Michelle Phillips, most known as the vocalist for the Mamas & The Papas, is now auctioning off original artwork as NFTs, benefitting children with serious medical conditions. The auction will run until June 29.
The 10 identical NFTs will each include a digital copy of an original drawing of the iconic quartet drawn by Phillips herself as well as a video of her creating the drawing. The actual drawing will be presented to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Phillips joins a growing number of celebrities and artists, such as Tony Hawk and Kings of Leon, who have sold NFTs. NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are a type of cryptocurrency that come in the form of digital assets, such as images, videos or GIFs, which can later be resold for a greater profit.
ViciNFT Corporation, the company managing the NFTs, requires that each NFT auction done through their company contribute 25% of the profits to charity. Phillips’ auction will benefit The Painted Turtle, which organizes camps for children with serious medical conditions free of charge.
Lou Adler, a music producer who worked with the Mamas & the Papas, founded The Painted Turtle in 1999 with his wife Page and late actor Paul Newman. He said these NFTs “will be a priceless treasure for the winning bidder.”
“Michelle Phillips’ beauty and attitude was and is the image of the original ‘California Girl’ and the harmony she has brought to the world through her involvement in music is matched only by the kindness she has shown for those in need,” Adler said.
The NFTs are being auctioned off at a starting bid of $10,000 and will be sold on the Ethereum blockchain. Each winning bidder will also have the opportunity to have a private dinner with Phillips and her friends in September 2021.
The Mamas & The Papas rose to fame in the mid-1960’s. Though they were only active for three years, they are remembered for singles such as “California Dreamin’” and their music’s role in 1960’s counterculture. Phillips, the last surviving member of the original quartet, went on to have a successful acting career after the band’s break-up.
