The Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF) is inviting art lovers to discover a unique exhibition where a number of specially commissioned artworks by some of Scotland’s most renowned artists will be sold to raise funds for the children’s charity.
The Postcards for Sick Kids 2014 ‘Small Pictures for Big Projects’ event will exhibit over 100 works of art generously donated by more than 70 distinguished artists and painters from across Scotland and beyond.
Works will be shown at the prestigious Lyon & Turnbull auction house, Edinburgh between Thursday, 6 November and Saturday, 8 November.
Each postcard sized masterpiece will hang anonymously, with the identity of the artist only revealed upon purchase of the postcard. For just £500, attendees will have the opportunity to own one of these truly unique pieces from contributors such as David Michie, Donald Provan, Helga Chart and Jack Knox.
All proceeds will be donated to the Foundation’s Artists in Residence programme at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) in Edinburgh.
This programme uses art to enrich the hospital environment and promote sick children’s recovery. SKFF fund the provision of art, music and drama therapy and art works around the hospital and have helped employ three long term art residencies within the RHSC, as well as short term creative writer and illustrator posts.
Harnessing the inspiration and strength that art can deliver for children and their families, Artists in Residence is now a comfort to thousands of patients and will be transferred to the new RHSC when it opens in 2017.
Since its launch in 1999, Postcards for Sick Kids exhibitions have raised more than £250,000 in support of the Foundation’s work at the RHSC. The most recent display held in 2012 gathered an impressive £46,500, a target which organisers are hoping to surpass at this year’s event to help further expand the art therapy initiative.
One mother, whose son Noah received treatment at the RHSC following diagnosis of cancer of the soft-tissues behind the eye, has spoken of the benefits the project brings to young patients and their families.
Brenda Duncan said: “At the Sick Kids, children are often stuck in bed for days, weeks even. Their world has been turned upside down and filled with new emotions, fears and insecurities.
“With nothing much to do, stuck in that bed, surely writing and drawing would be a positive way to organise thoughts without really realising it. The encouragement we, as a family, have received from the Artists in Residence has certainly given us confidence in our ideas and abilities.”
Maureen Harrison, chief executive of SKFF, said: “We’re very excited to unveil Postcards for Sick Kids 2014. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from so many gifted artists who have produced some beautiful pieces for the exhibition.
“Small Pictures for Big Projects is all about people buying an original work of art while helping us fund vital initiatives which help make thousands of sick children feel better.
“The event would not be possible without the help of our corporate partner Lindsays and we are also grateful to Investec, Drambuie, Lyon and Turnbull and Fastframe for their support.”
Alasdair Cummings, Managing Partner at Lindsays, said: “As long term supporters of the SKFF, we’re delighted to be involved in this exclusive event. I am sure that visitors to the exhibition will have a wonderful time as they help the Foundation continue to provide a vital artistic outlet for patients of the RHSC.”
Submitted by Corrie Campbell
