Two artists will be teaming up in Grande Prairie this weekend to raise money for Sunrise House Youth Emergency Shelter.
Yellowknife-based artist Robbie Craig will join forces with Grande Prairie artist and gallery owner Grant Berg to identify and then paint and sculpt a local pine tree. Berg believes the tree and how it faces the elements head-on is an apt analogy.
“The pine tree bends and twists as the challenges it faces shape the tree giving it unique character and showing resilience, much like those that use Sunrise House Youth Emergency Shelter,” he says. “Art is very healing in so many ways, and this is another way we can hope in the overall process.”
Berg explains the education aspect of the two-day event is also something they want to bring to the forefront. He adds that many artists can simply donate a painting or two to auction and get results, but he wants to provide more.
“Share an experience, do a course, do something unique and engaging. As part of this, we want to raise awareness of Sunrise House, as well. We aren’t going to change the world, but we can change some of the messaging and help out some of the kids at the same time.”
Following the collaboration, Robbie Craig will also donate 12 prints of the finished piece to Sunrise House as well. It is the only dedicated youth shelter in Grande Prairie.
Craig will be in Grande Prairie as part of his annual show and sale at the Grant Berg Gallery on both October 19th and 20th.