September 22, 2010
Dear Friend of Keiskamma Canada,
You may recall that in May of 2008, a wildly successful art auction was held by the Keiskamma Canada Foundation and the Women of Hope. The purpose of the auction (Art for A.R.T.) was to raise funds for the not-for-profit group based in South Africa called the Keiskamma Trust. Over $14,000 was raised at this event, which Keiskamma Canada was able to send to help dispense A.R.T.s (anti-retroviral therapy) to the many people living with HIV/AIDS in the area served by the Trust. If you attended the first Art for Art, we thank you again for your generosity. It was an amazing evening!
With such success the first time around, we are making plans to repeat the auction event and ask you to join us for another evening of great art. The Art for Art auction this year will take place on October 23, 2010 at the Timms Centre for the Arts in Edmonton.
The purpose of this auction will be to raise funds to support the Art Project of the Keiskamma Trust. The Art Project provides employment to over 130 individuals who are often the only wage earners in their extended families. In an area claiming 90% unemployment, this project is vital to sustaining these communities. A powerful and committed band of artists work together, in a variety of mediums, on craft items and award-winning artworks of monumental scale that have been exhibited both in South Africa and internationally. More information about the Trust and the work produced by the Art Project collective can be found on the website: keiskamma.org.
Recently, the Art Project collective spent time studying Picasso’s “Guernica” and, in response, created a series of embroidered tapestries and installation works, reflecting the experiences of a community ravaged by HIV/AIDS. We are elated to have been able to contribute to this endeavour and to pledge ongoing support for them in future explorations. We invite you to help us celebrate and to envision a more hopeful and sustained future for these people.
Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance for $25 or $30 at the door. A free drink ticket accompanies your admission cost in addition to light snacks. We have will have music from a local duo, as well as presentations from the president of Keiskamma Canada (Suzanne Knol) and the director of the Keiskamma Trust (Annette Woudstra). Many works of art created by locals will be available for auction in addition to a number of large textile works from the collective at the Trust.
Thanks again for your past support. We hope to see you in October.
Sincerely,
Wenda Salomons
Secretary
P.S. If you have time to help us out, we could use your energy in promoting and mounting this event. Please email me to find out how you can help.
14027-106 Ave. ٠ Edmonton ٠ Alberta ٠ T5N 1B3 ٠
http://www.keiskammacanada.com/ ٠ keiskammacanada@shaw.ca
South African group calls on city to help out
