The POWER of Art is an online art auction featuring the work of 21 female Airdrie and area artists who have come together to raise money for the non-profit organization Airdrie P.O.W.E.R. (Protecting Our Women with Emergency Resources).
Sherry Shaw-Froggatt, publisher of airdrielife magazine and organizer of the auction, said it was originally meant to be part of the Amazing Airdrie Women Gala, which has been postponed from April to Nov 26.
“We decided that because domestic abuse is a real serious issue in Airdrie, and that calls are rising across the province due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we needed to not only raise funds now, but raise awareness for the work Airdrie P.O.W.E.R. is doing to help women in our community,” she said.
More than $10,000 of art is up for auction and a minimum of 50 per cent of the bids will go to Airdrie P.O.W.E.R.
Crystal Boys, president and founder of Airdrie P.O.W.E.R., said the organization is honoured to be the recipient of the funds from the auction.
“The continued support from airdrielfe magazine and the artists means the world to us.”
She added that the money will go towards funding educational, awareness and counselling programs.
The pieces of art include a little something for everyone with everything from a reclaimed timber wine rack to resin paintings, jewelry, acrylics, watercolours and mixed media art.
Michele Donohue submitted a resin art piece called Soothing Coastal Dreams.
“I wanted to take part in this auction because I know that Airdrie desperately needs a women’s shelter and it’s a way in which I can help contribute,” said Donohue.
“I’ve lived in Airdrie for more than 25 years, got married here, raised my kids here, volunteered here, made incredible friendships here; this little city has a lot of heart. I thank everyone who steps forward in any way they can. I hope we see this shelter built in the very near future.”
Shawn MacPherson of Muk Luk Magpies Stained Glass Emporium created a glass mosaic table with the image of a little girl with an umbrella for the auction.
“I was inspired by the idea of supporting women and children in need,” she said.
“(The image of the little girl) is meant to represent that even in grey skies, there will always be a rainbow on the horizon.”
Shaw-Froggatt added that art is more important than ever as it is one of the ways we are all coping through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The movies, podcasts, webisodes, music, books, puzzles and art projects we are all doing right now are a result of an artist. Our creative industry is saving our sanity at the moment.”
To view the art pieces and register, click here.
