LOCAL COLORS ARTISTS' COOPERATIVE PRESENTS
"FOLLOW YOUR HEART” FUNDRAISER
Artist members of Gloucester’s Local Colors Artists' Cooperative are, for the ninth year, using the Valentine season as an opportunity to support the community who has supported them for over 30 years with their "Follow Your Heart" fundraiser. Each of the 14 members of the Cooperative created unique Valentine cards in which 100% of the proceeds will be donated to a local non-profit organization. They are on for sale January 21 through February 14th.
The membership selected four local organizations to be on the ballot for the event including the Wellspring House, Pathways for Children, The Open Door and Cape Ann Animal Aid. The organizations provide a variety of worthy services including shelter, education, food or animal rescue. The voting ballot lists all four charities. For each card purchased, customers may cast a vote to their charity of choice so members urge the public to buy many and vote often! The organization with the most votes will receive 100% of the proceeds from the sale of all the Valentine cards.
"During what can be a dreary and cold time of year, I find doing this event fun and cheery,” says Kathy Bucholska, a jewelry and mixed media artist and member for 29 years. "My crow cards are back for another year with new quips hoping to get a laugh or at least a smile.” Kathy embellishes a photo she took of two crows appearing to commune with each other.
Donna Amero, the only remaining founding member and stained-glass artist says, “The event is also fun for me to do as I am creating outside my medium and look forward to doing something unique for the community.” Among her creations are animal print cards with bold feathers.
This year Ann Schlecht, a silversmith who often uses sea glass in her jewelry designs, created a few valentines with sea glass hearts that she found right here on Cape Ann. She claims “finding sea glass hearts is truly special and meaningful and is not a regular occurrence that makes a special card and gift.”
Due to their popularity in past years, Sally Seamans, also known as “Tin Can Sally” has again made her tin heart bookmark and key chain cards which usually sell out fast!
Pat Doherty, a painter who has been involved with this event for several years created original handmade cards. She says, “Valentines for charity is a favorite project of mine. It makes me feel good to be able to give something back to our community.”
These are just a few examples of the types of Valentine cards available beginning January 21 through February 14th at Local Colors Artists' Cooperative at 121 Main Street in Gloucester. Other members contributing cards for the event include: David Katz and Jim Sousa, photography; Bob Kulchuk, wheel-thrown pottery/fused glass; Virginia Townsend, pottery and basket weaving; Jim Trudeau, pottery; Susan Ingram, paintings; Sarah Fris, paintings and children’s clothing; Claire Perrault, fiber arts; and Judy Plank, paintings
For more information about Local Colors, visit www.local-colors.org or call 978-283-3996.
