This spring, Oak Bay’s Avenue Gallery proves that small things can make a big difference.
Coinciding with National Hospice Palliative Care week, tomorrow (Thursday, May 5), the gallery hosts its second annual fundraiser for Victoria Hospice, A Little Something…
More than 20 of the gallery’s painters came together to create about 150 artistic gems, with a percentage from each sale supporting local hospice care, says gallery owner Heather Wheeler.
“Hospice is such an important part of this community and has touched so many lives and I think if you have been touched by the care they provide, it’s something you want to contribute to,” says Wheeler, whose mother and father-in-law both had hospice care at the end of their lives.
“It just confirmed for me the quality of care (they provide).”
As the second annual event, Wheeler expects another line-up before tomorrow’s sale.
“I’m sure we had 70 or 80 people at the opening and with this being the second year, people are familiar with it and asking about it.”
So too are the artists, who were keen to participate, creating everything from abstracts to classic styles.
Not only does the smaller nature of the artwork make it a more affordable way to purchase original art – pieces start at $140 – smaller works are also easier to place, Wheeler says.
The event has enjoyed “tremendous community support. People are thankful we were doing this. I think it was a little emotional for some people to be able to walk away with something beautiful and know a portion was going to Hospice,” she says.
Paintings in the gallery’s A Little Something… show and sale are available for viewing from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, with the sale running from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Online sales will begin at 6 p.m. for those unable to attend in person.
Additionally, Victoria Hospice representatives will be on hand to accept donations.
The exhibition continues until Sunday, May 8.
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