Artaid hold silent bid auction at open studios

Local art-based charity seek to send chickens to Africa

The art-based charity ARTAID based in Chiswick is raising funds at the forthcoming Redlees Winter Open Studio.

Artist Susan Forsyth will hold a silent bid auction of one her large abstract paintings to raise funds for the 'Send a Cow' charity - which provides livestock direct to African people.  "I hope to raise enough to send several flocks chickens (£60 for a flock) - which will provide much needed income for poor families in Africa" she says "Women are able to provide for their families and work their way out of poverty by becoming more self-sufficent".

If you would like to help come along to the Redlees Open Studio event between 18-20 November and make a written bid for the work – the highest bid at the end of the show gets the painting.

Susan Forsyth, a student at Chelsea College of Art, and local business woman, Kim Huntley started an organisation called Artaid back in January of this year. Initially in response to the Asian Tsunami, Artaid has since raised funds for MakePovertyHistory charities and most recently for Medecins Sans Frontier.

Between them they have organised several fundraising events at Chiswick Town Hall.  The first event was supported by Sir Peter and Chrissy Blake; the second by Meg Fisher of British Crafts; on Fathers Day they hosted their third event opened by Ann Keen, MP.

Artaid were one of 20 charities selected to attend the Live8 in the summer where 1200 people came along to paint and draw for MakePovertyHistory.

November 4, 2005