Foundation holds auction to fund youth art grants

The Bouddi Foundation for the Arts held a gala art auction to provide support for young artists on the Central Coast.

The auction was held on March 17 to raise funds to ensure talented young people would receive grants in 2016 and in future years.

Ms Anna Volska, actress and patron of the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts, spoke for her husband, Mr John Bell, in welcoming a full-to-capacity crowd of art collectors held at Sydney's Yellow House Gallery.

"If your home is on the Central Coast and you are pursuing a career as a talented young artist in any of the arts, musician, potter, puppeteer, filmmaker, song writer, dancer, writer, photographer or engaged in any of the arts, opportunity is hard to come by and Sydney is a long way away if you don't have a car," Ms Volska said.

She acknowledged "the 25 wonderful, brilliant and generous artists who have donated their work" along with skilled auctioneer Andrew Shapiro, and art curator Gavin Wilson.

Gavin Wilson who masterminded the event said: "The idea was to invite a committed group of talented artists to produce self portraits in any medium on the same size sheet of paper. "This gave me the opportunity to develop a cohesive, dynamic exhibition that could travel anywhere in a suitcase," he said.

The youngest artist to exhibit was Jordan Richardson, past recipient of a Bouddi Foundation for the Arts grant.

Jordan acknowledged how, just as important as the financial assistance was, the professional mentorship, respect and encouragement he received from local artist Peter Godwin, a member of the Foundation's committee, was equally valuable.

John Bell said: "I am thrilled with the results of the auction and so grateful to Andrew Shapiro and all the outstanding artists who so generously gave their work.

"It is inspiring to see our leading artists giving such support to the next generation."

More information on 2016 grant applications can be found on the BFA website at http://www.bouddiarts.org.au.

Media release, 21 Mar 2016

Joy Park, Bouddi Foundation for the Arts