Art auction for tornado victims

Page 3

All systems are go for an art auction and sale in Edmonton with proceeds going to victims of the Aug. 31 tornado that claimed 27 lives and injured hundreds.

Native sculptor and organizer, Brian Clark, says the Artists for Tornado Relief committee auction sale will go ahead Sept. 15 at Edmonton's Northland AgriCom.

The committee of artists, writers, publishers, friends and gallery owners were "drawn together to help" the victims, said Clark. Clark confesses he has been overwhelmed by the response from artists and supporters. All indications point to the donation of anywhere from 500 to 1,500 art works.

The Canadian Native Friendship Centre in Edmonton is the committee's telephone centre; the Brick Warehouse is providing free trucking; and Commercial Colour Press is sponsoring 1,500 free posters.

Clark is pleased with how well things have gone. "It's amazing," he said, "what you can do without really formal structure in place."

Friendship centres at For McMurray, Bonnyville, Peace River, Grande Prairie and Slave Lake have agreed to be drop off points for artists or craft work contributions.

To ensure proper handling and disbursement of monies raised, explains Clark, all proceeds are being controlled by the Canadian Red Cross.

Lieutenant Governor Helen Hunley will officially open the event at 12 noon and the event will run until 6 p.m.

"If anyone from the public has not yet contributed to aiding victims of the tornado, this is an opportunity to do so and at the same time receive something in return," said Clark.