A local artists group wants to use art to bring some cheer into pandemic life and support a good cause at the same time.
The Visual Artists of Welland (VAW) is hosting the Silver Linings silent art auction at Black Sheep Lounge in Welland from Sept. 16 until Sept. 27.
“We were concerned about our artists during COVID lockdown,” said Deedee Alexandre, co-president of the VAW. “It was important to us that once we reached Phase 3 that we would have something for them, so hence this art auction.”
Alexandre said while the members of the VAW are a self-motivated group, she and co-president Pam Duncan wanted to give them something to work toward and something to look forward to during the COVID-19 isolation period, especially without access to in-person meetings.
In the past the VAW has hosted an art show and sale or a spring fling, but with neither of those options available to Alexandre during the pandemic, she said the silent auction is a “great solution.”
Paintings from roughly 26 artists will be displayed at the Black Sheep Lounge for people to view and bid on. The minimum bid is $50 and will rise in $5 increments to a maximum bid of $85.
“Somebody can go in there and bid $85 right out of the gate and they can walk home with their painting after paying for it,” said Alexandre.
All of the paintings will be original art created by members of the VAW and Alexandre said people can expect a wide variety of options, from abstract to realism and impressionism as well as watercolour, acrylic and oil paintings.
All of the proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to Women’s Place of South Niagara in Welland, a charity chosen by the members of the VAW.
Anyone interested in bidding on and purchasing paintings should be prepared to follow any coronavirus policies set out by Black Sheep Lounge, including wearing a face covering as per the Niagara Region bylaw.
Black Sheep Lounge is located at 64 Niagara St. in Welland.
For more information on the Visual Artists of Welland, individuals can visit their website.
Source:- Niagarathisweek.com
