Fresh from raising £10,000 for the Scottish Survivors of Human Trafficking from sales of her work over three years, Edinburgh artist Linda Hoskins is preparing to launch another charitable project.
Linda has persuaded Virgin Money to enter the art world by hosting her new exhibition to be entitled “Illuminate” from March 28 – April 8 in its George Street premises.
Ten per cent of proceeds from any sales or commissions will go to the Bethany Christian Trust’s Anne Hope House which accommodates vulnerable women.
Underlying the new charity partnership is a tale of human tragedy which Linda took to heart.
She said: “I was part of a team who supported some of the most vulnerable women in Edinburgh. Their lives were connected with trauma and as a result they explored any means necessary to keep their heads above water.
“They were warriors, fighting the wrong battle.
“We had developed relationships with these women and built up trust over time. It was on a late, dark, cold evening that Ariel reached out for help to myself and team-mate after encountering an intense injury. She wanted out, a new course for her life.
“Anne Hope House, through Bethany Christian Trust, is a place in Edinburgh where women can go to pursue a life of recovery, to make positive change, with lasting impact. Ariel sadly lost her battle with trauma in 2023 and never made it to Anne Hope House.
“Ariel always said when she had a house of her own she’d have a painting of mine in it. I wish we could have achieved the goal.
“It seems the next best thing to honour her life by supporting Anne Hope House as my next charity. Ten per cent of all painting and commission sales will go towards supporting their work.”
Linda, a graduate of Grays School of Art, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, says her motivation is always “restoring hope, thinking differently and inspiring others through creativity.”
She adds: “All my paintings are abstract Scottish landscapes with the highest price achieved so far £850.
“Given the assistance of Virgin Money who I reached out to after learning about their willingness to engage with the community hopefully we can raise a considerable amount for a great cause. I was delighted when Virgin Money said ‘yes’ to something that will be new to them.”
The fine art exhibition “Illuminate” will run from 28 March to 8 April, with a private viewing on launch night, and full public display thereafter.
At Virgin Money, 83 George Street, Edinburgh
www.lindahoskins.co.uk • Facebook • Instagram
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