An Okotoks artist’s experience as the resident painter at a local hospice prompted her to create a popular sale in its honour.
Marg Smith along with the Foothills Country Hospice staff founded the annual Art With Heart sale and fundraiser, which takes place this year on March 31 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the DeWinton Community Hall. It will feature the work of nine talented and diverse artists from Lethbridge, Bassano, Longview, Turner Valley, Millarville, High River, Okotoks and Calgary.
“Because I volunteer there, I see the wonderful facility it is,” Smith said. “The staff and the volunteers are so dedicated and committed and they make the place an absolutely fabulous environment for patients who are spending their last days on Earth.”
Rather than charge patients or their families for care, the Foothills Country Hospice Society receives about 59 per cent of its costs from Alberta Health Services and the remaining is dependent on donations. The annual budget for the hospice is about $2.8 million.
Last year’s Art With Heart fundraiser raised more than $5,000 for the not-for-profit-society.
In addition to viewing 175 original works of art, ticket holders will be treated to beverages and hors d’oeuvres served by hospice staff, classical music by Turner Valley guitarist Stan Winistok and raffles for a painting or a paint night for four people led by Smith.
The highlight of the evening will be a paint-off featuring High River watercolour artist Cathie Johnson and Okotoks oil painter Susan Torris, who will have 30 minutes to complete a painting to be framed and auctioned off with all proceeds going to the hospice. Attendees are invited to bring a photograph for the artists to choose from.
Art sold at the event will include various mediums with prices ranging from $20 to $3,000. Thirty per cent of the sales, as well as all proceeds from ticket sales, will go to the Foothills Country Hospice, which is helping to host the event.
Turner Valley artist Tina Winistok sells her work in the show every year and this year prepared a new series on water birds.
The painter of 20 years will have other pieces available for sale including a variety of landscapes and her beloved pet Charlie the spaniel.
“The benefit for me personally is I’m happy to see people enjoying my art,” she said. “There are a lot of art lovers who come to support the hospice and it’s nice to have your work validated.”
Tickets to attend the Art With Heart sale and fundraiser are available at the Western Wheel and Image Hair Design in downtown Okotoks, by calling Marg Smith at 403-660-0684 or by going to www.eventbrite.com
