A local artist is doing her part to help build the Rose Garden Hospice.
Shirley Hamilton held a lunch and art sale last Wednesday featuring pieces she had painted during her 50-year art career.
Through a $15 admission fee and sales of her art, she was able to raise $670 for the project.
“I’ve done various charity things in the past, and this year I thought I’m getting old and decrepit and better get that place ready in case I need it,” she said, laughing.
She’s been painting off and on for years, taking classes at the university and later t the Arts Centre with Joyce Middlebrook.
“It’s something I’ve done pretty well all my life,” she said.
Her art runs the gamut of just about everything, though she says she doesn’t paint many people or animals.
She’s painted pictures of people’ homes and farms for a commission, as well as flowers, scenes and still life paintings.
“My preference is what I would call semi-abstract,” she explained. You know what it is, but you don’t worry if every petal on the flower is in the right place or the roof of a barn sags a bit.”
Hamilton said events like hers are ways people can do their part to get the hospice built while also providing something to do.
“Every little bit that anybody does is going to help. I don’t have a lot of money so I can’t make a big cash donation. This does a little bit,” she said.
“It’s an afternoon out, and people can come and visit. It provides a little bit of something different in people’s lives.”
While the event was scheduled to run until about 2 p.m., people seemed to enjoy themselves, with some staying until 4. Henderson didn’t know exactly how many people came through but estimated it was at least 50.
She said she hopes other people also do their part to build the Rose Garden Hospice.
“It’s hard to get started, but once you actually get into doing something, it gives us something to do and keeps us going,” she said.
“I’d like to encourage other people to do a little bit, no matter what it is. Have a garage sale or invite people to tea. People have all kinds of ideas.”
The Rose Garden Hospice is aiming to raise $4 million to construct the ten-bed, 10,000 square-foot facility. The province has agreed to fund up to $2 million in operating costs for beginning in 2021.
