Project Hope art auction

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

Every year at the Project Hope Gala, one of a kind artwork, created by Project Hope art therapy students, has been auctioned off to help raise funds to retain the program in Strathmore. This year things are being done a little differently.  For the last few weeks, and until the end of June, two different pieces being auctioned, can be found at local businesses. 

“It’s in the Co-op right now. The piece was done by a Project Hope student named Brock, it’s a painting of Newfoundland, which is where Brock is from originally,” said Corinne Ball, a member of the Project Hope board. 

Brock Gale is a Grade 12 transitions student at Strathmore High School. With his painting is a little bio about him, letting people know he enjoys gym classes, cooking and spending time with friends. Gale also likes wrestling, skiing with his brother and working at Co-op. He plans to work full time after school. 

Ball said they want to keep each painting showcased in the community for six to nine weeks. Ball said the painting will be in Co-op for another couple of weeks before it moves to another location in town. She said she is not sure where they will be moving it to next, but the idea is for everyone to have a chance to see the artwork. 

“One hundred per cent of the money that they bid will go directly to Project Hope. It will go directly to funding the therapies for the students so they can continue with their Project Hope therapy,” said Ball.

The new piece will be out in mid-May and at the end of June they will bring the last piece in, ending of the art auction for this year. 

“Each piece is individual, one of a kind, and it’s kind of a cool thing to have in your house and a good way to support the cause,” said Ball. 

This year the theme for Project Hope’s annual Gala is ‘Experiencing Hope.’ One big difference this year is instead of just bidding on items, people will be able to bid on experiences. The experiences will be things like tickets to Rosebud Theatre, or movie passes or ski passes. The Gala will be taking place on May 13 at the Travelodge.