Created: Oct 21, 2016 08:00 AM
The community came out in large numbers to support The Chewstick Fire Exhibition at the Chubb Building, on display are memorabilia salvaged from the tragic fire on Front Street (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
More than 100 people turned out to support the Chewstick Foundation on Wednesday night as it opened its Fire Exhibition and Art Auction in Hamilton.
The event, which was postponed due to Hurricane Nicole, showcased artefacts salvaged from the blaze that devastated the group’s old headquarters on Front Street.
It also put on display artwork created by Chewstick members and supporters. “The opening of the fire exhibition and auction was a success, not only for the Chewstick Foundation fundraising progress, but also for the opportunity to strengthen relationships and start new ones,” Deidra-Lee Bean, Chewstick Foundation operations manager, said.
“The atmosphere at the opening was one of hope, a bit of nostalgia and an appreciation for the incredible art available for auction.
“The dynamic live performances, the display of artefacts from the Culture Hub and the vibrant artwork donated by an overwhelming number of artists was uplifting for all in attendance.
“As Chewstick looks to the future, we are grateful for outpouring of love that has come from all sectors of the community and would like to extend special thanks to the Chubb Foundation, artists that generously contributed to the exhibition and the volunteers, friends, and family that attended the event.”
The exhibition will run at the Chubb building until November 10.
In June, the Chubb Charitable Foundation pledged its support and became a corporate sponsor of the Gombey Gallery at the Chewstick Culture Hub.
Following the fire that destroyed the facility, Chubb employees rallied to help with a fundraising drive. Together with matching funds from the Foundation donations totalled $6,300.
“We were delighted to partner with the Chewstick Foundation to host the Fire Exhibition and Art Auction in the Chubb Gallery,” Amy Shillingford, from Chubb, said.
“Chubb is committed to continuing our support for Chewstick and the valuable work it does in our community.”
Funds raised by Wednesday night’s art auction, which featured the work of Graham Foster, Antoine Hunt, Trevor Todd, Samantha Gosling, Amanda Temple, Ami Zanders and Stephan Johnstone, will go towards The Chewstick Foundation.
The community came out in large numbers to support The Chewstick Fire Exhibition at the Chubb Building, on display are memorabilia salvaged from the tragic fire on Front Street (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
The community came out in large numbers to support The Chewstick Fire Exhibition at the Chubb Building, on display are donated pieces from Chewstick members and supporters (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
The community came out in large numbers to support The Chewstick Fire Exhibition at the Chubb Building, on display are donated pieces from Chewstick members and supporters (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
The community came out in large numbers to support The Chewstick Fire Exhibition at the Chubb Building, on display are donated pieces from Chewstick members and supporters (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
The community came out in large numbers to support The Chewstick Fire Exhibition at the Chubb Building, on display are donated pieces from Chewstick members and supporters (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
The communtiy came out in large numbers to support The Chewstick Fire Exhibition at the Chubb Building, on display are donated pieces from Chewstick members and supporters (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
The community came out in large numbers to support The Chewstick Fire Exhibition at the Chubb Building, on display are donated pieces from Chewstick members and supporters (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
The community came out in large numbers to support The Chewstick Fire Exhibition at the Chubb Building, on display are donated pieces from Chewstick members and supporters (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
The community came out in large numbers to support The Chewstick Fire Exhibition at the Chubb Building (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Successful night: guests admire the artwork on display at the Chewstick Fire Exhibition and Art Auction (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
The community came out in large numbers to support The Chewstick Fire Exhibition at the Chubb Building (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
The community came out in large numbers to support The Chewstick Fire Exhibition at the Chubb Building, on display are memorabilia salvaged from the tragic fire on Front Street (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
