Artists banding together to help charity

Artists banding together to help charity

7 March 2012

LOCAL artists have teamed up with Strangford fundraisers as part of a unique event that will be held this summer in aid of the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.

Local man Sean Polly has spearheaded the fundraiser, which centres around an auction of art, in a bid to raise enough money for two residential weekends in Strangford for families with children affected by cancer.

Sean, who works in the Cuan Bar and Restaurant in the village, has secured the help of fellow staff and proprietors Peter and Caroline McErlean, to develop the fundraising programme.

Two members of staff from the Cuan are running the Belfast Marathon, while others are taking part in a sponsored walk up Slieve Donard to raise money for the respite weekends. The art auction, which will be held at the end of August, will be the key fundraiser.

Sean said he has been stunned by the support of the area’s artists, including George Smith, Kieron Black, John McSorley, Maria Graham, Bernie Brown and Willie Mulhall, who have together contributed almost 40 paintings, photographs and sculptures for the auction.

Their work is already on display in The Cuan restaurant and can be purchased at the summer auction or in advance of it. All money raised from the sales will go towards the residential weekends, which will be held in September and December and will cater for up to 16 families.

“I am delighted by the level of support from our artists who have been more than willing to contribute their pieces to the auction,” he said.

“It is great to have the exhibition on show already because it means many people will see the art, and hopefully consider purchasing a piece of lovely art while helping such a good cause.”

Caroline McErlean said she hoped the early exhibition of art would give the artists good exposure for their work in return for their generous contributions.

“So many of our artists have been willing to help out and they have been so giving of their time and talents that we hope they too can avail of this as a good showcase for their work,” she said.

“Their response has blown us out of the water, we are really very pleased.

“This artwork makes the room a very interesting place to be and we will be actively encouraging our customers to take time to enjoy the art and hopefully buy.

“We are looking forward to welcoming families whose children have been affected by cancer to The Cuan in September when we will be able to show them the beauty of this area.

“The second residential weekend will be in December when we plan to take them to see Santa as Castleward, which is a very special experience.”