DETAILS OF RSPCA ART EXHIBITION HELD IN MAY 2008

Despite the tremendous amount of effort I have put into this event, I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and feel very privileged to have worked with Kelly Reid, the Events Coordinator from the RSPCA; Bree Maddox, one of the RSPCAs greatest supporters and who has assisted me most generously with her time and suggestions; and Chaise McHenry, a friend, who has promoted this cause through her strong network, along with her very kind words about me.

OVERALL AIM: Raising money FOR THOSE FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO SURVIVE AND KEEP THEIR HOMES through an art exhibition.

INAUGURAL EXHIBITION:
Homelessness – People and Animals
(Raising funds for the RSPCA)

The exhibition was to raise money for the RSPCA: It’s not only people that suffer from this situation, but also animals that are discarded and horribly mistreated.

In addition, there is a close link between the two with the extraordinary rise in the cost of housing: Some families are being pushed out of their homes and into temporary situations for the first time in their lives. The result is that they often have to give up their loved pets with reluctance. This, in turn has created a greater need for the RSPCA to raise their level of funding in order to cover this anomaly that is on the increase in Western Australia.

Most people in contemporary life are too busy and intolerant of others that do not portray the cultural ideals of success. However, life can be inconsistent at times and anyone could find themselves in a situation of need and appropriate care at some point in their life.

In this instance, animals have no say in what happens to them when their owners find themselves in this situation. Those that are lucky enough to reach the RSPCA are taken in and provided with appropriate care, within an environment that is mindful of the mental turmoil they suffer as a result. Additionally, they are not locked in pens on a constant basis, but provided with extra areas to integrate with their own kind and enjoy some sunshine each day.

Many of the pieces in this exhibition will portray homeless aspect from both a human and animal point-of-view; as well as creatively combining the two to create a sense of fun for both children and adults alike. Others pieces that do not directly portray homeless aspects will be of equal benefit to the overall aim of raising funds.

The RSPCA, in particular, are facing an increasing demand to support this area of our community; and in addition, the RSPCA are poorly funded by the government and have therefore been appealing to the public for support with fundraising events. Refer to: http://www.rspcawa.asn.au/news.php

VENUE: CENTRAL TAFE, SHOWCASE – at Central Tafe Art Gallery: On the corner of Aberdeen and Beaufort Streets, Northbridge

Friday, 9 May: 6.00pm -8.00pm
VIP and Corporate Opening (hosted by Bree Maddox)
Dress code: Elegant evening attire
Serving: Organic and Biodynamic Chardonnay and Shiraz, Hula Bula Mocktails, sparkling mineral water and finger food
(Go to: http://www.countryvintner.com.au/wines.html for details on the wine being served)

Prices at this event will range from approx. $500 through to $25,000.

Saturday, 10 May: 4.00pm – 7.00pm
The Official Opening (Hosted by Chaise McHenry)
Dress Code: Glamorous, fun, or interesting
Serving: Hula Bula Mocktails, sparkling mineral water and finger food

The prices of artworks at the official opening will be varied to suit all budgets.

Sunday, 11 May: 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Mothers’ Day Special (and for all the family)
Dress Code: Clothing with an animal theme
Serving: Pots of freshly brewed tea and coffee, fruit juices and cupcakes galore!

There will be additional works added especifically for Mothers and children.

NOTE: I personally are opposed to alcohol being served as it would be unethical from the standpoint that the homeless often resort to this as a way of escaping the reality of their situation, only making recovery more difficult. However, a few artists have made a special request for the VIP/Corporates event for wine to be served, and I have taken their request into consideration and allowed for this.

HOW WORK IS SOURCED FOR EXHIBITIONS

The artworks will come from a variety of sources: some are donated by artists and others by those that create for their own pleasure. In addition, other works are donated by those who have purchased a piece in the past which they would like to donate to the cause.

Funds raised from the works will be at the discretion of those providing the work(s) in the following ways:

1. 100% donation (with 100% of monies raised from the sale either going to the RSCPA entirely where specified, or to myself where specified [less 10% of proceeds going to the RSPCA], so that I can recoup my time and costs).

2. Provided at cost of time and/or materials (with the remainder of monies raised either going to the RSCPA entirely, where specified, or to myself, where specified [less 10% of proceeds going to the RSPCA], so that I can recoup my time and costs).

3. At full price, but with a donation of 10% of the proceedings going to the RSPCA.

I will be contributing works to the exhibition as well. I have mainly utilised discarded items, predominantly found in suburbs holding roadside clearances. There is a dual message in this: many of these works not only represent homeless themes. Moreover, they are also indicative of the recycling of new lives that have come out of destructive situations.

MY CONTACT DETAILS

Erika Natta
Coordinator
Email: Erika@iinet.net.au
Mobile: 0403 001 702