LOCAL COLORS ARTISTS' COOPERATIVE PRESENTS
Artist members of Gloucester’s Local Colors Artists' Cooperative are, for the seventh year, using the Valentine season as an opportunity to support the community who has sustained them for over 28 years with their "Heartfelt" fundraiser. Each of the 16 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 16th 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, the customer may cast a vote to their charity of choice. The organization with the most votes will receive 100% of the proceeds from the sale of all the Valentine cards.
"In addition to the general public supporting one of the organizations by the purchase of an original, unique card, we encourage each organization to contact their supporters about the event to come in and purchase a card or two!" urges Kathy Bucholska, a jewelry and mixed media artist and member for 27 years. "There's a vote for each card purchased. We have combined this event with our member drive. We are looking to increase our membership this year so it's also a chance to not only buy a card for a worthy cause but to inquire about becoming a member of Cape Ann's oldest cooperative."
"I look forward to the Valentine’s charity promotion we do every year at Local Colors," says Ann Schlecht. "It’s a great way to give back to the community and I love that people come in looking for them. For the last few years I have gotten together with my good friend Maryanne and together we cut, paste, glue and of course, have some laughs!"
Jacqueline Bennett, a painter and one of our newest members, says "My love of nature and plants just keeps bringing me back to these natural forms." She works into her mixed media cards work some of the natural elements. Pat Doherty, a painter who has been involved with this event for several years claims "It's so much fun creating valentines to raise money for local charities. It's Local Artists at Local Colors for Local Charities, so heartfelt!" Susan Ingram, another painter, used the image of her swan painting for this year's card noting that the inside says "Mates Forever".
“Tin Can Sally” Seamans, Re-cycled Tin Artist, made Valentine cards with tin bookmarks. Sally notes that she appreciates that Cape Ann customers become a part of this event in helping a non-profit organization. Jim Sousa, a photographer, who submitted a romantic photo of two cardinal birds says that when he took the photo he knew it was going to be the next Valentine Day card!
Kathy Bucholska is bringing back her crow and skeleton cards updated with new quips. "These two photos bring back personal memories and are part of my art family so I have a hard time letting them go. It's always fun imagining what they are thinking around the Valentine theme." Donna Amero, the only remaining founding member and stained glass artist, created a card with a photograph of a single rose framed in quilling paper with a single heart shaped rhinestone. Donna is grateful for the support of Cape Ann these 28 years and sees the event as a small thank you to local residents.
These are just a few examples of the types of Valentine cards available now through February 14th at Local Colors Artists' Cooperative at 121 Main Street in Gloucester. Other members contributing cards for the event include: Marion Rayner, painter; Joe Higgins, fish prints; David Katz, photography; Christine Garrigan, tie dye artist; Bob Kulchuk, wheel-thrown pottery/fused glass; Virginia Townsend, pottery, basket weaving; Penn Westman, wood carver and Jim Trudeau, pottery.
For more information about the event or member drive, visit www.local-colors.org or call 978-283-3996.