Virtual art auction to raise vital funds for hospice
PAINTINGS and sculptures by more than 100 professional and amateur artists are set to go under the hammer as part of a virtual auction in aid of Oakhaven Hospice.
Among them is the man dubbed Lymington’s own Banksy, David Spender, who has donated an image featuring a masked NHS superhero to the online auction, which will run from 1st to 24th September.
Other featured artists include Will Rochfort, stainless steel sculptor Michael Turner, Enid Blyton illustrator Mary How and equestrian artist Rosemary Welch.
Oakhaven has been hit hard by the coronavirus lockdown and was forced to close its shops and cancel fundraising events. In April it made a desperate appeal for donations as it battles to raise nearly £5m annually to keep going.
The annual Twenty 20 Art event made its debut in 2013 to showcase work by local artists while fundraising for the Pennington-based hospice. Sponsored by Rathbones, artists are provided with a 20cm by 20cm canvas with which to create a work of art.
This year the event is going virtual with a dedicated page on the Oakhaven website where art lovers are able to view all 114 pieces. Bids can be placed via email, with the top 20 images set to be auctioned on eBay between 21st and 24th September.
Oakhaven spokesperson Alicia Poulson said: “We are thrilled that so many artists have donated their work. The quality of the submissions has been outstanding and we are excited to reveal the whole range of the pieces in the coming weeks.
“Whilst the Covid-19 crisis has certainly brought challenges to the hospice team, including the impact of much of the charity’s vital and popular community fundraising events being put on hold, the hospice is still very much open and providing much-needed care and support for around 300 patients each week across the community.”
Most of the auction pieces are on 20x20cm canvases, donated by Great Art. However, a selection of the top 20 featured artists were invited to donate artwork of any size for this year’s event.
As well as the online gallery there will also be auction catalogues available in the charity’s shops and other local venues.
For more information visit www.oakhavenhospice.co.uk/twenty20 or email 2020bids@oakhavenhospice.co.uk
