At this time of year, all of Delta’s best artisans share their crafted treasures, and we always seem to find unique and meaningful gifts. This year, with COVID-19 surging in the community, many holiday fairs have been cancelled, re-configured to meet health protocols or have gone online.
The importance of art has taken on a whole new meaning. With the loss of life, shutdowns, job losses, business and school disruptions, COVID-19 has radically changed every fiber of our society.
Being separated from our loved-ones has taken its toll, and creating or buying art from local artisans or small businesses is a great way to build a strong community, and let others know how much you care.
With this in mind, Meg Neufeld, Co-Founder and Creative Arts Director at Alongside You has painted an original art piece dedicated to the steadfast words of Dr. Bonnie Henry. The 13”x13” warm and vibrant painting entitled, “Hope Blooms,” was made over the Thanksgiving holidays where many could not be with family.
After posting photos of the piece online, a care home in the U.S asked to distribute her work to their 10 locations to encourage beleaguered staff and residents.
Moreover, approached by several individuals for copies of her work, Alongside You is now selling limited edition prints in efforts to raise money for their Step Forward Program (a fund that subsidizes health services for those in need of financial assistance) and Azure Place (Delta’s transition house for women and children fleeing violence).
To date, Alongside You has provided $300,000 worth of subsidized services and their aim is to provide even more, especially as our community face a “second wave” of COVID-19’s and a mental health crisis.
Both Alongside You and Azure Place are seeing an unprecedented number of individuals seeking their services. Although the art studio at Alongside You is back up and running under new safety protocols, Neufeld’s emphasis during the shutdown was to make and sell original art pieces, cards, and jewelry, to support clients in need.
This piece takes on new meaning as her own grandmother battles COVID-19. Her hope is that this print will bring joy and hope to others during this time.
Whether it’s for yourself, a friend, a family member, an essential service worker or frontline workers, a care-home, hospital or small business, this is a great way to support two local causes. Its times like these where art can make all the difference to keep our spirits up.May Dr. Bonnie Henry’s words ring true and bring you strength to weather this storm. “Be calm, be kind, be safe.”
Prints are on sale for $50, $20 will go to Alongside You’s Step Forward Program and $20 will go to Azure Place. Tricera Imaging has generously discounted printing costs for this fundraising effort to make this possible. To participate in the fundraiser, visit www.alongsideyou.ca/hope-blooms.
