Avens’ Weekly Art Stories Raise Funds for the Canmore Hospital

“The recent COVID-19 shut down has taken a toll in our community in more ways than one. As soon as our doors closed to the public, we started running a series of stories in the local newspaper. These weekly stories are meant to brighten up the community, thank our front-line heroes and keep the artists we represent engaged and hopeful. Little did we know that this initiative was going to bring us all together and evolve into a fundraiser for a great cause!” said Betti Irwin, Avens Gallery Manager.

Each weekly story features an artist and the story behind their pieces, art, style or motivation to create art. Landscape artist, Erica Hawkes, surprised us by stepping out of landscapes and into portraiture to create HEROES. Erica came across a couple of pictures of health care workers that had bruises on their faces from wearing their masks and goggles all day. From asking herself “What can I personally do to help?” the HEROES fundraiser came to be.

For this HEROES fundraiser, Erica Hawkes donated the painting to be auction while Avens ran and promoted the fundraiser with assistance from the Canmore Area and Health Care Foundation. The painting, as well as 100% of the funds raised, were donated to the Canmore General Hospital. 

“We are so touched by the generosity of people who love Canmore and by our front-line heroes and their dedication,” Betti shared. After three bidders agreed to pool their individual bids, Avens matched the highest bid and a total of $3,375 was raised and donated to the Canmore General Hospital.

We want to thank all bidders, our local heroes, and Erica Hawkes for her vision and kindness.

"I thought about different ways I could give back to the community and considered whether I should support a Town of Canmore arts initiative, or Bow Valley environmental group, but I figure the hospital is something everyone in the community benefits from. During this health crisis, we are so indebted to the front-line workers, this would be a great way to honour them. I miss Canmore so badly. I was supposed to be there at Easter but am respecting the Mayor's wishes that people from out of town "STAY AWAY!" Your email for the auction came at the right time!” - Anonymous Bidder