A silent art auction has been organized for writer, photographer and publisher Linda Tenney, founder of EyesOnBC magazine.
Qualicum Beach artist Micki Findlay has stepped up to organize the auction, with all proceeds going towards Tenney’s medical bills and daily expenses.
Tenney has fought a long battle with ovarian cancer and is now receiving palliative care in her home.
“There are some things that simply need to be done. Linda has given much to her community, and now her community has an opportunity to give something back at a time when she needs it the most,” said Findlay.
The art auction features more than 50 art pieces from a variety of artists across B.C. and Vancouver Island. All pieces are available to view and bid on online, and many can be viewed and bid on in person at Billy Shakespeare’s Tea, Tales and Tunes Cafe in Qualicum Beach.
The auction, which closes online on Friday, Sept. 7 at midnight, has been doing fairly well so far, but Findlay says the financial toll from Tenney’s battles with cancer has been significant.
“She’s the sole earner in her home, so anything that we can get is great, because the last thing she needs to worry about is putting food on the table and paying her bills when she’s in palliative care,” said Findlay.
Findlay says that Tenney, a longtime contributor to PQB News publication Oasis, has always been supportive of her artistic and community endeavours, and has used her position in the community to help others.
“She’s a really kind, generous person that supports so many community efforts through her presence and through promotions. She’s just a good person. A really good person. Always involved in our community. Finding a way to help out any way she can,” said Findlay.
Bidding can be done in person at Billy Shakespeare’s until Thursday, Sept. 6. After that, the online auction is open until midnight on Saturday, Sept. 7.
One piece by Michael Schutte is too large to display at Billy Shakespeare’s, and is available for viewing at the Academy of Music & Art on 114 Hirst Ave. East in Parksville. Findlay says the painting, entitled White Spirit, is valued at $3,000 with a minimum bid of $1,250.
Anyone interested in bidding or looking at pieces can go online to Findlay’s website at www.mickifindlay.com and click on the tab ‘Silent Art Auction.”
