By Melissa Smalley
A fundraiser for the South Cariboo Health Foundation next month will give art lovers an up-close-and-personal look at the work of some of the region’s most talented artists.
The Studio 2 Studio self-guided art tour Sept. 10 will feature 11 artists at seven home studios at 108 Mile Ranch.
Participants can stop in, browse the artists’ work and even make a purchase that will help towards a worthy cause.
“The whole idea behind the tour is that the artists will give the health foundation 25 per cent of their proceeds,” explains Brenda Devine, head of fundraising for the South Cariboo Health Foundation (SCHF).
“If people come around and they don’t buy anything, but they’d like to donate – for any donation of $25 or more they will get a tax receipt.”
The art tour is in its fourth year raising funds for the SCHF, Devine says, adding this year’s lineup of artists at 108 Mile Ranch is more diverse than ever.
“This year, we have artists featuring everything from photography to pottery, oils, arts and crafts, and even a quilter.”
The fundraiser has been popular in the past for the health foundation, and Devine attributes its casual, self-guided format for much of its appeal.
“It’s a nice little outing for people who want to get out for the day.
“It’s especially good for people who have visitors coming to stay with them and are looking for something new to do.”
No tickets are required to attend, and participants can visit the art studios in any order they like between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
All of the money raised at the event will go towards health initiatives within the community, Devine explains.
The SCHF has raised more than $2 million for hospital equipment, upgrades and support programs since it was formed in 2002.
One of the foundation’s more recent acquisitions was a trauma stretcher for the hospital, and Devine says a new Glidescope – an important airway-management tool – is next on the list of purchases funded by the SCHF.
A full list of participating artists and a map detailing where the home studios are located can be picked up at Pharmasave, Save-On-Foods, the 100 Mile District General Hospital reception desk and other health clinics and businesses around town.
For more information, call 250-706-2101 or visit www.southcariboohealth.com.
