Art sale enhancing children’s library experience
Patrons of Lakeside Books & Art can pick up a watercolour to hang on their wall while boosting kids’ experiences at the library at the same time.
On Saturday, the Ridgeway shop launched the sale of watercolours which were donated earlier this year by artist and longtime library supporter Margaret Feaver.
In all, Feaver donated 150 watercolours and drawings to the Friends of the Fort Erie Library, a non-profit charity which funds special projects beyond the scope of public funding the library receives. This year, the group has committed $5,000 towards a children’s room.
Friends president Ann McLaughlin said $6,000 has already been raised through sale of about 70 of the watercolours, each of which was framed for free by David Drum Fine Arts.
For the 21 on sale at Lakeside, some of which are framed, it’s hoped about $1,000 will be raised.
“This is phenomenal for our group,” McLaughlin said, explaining the group has donated more than $18,000 since 2014. “This will be our biggest year yet.”
Friends secretary-treasurer Maryann Madden said while the group has raised enough to meet its commitment, its hoping to donate even more.
“The more we raise, the more we can up the ante,” she said.
Store co-owner Karin DiBiase said the gallery was founded by former co-owner Mary Friessen and displays a different artist each month.
“I’m very proud to continue the tradition.”
She said her plan is for this sale to be just the first; that the goal is to work with a charity at least once a year.
Reached later Saturday at Fort Erie Arts Council’s Red Ribbon Art Show and Sale, Feaver said she donated the paintings in part as an effort to downsize since losing her husband five years ago. She chose the library because the institutions have always been there for her. Growing up in London, Ont., she took her first art lesson the local library, and continued to visit them after moving away to study art in Toronto and later in Edmonton and Winnipeg.
“It’s always been a part of my life.”
The watercolours will remain on sale until the end of November or until they’re all sold. Lakeside Books & Art is at 341 Ridge Rd. N.