Venue found for charity auction of lockdown art
A VENUE has been secured for the charity auction of lockdown artwork.
Islanders were invited to donate artwork and creations made during lockdown to form an all-in-one cultural exhibition, event and fundraiser.
It is to be staged at the Ron Short Centre, with the proceeds split between Guernsey Mind and Guernsey Wooden Spoon.
‘It’s all coming together,’ said organiser Mark Keeling.
Centre manager Rob Harnish offered its use after reading an interview with Mr Keeling in The Guernsey Press.
‘We have a date of Friday 30 April, so have a few weeks to get people’s arts and crafts set up. It’s due to start at 3pm and realistically will go on for a couple of hours. From Monday 26 April people can go up and have a mooch to see what’s on offer.’
Professional auctioneers Martel Maides have been asked to steer the auction to create a fast-paced and exciting atmosphere.
After trying his hand at oil painting in lockdown, Mr Keeling considered other islanders who may have been in a similar situation.
He thought to put his artworks to good use as charities and people have struggled through the pandemic.
‘Lockdown has really affected people this time around. It will just be good to get some money raised for charity.’
More than 20 people have donated work so far from a range of creative mediums, and more is welcome.
‘We made a Facebook page called Guernsey Unlock Your Art when I had the idea, and people have been donating their artwork on there.’
Before the auction creators can drop off their work at the Ron Short Centre.
‘When they do we’ve asked if they could include a description with their name, the title of the piece, an explanation, how long it took, or what inspired them.’
In September, the centre held a satellite exhibition to the Renoir Through The Eyes of a Master exhibition, filled with artwork by members in the last lockdown.
[link to story for online if desired: https://guernseypress.com/news/2020/09/29/exclusive-renoir-viewing-for-disability-alliance/]
Centre members will donate pieces plus St Julian’s Hostel colleagues and residents are on on-board, along with Mr Keeling’s daughter, Lyanne, who is creating a unique clothing design.
Prices will not be fixed to try and raise as much as possible.
‘Thank you to everyone who has already promised their donations, and to Rob and everyone at the Ron Short Centre for kindly offering their space, said Mr Keeling.
. Visit: facebook.com/gsyunlockyourart/ to see donated pieces or for updates, or facebook.com/ronshortguernsey/ for more.
