Art to help homeless (From Penarth Times)

Art to help homeless

PENARTH's Oriel Washington Gallery is set to play host to an auction of donated paintings for a national charity.

Shelter Cymru has asked the gallery to use the area for the sale of art donated by an expected 30 artists.

These will include work by William Selwyn, Donald McIntyre and Valerie Ganz together with local talent.

One of the contributors is Penarth artist Ivor Davies of Windsor Road.

He has worked with Yoko Ono and has exhibited all over the world.

Ivor said: "I want to help the charity and will always support the gallery."

A similar event last year, organised for the Tear fund, a HIV and AIDS charity, raised £10,000.

On the night broadcaster Nicola Heywood Thomas will be the host and auctioneer. She said: "I'm delighted to have been invited to act as auctioneer on the evening.

"It will be an opportunity to combine two causes close to my heart. I hope that the evening proves a success for all involved."

Nicola added: "I have long been a supporter of the gallery and believe strongly in the work of Shelter."

Educational Ofiicer for the Gallery Charlie Thomas said: "There are a lot of prestigious artists prepared to donate paintings to the event. There will be all types of art on show from landscapes to the more figurative work."

Spokesman for Shelter Cymru, Huw Evans said: "We're delighted that Penarth Arts and Crafts has agreed to allow us to use the Washington Gallery for this auction.

"It's also terrific that so many artists from all parts of the country have generously donated their works."

He added: "The money raised will be used to support existing services and develop new projects to meet the diverse needs of vulnerable people of Wales."

The auction will take place on Saturday, September 20 and tickets cost £25.

Tickets are available from Maggie Knight at the Oriel Washington Gallery on 029 2071 2100 or Gina Payne at Shelter Cymru on 01792 469400.