<h6 style="text-align: right;"><strong>Reaper of the Wilds | Art by: <a href="https://karlkopinski.com/">Karl Kopinski</a></strong></h6>
<p>Earlier this year, long-time artist for <em>Magic: The Gathering, </em>Karl Kopinski, suffered a stroke.</p>
<p>While his recovery is ongoing, Kopinski has incurred medical costs as a result. To help defray those costs, fans of Kopinski's work have organized a charity auction with the proceeds directly benefitting Kopinski.</p>
<p>The auction is now live, and will close on Sunday, June 15.</p>
<p><a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3Akopinski+game%3Apaper+not%3Areprint&amp;order=edhrec&amp;as=grid&amp;unique=cards">Karl Kopinski</a> to date has illustrated nearly 200 <em>Magic: The Gathering </em>cards and tokens beginning in 2008's <em>Shards of Alara. </em>Most recently, he illustrated the card <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Endrider Catalyzer" href="#" target="_blank">Endrider Catalyzer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which appeared in <em>Aetherdrift. </em>Among Commander players, his work on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hinterland Harbor|ISD|241" href="#" target="_blank">Hinterland Harbor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cathars&#039; Crusade|AVR|10" href="#" target="_blank">Cathars&#039; Crusade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elvish Archdruid|M10|176" href="#" target="_blank">Elvish Archdruid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is likely best-known, but his catalog is well-represented in Commander decklists worldwide.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Krenko, Mob Boss|M13|138"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Consuming Aberration|GTC|152"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stormtide Leviathan|M11|74"></div></div>
<p>A native of Nottingham, England, Kopinski has worked in the illustration industry since 1997 and in addition to his work with Wizards of the Coast, has also illustrated for clients such as Ubisoft, Games Workshop, and Peter Jackson. A few months ago, Kopinski took to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHRpP8eoKRd/">Instagram</a> to provide an update of his recovery process:</p>
<p><em>"The day after my stroke while my wife was visiting I managed to move my arm and hand, which apparently was a good sign. I decided at that point the only option was to try take the same obsessive and dedicated attitude I have taken with my art over the last 30 years and put into retraining my brain and body to do what used to be simple movements. So I picked up my pencil, it was incredibly difficult, upsetting and frustrating but repetition and hard work seems to be the only way!"</em></p>
<p>That hard work is paying off, as Instagram posts as recently as today <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKr9TkiIXPb/">offer a look</a> at his artistic process and improvement in his extremities.</p>
<p>Currently at auction and featured among the available artwork is the original oil painting by Karl Kopinski himself for the card <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reaper of the Wilds" href="#" target="_blank">Reaper of the Wilds</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which debuted in <em>Theros</em>. The piece, probably most recognizable to <em>Magic </em>fans among the art listed and is estimated to be worth $2,000-$2,300.</p>
<p>In total, there are 23 original works of fantasy art available, including several more by Kopinski as well as pieces by fellow <em>Magic </em>artists <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3Aejsing&amp;unique=cards&amp;as=grid&amp;order=name">Jesper Ejsing</a>, <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3Aciruelo&amp;unique=cards&amp;as=grid&amp;order=name">Ciruelo Cabral</a> and <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3Aorizio&amp;unique=cards&amp;as=grid&amp;order=name">Daniele Orizio</a>.</p>
<p>Head over to <a href="https://www.catawiki.com/en/a/1124611">auction-hosting site Catawiki</a> to place a bid.</p>


Art Auction to Benefit Magic Artist Goes Live

<p>The Commander Sealed event in Rochester, NY, is quickly becoming a highlight for <em>Magic: The Gathering</em> players in the region. This year's event takes place from September 13th to the 15th at the RIT Inn and Convention Center. The event draws fans of the Commander format who crave a new and unique twist on Sealed. This event challenges participants to construct their Commander decks from a limited pool of Sealed booster packs. This gets players pushing their strategic thinking and creativity to the limit.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sealed Fate"></div></div></p>
<p>The <em>Magic</em> community has even begun to embrace this innovative format. It created an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie where players face off and open packs. Every card pulled can dramatically shift the direction a deck is built. This event not only showcases the diversity of the Commander format but the social aspect of the format.</p>
<h2>The Format</h2>
<p>One thing that makes Commander Sealed such a unique event is the format itself. Players are still are using 98-99 cards plus a command zone as it gets filled and follow the color identity restrictions. Where the format diverges from traditional constructed Commander is the card pool. Participants at Commander Sealed are given 14 semi-randomized packs which they open and build there card pool from. Another factor with this pushing the boundary further is the continuous construction of the decks. This unique rule lets players freely exchange cards from their pool with others within their pods to assist with their own decks and their pod mates. Once the deck construction phase is complete cards can still be swapped between mainboard and side board in between rounds as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Coordinated Assault"></div></div></p>
<p>Now, say that you're attending the event and you happen to open a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hullbreacher" href="#" target="_blank">Hullbreacher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in a pack. This is normally a round of bad news as it is banned for play in Commander. Thankfully, at Commander Sealed you're able to play all cards that you open in your packs. If you happen to be a fan of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Primeval Titan" href="#" target="_blank">Primeval Titan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Braids, Cabal Minion" href="#" target="_blank">Braids, Cabal Minion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> this is the event for you! If you want a more detailed breakdown of the format and have more questions, check out the<a href="https://commandersealed.com/primer/"> format primer</a> for more information.</p>
<h2>The Weekend</h2>
<p>Commander Sealed even offers a huge, fun-packed weekend of <em>Magic</em> for those not playing in the main event. Whether you want to grind side events for value or check out the artist alley, everyone will have something to do. The event kicks off Friday with a welcome party, gaming, and a comedy show featuring <a href="https://x.com/mikecarrozza">Mike Carrozza</a>. Mike is the host of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@AmITheBolcast"><em>Am I the Bolcast?</em></a> and a professional comedian so make sure to show up early! Saturday also features a full day of side events to match the main event. Finally, Sunday will wrap up with VIP events and meet and greets for many of your favorite creators. Among these events will also be a live show from the entire <em>Am I the Bolcast </em>crew!</p>
<p>For a full listing of all the side events and weekend activities make sure to check out the official <a href="https://commandersealed.com/schedule/">weekend calendar</a>.</p>
<h2>The Cause</h2>
<p>One of the reasons Commander Sealed has taken off like it has also comes down to its purpose. Commander Sealed started as a fundraiser and continues to raise money for Trans Lifeline and The Trevor Project. All of the proceeds from the event after production costs are then donated to the two charities. This makes the event one of the few where you can have a great time supporting an even better cause.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Benevolent Offering"></div></div></p>
<p>If you are in the New England and upstate New York area and need to get your fix for a weekend full of Commander, mark your calendars. Every year has slowly grown and added more to experience and this year's event will be no different. Check out the <a href="https://commandersealed.com/">Commander Sealed website</a> for more details on the full weekend including specials guests and artists. I hope to see you there!</p>


charity

Art Auction to Benefit Magic Artist Goes Live

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