Art lovers have the chance to purchase a one-of-a-kind collaborative artwork done by 56 New Zealand artists all in support of a great cause - KidsCan.
The charity organisation, which aims to help Kiwi children living in poverty get the most from their education and have a better shot at a brighter future, will benefit from an art project by the NZ Art Guild.
Artists from all over the country have collaborated in the NZ Art Guild project Light of My Life. The mixed medium artwork, measuring 1.3m x 1.15m is now up for auction on Trademe, and all proceeds will go towards KidsCan Charitable Trust.
The contributing artists were provided with a small, wooden panel with a pre-painted background colour. They were left to their own devices to develop art in the theme of Our Future. The resulting collaboration is currently on show at Mairangi Arts Centre, Mairangi Bay, until August 6.
KidsCan Charitable Trust is dedicated to eliminating poverty by helping meet the physical and nutritional needs of disadvantaged children around the country. Funds raised for KidsCan go towards raincoats, shoes and food for disadvantaged children living throughout New Zealand. Statistics show that one in six Kiwi kids or 200,000, live in poverty and KidsCan's initiatives help relieve the practical issues of adequate food and clothing amongst kids in lower socio economic areas.
The ‘Raincoats for Kids’, ‘Food for Kids’, and ‘Shoes for Kids’ initiatives have increased school attendance and performance as well as improving children’s health, behaviour and self esteem.
KidsCan CEO and Founder Julie Helson is honoured the NZ Art Guild selected the charity as the recipient.
"Poverty is relative and we have a huge issue in New Zealand," she says. "We see our role as helping New Zealand children that are less fortunate than others engage in education that will help lift them out of poverty."
"The artwork reflects how we feel about children in New Zealand. Children are the lights of our lives. If they don't have the basics they don't always reach their full potential."
The money raised from the auction will support a number of children through In Our Own Backyard, a KidsCan sponsorship initiative that helps support local children in need.
You can bid for Light of My Life here. The auction closes 8pm, August 6.