September 28, 2009

Local artists are invited to submit work for RVH Tree of Lights Christmas card

Local artists are invited to go through their portfolios this week, looking for works that might make a nice Christmas card.

The Renfrew Victoria Hospital (RVH) Foundation has joined forces with the Renfrew Art Guild to invite submissions for this year’s Tree of Lights fund-raising campaign, which will support the $3 million CT project now underway.

Candidate paintings and sketches will be displayed at a special reception at Trinity St. Andrew’s Church Hall next Tuesday evening, October 6, where a panel of judges will choose the cover of this year’s card.

Tree of Lights is the signature event of the year for the RVH Foundation. Each year, a beautiful Christmas card is sent to hospital supporters inviting them to make a financial contribution to support quality health care at RVH. The cards always feature the artwork of a local artist.

“It’s a privilege to be chosen as the Tree of Lights artist,” comments Diana Wakely, founding member and president of the Renfrew Art Guild.

Two of her own works have adorned Tree of Lights cards in the past, and Wakely is excited about the selection of this year’s featured piece of art.

Anyone interested in participating is invited to contact Barb Desilets, director of the RVH Foundation, at 613-432-4851, ext. 263.

Submitted pieces will be displayed at the October 6 reception, where tribute will be made to the artists and works that have been featured in past years.

“It’s a nice opportunity to get people involved,” says Wakely, who notes that the Tree of Lights cards have helped to promote the work of the local arts community.

“It opens up the eyes of the community to what local artists are doing,” she says.

Desilets says the artwork has become an important aspect of the Tree of Lights tradition. She notes that many recipients have saved their cards through the years, and developed a nice collection of prints by area residents.

“The artwork adds a sophisticated touch that brings this campaign full circle,” Desilets says. “We’re reaching out to our community for their continued support, and we’re doing it hand-in-hand with our artists as we celebrate their incredible talent and imagination.”

Artwork through the years has ranged from peaceful images of the past or elements of Christmas celebrations to a light-hearted interpretation of a fantastic child’s celebration.

“We live in an incredible community, and this is a great way to celebrate that,” Desilets concludes. “I would urge anyone who likes to sketch or paint to contact me to talk about their work.”

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(For more information, contact Barb Desilets, Director, Renfrew Victoria Hospital Foundation, 613-432-4851, ext. 263.)