A Courtenay art gallery is using its current show as an opportunity to support women in need.
Maiden, Mother and Crone, the current show at Artful: The Gallery (526C Cumberland Road) features pieces from 13 different Vancouver Island female artists.
Gallery owner Kristina Campbell is committing 25 per cent of her commissions earned between now and Aug. 13 to Lillie House - the transition residence operated by the Comox Valley Transition Society for women and children who are fleeing abusive relationships.
For Campbell, it’s a chance to give back to the community, and the connection seemed perfect.
“I lived in Victoria for a few years and always was a supporter of the transition society there,” said Campbell. “I think about when I went through my divorce, which was not one that included abuse, but what I recognized is that I had a lot of resources, and really knowing how difficult that was for me personally, I couldn’t imagine what it would be like being in a position of not having support.”
She added that the increase in domestic violence and gender-based violence during the pandemic has made the need for such support even more crucial.
Some of the artists themselves have joined the cause.
Five paintings have been donated as silent auction items, with 100 per cent of those proceeds going toward the fundraising campaign.
“Who knows what the numbers will end up being? Obviously, it will depend on what the sales are, but …”
The artists who have contributed silent auction items include Lois Goodnough (two paintings donated), Sylvie Bart, Greda Hofman, and Janice Hofman.
The fundraising event closes Aug. 13. To bid on any of the silent auction pieces, visit the gallery.
Artful: The Gallery is open Wednesday Through Saturday, noon - 5 p.m.
ALSO: Nanaimo artist featured at next Pearl Ellis Gallery show in Comox
terry.farrell@blackpress.ca
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