Art Show Aims To Raise Charity Funds


Event in aid of Marie Curie and Epilepsy Action

Art fans are invited to head down to a charity art exhibition on Friday and Saturday (May 16/17) at the BedZED Pavilion in Sandmartin Way, Sutton SM6 7DF.

Organised by BedZED residents Yvonne Retter and Steve Tabard, the exhibition will showcase the talents of 10 local artists and raise funds for Epilepsy Action and the Wimbledon Marie Curie Fundraising Group.

A wide range of artworks will be on show including paintings, photography, 3D shadow art and pottery.

"The whole idea came from a discussion Yvonne and I had, after seeing some of her work," Steve explained.  "I'd been amassing photographs and ideas for years, but never got around to doing anything with them so we thought that it might be a great way to not only engage our community, but to raise some money for a couple of great causes as well."

Yvonne said: "When my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2011 and given a matter of weeks to live, he expressed a wish to die in the comfort and familiar surroundings of his home surrounded by his family. The Marie Curie nurses stepped in to manage his needs throughout the night, allowing us to spend valuable quality time together as a family and helping to fulfill his wish to die at home. 

"Without the support of Marie Curie nurses this would not have been possible. Myself and my brother Jerome Retter are both donating a percentage of our sales to Marie Curie along with my proceeds from the entrance fee, to say thank you to these wonderful people with the hope that they will be able to help others." 

She added: "We hope everyone who comes finds something to interest them. Some of the work will be for sale and we hope to raise lots for our chosen causes."

Special guest Tom Brake MP will officially open the exhibition at a preview on Friday (May 16) from 7pm. Entry costs £2 including a raffle ticket and the chance to meet the artists. On Saturday 17th May the exhibition is open with free entry between 1pm and 4pm.

See a sneak preview of the artworks at www.facebook.com/bedzedartexhibition.

May 12, 2014