More than three dozen pieces of art and services are going to the highest bidder as an online art auction aims to increase the hours of respite care available through the North Bay Alzheimer Society.
Bids are being accepted until Friday, Sept. 21 but many of the works will be featured at a sold-out music, art and stand-up comedy event at the Grande Event Centre Friday night.
Special guest at the Look, Listen and Laugh (Because Dementia Sucks) event is Bob Wood, Nipissing MP for 16 years beginning in 1988, who was recently diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease.
Art contributors include some of the area’s best, including award-winning clay poet Keith Campbell, respected teacher and internationally-known painter David Carlin, Heritage Carousel designer Edna Scott and Pat Stamp, who operated the popular Ash Creek Pottery Studio in Callander for decades.
Jeff Marceau, an air-brush muralist, will be creating a donation live in the banquet room, with the image of an elephant chosen as a subject because the memory-famous elephant is often associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Also donating works are emerging artists such as pencil sketcher Miranda Prior, of Powassan, and new North Bay resident Pauline Sutherland of Fort Albany First Nation.
Jurgen Mohr offered an original work in the league of pieces in the top collections, Midge Ravensdale gave two originals, an ink, and watercolour, both worthy of top-line framing, and piano teacher Christine Fortin chipped in an eight-lesson package. Mary Jowsey, the oldest of the artists participating at 95 years old, also donated a work.
Top bids listed at the www.smalltowntimes.ca website so far include $250 for Campbell’s porcelain plate donation, $180 for Fortin’s piano lessons, $150 for Catering by Lucie to deliver a 10-person in-home meal, $125 for a private painting lesson with Jack Lockhart and $100 for Prior’s print.
The event coincides with the tail end of the Canadian Association of Stand-up Canadians' first national awareness week.
It also lands at the beginning of the Alzheimer Society’s Coffee Break campaign to raise awareness and encourage businesses and organizations to hold their own fundraising gatherings.
Bob Wood takes the stage at 6:45 p.m. and the J. Houston Band play at 7 p.m. The Whites are offering dinner music beginning at 6 p.m.
The comedy portion runs 8 to 10 p.m. with Johnny Rock and Kelsey as the closing act.
Straight donations can be made to the North Bay Alzheimer Society at the event by cheque or and online at http://alzheimer.ca/en/
Dale can be reached through email: [email protected] or call and text (705) 498-2050.
