A housing association is helping to raise money for a charity which protects thousands of people in Wales at risk of losing their homes.
Cartrefi Conwy is sponsoring a major networking event at which business leaders from across North Wales will have the chance to bid at an auction where work by some of the country’s most distinguished artists is set to go under the hammer.
Shelter Cymru’s annual Welsh Art Auction is a highlight of the charity’s fundraising calendar, bringing in a big cash bonus to support its vital work helping thousands of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness and also in campaigning to prevent them losing their homes.
The auction takes place at Theatr Clwyd in Mold on the evening of Friday September 23 as part of a networking event hosted by Arts and Business Cymru.
It will feature almost 40 exceptional pieces of work specially donated by artists who are either from or are living in Wales in a wide range of styles and with prices to suit every pocket.
Amongst the most desirable pieces, with a guide price of £1,800, is a stunning painting in watercolour, charcoal and ink of the Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge in Venice by renowned North Wales artist William Selwyn.
At the other end of the price scale is a beautiful pewter and Swarovski crystal necklace by Mumbles-based designer Gill Clement, who has a fast growing reputation for her stunning bridal jewellery and accessories, which has a guide price of just £95.
Louise Bennett, head of fundraising for Shelter Cymru, said: “We are planning two art auctions, one in South Wales and the other in North Wales at Theatr Clwyd in Mold.
“At both auctions there will be art to suit every wallet as we try not to get too exclusive about it.
“There will be a range of different pieces and mediums, including paintings, jewellery and sculptures.
“Our catalogue, including the lots from both North and South Wales, has just been published and there are previews arranged, with the one at Theatr Clwyd being held in the Education Gallery there from September 13.
“People can put in advance bids online stating their price range and then lots will be delivered to the successful bidders following the auctions.”
She added: “Shelter Cymru has been running these auctions for the past 14 years and they are a very important source of funding for us having so far raised over £200,000, with £18,200 coming in last year alone.
“We are incredibly grateful to Cartrefi Conwy for their sponsorship of the North Wales event because they provide homes for people and we work with families who are potentially at risk of losing their homes.
“There’s a natural link between us and because of Cartrefi Conwy’s backing we will be able to support more families at risk.
“It’s also great to having the support of Arts and Business Cymru, which is about working with business to support the arts when we are anxious to develop relationships with businesses and community organisations throughout North Wales.
“Across North Wales we have supported 4,455 people and we hold 15 weekly surgeries across the six counties. This is just face to face and does not include the people we help through Shelter Live, our Welsh helpline or through online advice.”
Gwenno Angharad, North Wales Manager for Arts and Business Cymru, said: “The annual art auctions are very important events for Shelter Cymru and raise a significant amount of money for the charity.
“We are therefore pleased to be hosting the networking event at Theatr Clwyd of which the North Wales auction will be part.
“The evening will be an opportunity for our members to meet and talk and also to take part in the auction.
“We’re hoping there will be at least 30 of our members attending the event but the auction will also be open to the public.”
She added: “We are very grateful to Cartrefi Conwy for its sponsorship of the event which will give everyone involved the opportunity to buy some excellent pieces of art at affordable prices.”
Andrew Bowden, Chief Executive of Cartrefi Conwy, said: “Cartrefi Conwy, which is all about providing safe secure and affordable homes for people, is very pleased to be working with Shelter Cymru, the charity which does so much to protect and help families at risk of losing their homes, on this important and exciting event.
“Our tenants have benefited from a range of art based projects over the past couple of years including a new choir for older people and a photography project.
“We were delighted to be given the national recognition at the Arts and business Awards this year where we won business of the year.
“We continue to work closely with Arts and Business to open up the arts to our tenants and the wider public.
“The art work going under the hammer at Theatr Clwyd is all of an exceptionally high standard and is sure to create a good deal of interest amongst bidders. We hope they dig deep on the night.
“We’re also delighted to be working with Arts and Business Cymru which promotes, enables and develop mutually beneficial partnerships between business and the arts.”
The auction in aid of Shelter at Theatr Clwyd is on Friday September 23. Viewing on the evening is from 7pm and the auction starts at 7.30pm.
For details of the auction, go to: http://www.sheltercymruartauction.org.uk
