If you ever needed a good reason to take visiting family and friends to Cumberland to enjoy one of the local bakery’s famous donuts, this is it!
Lani Alton, a local woman living with cerebral palsy, has teamed up with seven female artists from Vancouver Island to create the Comox Valley H’artists Group.
The group is comprised of Alton, plus amateur and professional artists Cori Sandler, Eira-Hay Baker-Hart, Patricia van der Heide, Helena Gamble, Stephanie Warkentin, Regina Schumann and Evangeline Joy.
The H’artists first art show and sale — 16 Legs to Stand On — is in its final week at the Corre Alice Gallery on Dunsmuir Avenue in Cumberland. It features a variety of pottery, sculpture and paintings; all created using a variety of art media.
The primary focus of these artists ... with big hearts … is to raise awareness of the need for grass-roots community support for the disabled. This special exhibit is in support of the Lani Alton Society.
In addition to the art exhibit, there are several fundraising initiatives and a number of the pieces are up for bid in a silent auction. Prizes for the draws include a one-day sailing adventure, courtesy of Johnathin Martin; gift certificates for the Atlas Café and Monte Christo Restaurant, Nia dance classes, handcrafted items and music lessons.
Winners’ names will be drawn at 3 p.m. on Dec. 30.
“The unusual name of this exhibit — 16 Legs to Stand On — is playing upon the concept of community, collaboration, and communication, with the eight women symbolically ‘standing’ together,” explains Kel Kelly, a director of the Lani Alton Society.
“In spite of her physical challenges, Lani has learned how to paint. When she paints, her choice of colour is always deliberate and her intention clear, but the outcome of her hands mingling them always results in a surprise!”
Kelly adds that Alton is an intelligent and courageous young woman whose physical impairments make everyday life a formidable challenge.
While her basic needs for housing and care are met through the government’s Community Living Program and Vancouver Island Community Connections, funding for such things as chiropractic and massage treatments, and counselling, must be secured through various fundraising initiatives.
The Lani Alton Society was formed in 2004 to help her achieve a level of independence and provide her with funding for these essential health care services. The registered non-profit society is governed by a volunteer board of directors.
16 Legs to Stand on Art Show in support of the Lani Alton Society runs from Dec. 27 to 30 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Corre Alice Gallery at 2781 Dunsmuir Ave. in Cumberland.
For more information, call Kel Kelly at 250-337-8348, e-mail him at kelkelly55@yahoo.ca or visit https://sites.google.com/site/thelanialtonsociety.
— Lani Alton Society