Charity fair set to offer art for hospice’s sake
VOLUNTEERS are busy behind the scenes organising a charity art fair.
They are hard at work to prepare for this year’s event in aid of East Cheshire Hospice, which provides care and support for people with terminal illnesses.
The fair, at which work will be for sale, will take place at Macclesfield Town Hall between Friday, September 16, and Sunday, September 25, with more than 100 local and regional artists showcasing their work.
This will include pieces by established painters Ben Kelly and Jenny Hirst and international textile artist Louise Gardiner.
Fio Brereton, chair of the art fair, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting our biennial exhibition, which raises muchneeded funds for East Cheshire Hospice.
“In 2014 we raised over £55,000 and this year we aim to make even more to support the important role of art therapy at the Hospice.”
This year, organisers hope the biennial exhibition, which was first held in 1999, will build on the success of previous years.
On display will be original paintings, sculpture, limited edition prints, woodcraft and handmade jewellery.
There will also be several special events, as well as art tours of the exhibition and a café selling hot drinks and homemade cakes, so visitors can take a break while they browse.
Fio added: “We want as many adults and children as possible to visit and enjoy the show.
“More than 35 per cent from every piece sold goes directly to the hospice, with some artists donating 100pc of the proceeds to the charity.
“The more art we sell, the more money we make for this hugely important community resource.
“It costs more than £7,500 a day to run but receives less than 20pc funding from the government, so it’s vitally important the art fair is a success.”
There will be an official opening evening from 6pm to 9pm on Friday, September 16, then the fair will be open from 10.30am to 5pm on weekdays, 10.30am to 4.30pm on Saturdays, 11am to 2pm on Sunday, September 18, and 10am to 3pm on Sunday 25.
Artists tours will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 17, Monday 19 and Thursday 22, and there will be an artists’ evening on Tuesday 20 and a ‘late and live’ event on Friday 23, both between 6pm and 9pm.
For more information, visit www.theartofcaring. org.uk.