Artists support Artists: Cool Arts receives funding from UBC-O Fine Arts

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Artists support Artists: Cool Arts receives funding from UBC-O Fine Arts

Cool Arts has received $2000 from VACU (Visual Arts Course Union) at UBC-O Department of Creative and Critical Studies, a percentage of monies raised from their annual Art On the Line Fundraiser which raises money to help the students with their annual field trip and year-end exhibition.

“Myself and the UBCO’s Visual Arts Course Union knew we wanted to donate to a local, independent organization,” said Connor Charlesworth, coordinator of this years’ Art on the Line. “Us students were first exposed to Cool Arts through professor Carolyn MacHardy’s 2nd year Art History class and we all felt that it was a perfect fit to receive the donation because of their dedication to fostering community through art. We are well aware of the important work Cool Arts does and are happy to know the funds are going toward such a great, creative initiative!”

“As a grass-roots group, we are very appreciative of the generosity of these students. We’re honoured. This is the fourth time they have chosen to donate some of the proceeds from their successful fundraiser,” notes Cool Arts Board President, Shauna Oddleifson. “It’s so exciting to have the students recognize Cool Arts for their community impact – and in turn for the students to support these artists means a lot.”

Cool Arts is dedicated to providing fine arts opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities living in the Central Okanagan. As part of their art activities, Cool Arts artists work on individual pieces in their supported studio; but also work collaboratively with local artists on public art projects. Last summer’s project saw the group working with local professional artist Wanda Lock to add Gaudi-inspired mosaic tilework to the community garden beds on St. Paul. “It was a great community project – we had people from the neighbourhood stop by and learn about Gaudi’s art and some people even donated sentimental pieces they’d wanted us to incorporated in the mosaic,” said Shauna.

As a not-for-profit society and registered Canadian Charity, Cool Arts relies on donations, sponsorships and grants to run monthly workshops. In addition to receiving donations and sponsorships, throughout the year Cool Arts runs a variety of fundraising events.

“We were inspired by our time in the community garden last year and so this spring we are fundraising by selling beautiful hanging baskets and planters, strawberry hanging baskets, herb and tomato planters, and also geraniums, marigolds and petunias,” says organizer Sarah Parsons, a Cool Arts board member. “We are always looking for fun and creative ways to raise both money and awareness for Cool Arts and with Mother’s Day just around the corner this fundraiser seemed like a great fit.”

People can order their planters or baskets through this site, http://coolartsprogram.plants4nonprofit.com/ and then simply connect with one of our board members, visit our studio or email us for payment.

Money raised from this event will go to support regular programming for Cool Arts. For more information about Cool Arts, visit our web site at www.coolarts.ca and our blog http://coolartssociety.blogspot.ca/

For more information, or to arrange for an interview, please contact Rena Warren, Executive Director for Cool Arts at 250-899-6381 or email [email protected]

www.coolarts.blogspot.com

www.coolarts.ca