company - who has worked on every Henson production since the mid-70s, and won 13 Emmys in the process. 

100% of the profits from the auction will fund research to treat and cure CASK gene disorders.

In addition to the artists, Project CASK has received invaluable support from Duggal Visual Solutions, B&A artist management agency, EDEN Studio NYC, Singing Serpent, Cosmo Street Editorial, and many advertising and tech creatives.

The online auction will begin November 30th, with an in-person gallery event taking place at EDEN Studio NYC on W. 26th St. on Saturday, December 2nd.