School's art auction to boost Beyond Blue

BALLARAT Grammar will host its Beckworth Art and Design Charity Auction this Friday 24 July.

To be held within the Beckworth Art and Design Centre, the fundraiser for mental health organisation Beyond Blue will feature a curated collection of original artworks by years 7 to 12 students and creatives from the broader community.

The exhibition will showcase a variety of mediums, including ceramics, painting, printmaking, textiles, bronze, drawing and more.

A piece from Ballarat Grammar parent and artist Louiseann King. Photo: Ballarat Grammar.

“This initiative was conceived and led by our year 12 art and design captains, Lila, Anouk and Hayden who wanted to create an event that uses art to support mental health and encourage important conversations within our community,” a statement from Beckworth Art and Design Centre staff said.

“Beyond Blue was chosen as the beneficiary because of our school’s long-standing connection with the organisation.

“In 2018 and 2019, our students created and sold ceramic brooches, raising more than $35,000 for Beyond Blue.

Ceramics by master potter and former Ballarat Grammar ceramics teacher John Eagle. Photo: Ballarat Grammar.

“Mental health affects all of us at different stages of life, and we believe art provides a powerful way to start conversations, reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it.”

The event runs from 5pm to 7pm with entry to the Beckworth Centre via Dare Street. Attendees can bid on artworks through a silent auction until 7pm when a bell will signal its close.

The highest bidder for each artwork at that time will take home the piece.

“We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a fantastic evening celebrating art, generosity and community while raising funds for Beyond Blue,” Beckworth staff said.

A painting by Ballarat artist Tomas Lineker. Photo: Ballarat Grammar.

Contributing artists include Emily Van Der Molen, Claire Blake, Debbie Hill, Jan Alexander, Janine Ronaldson, Ruby Pilven, the late Peter Pilven, Kirsten Ives, Tameka Hague, Katie Chancellor, Georgina Gould-Hardwick, Alex Davison, Margie Balazic, Kathy Douglas, Julianna Paci, Daniel Butterworth, Bren Luke, Petra Rodgers, Susan Nethercote, Marian Fox, Tomas Lineker, Maddison Trezise, Pauline O’Shannessy-Dowling, Tamzin Rasmussen, Mardi Featherston, Kate Gorman, Sheridan Whatley, Amanda Western, Jimmy Pasakos, Ralph Domino, John Eagle, Rosemary Eagle, Sarah Wilson, Loris Button, Koji Hoashi, Jessica Schroeter, and Louiseann King.

Visit Air Auctioneer to participate online.