Stitchers, painters and makers are challenged to make something special
ART lovers are at the ready to stitch, paint and glue for charity.
Canine Partners’ Textile Art Challenge is back – and this year it promises to be bigger and better than ever.
The event was launched last year, by Olive Rowell, who was part of the team of embroiderers who helped create the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress in 2011.
The successful inaugural event raised more than £2,000 for the charity.
Now it is back and Olive is hoping it will raise £5,000 – enough to pay for the advanced training of one of our amazing dogs.
The dog will learn how to carry out a range of everyday tasks including opening doors, dressing and undressing a person and loading and unloading a washing machine.
They will then be specially matched to a disabled person to help them with their day-to-day jobs and boost their confidence and independence.
But in order to hit this fundraising target we are calling for stitchers, painters and makers to take part and create a masterpiece.
Olive is challenging the most creative adults and children to buy a pack of 25 fabrics and use them all to create something special – whether they are put together to make a canvas for a stunning painting or stitched into a costume, quilt or a stuffed toy.
The finished designs will then be put on show and sold at a spectacular exhibition next year to raise money for Canine Partners.
Olive, from Haslemere, said: “The joy of this challenge was it was totally inclusive and anyone could take part whatever their ability.
“On one hand there was an exhibit from a special needs school as well as from semi-professional artists.
“This meant we sold items from £5 to £195 so there was something for everyone. I am now looking forward to next year when we can challenge even more people.”
Jane Grant, community engagement manager, added: “We were grateful to everyone who got involved in Canine Partners Textile Art Challenge last year and we can’t wait to see the creations people come up with this year.
“Canine Partners does not receive any government funding so the money raised will enable us to continue our life-transforming work.”
All proceeds from the £10 fabric pack will go to the charity.
Artwork should be returned to Canine Partners by February 28 ready to be exhibited and auctioned.
To buy a fabric pack and take part call Jane Grant on 01730 716119, email janeg@caninepartners.org.uk or visit caninepartners.org.uk/textileartchallenge.